The Knowledge Quotes

“It’s just,” Bobbi whispered, “not many women your age—”

“Oh. I get it. It’s because I’m an old woman.”
Etta had raised her voice at this so that the comment sailed up and down the table, earning Bobbi North looks that implied she had just disemboweled a baby monkey on her dinner plate. She quickly turned to the old geezer on her right, realized that was not the best choice and that she was pretty much stuck with the monkey on the plate. She asked the waiter for wine.”
― Martha Grimes, The Knowledge

“Before Ernest could start walking back the cat, Melrose put in, “But isn’t it rather we who have come here, Mrs. Attaboy?” At her uncomprehending look, he plowed on. “It is their country.” “What? Africa?” “If Africa were a country, the answer would be yes.”
― Martha Grimes, The Knowledge

“Society readily accepts that a father can’t be expected to raise a child alone, without help; yet a mother is completely different. For a mother to claim she couldn’t do it, well, that’s unacceptable.”
― Martha Grimes, The Knowledge

“Find her a good home, someone to take care of her. She’s a little girl, Melrose. She shouldn’t be spending her days at Heathrow, scanning for villains. She should be safe.”

The other members who were awake turned wide-eyed stares at Melrose, who was laughing so hard he was doubled up in his chair.

“Just what the hell is so funny?”

“Take care of her. This is Patty Haigh you’re talking about. The same Patty Haigh who got through Heathrow security on a pinched boarding pass; who wangled her way into B.B.’s good graces and flew to Dubai; who outwitted police in London, Dubai and Nairobi; who carries in her backpack a full selection of costumes and wigs to meet any eventuality; who requisitioned strangers to be her aunts, uncles, parents; who roamed around that godless slum, Kibera, on her own; who got into the Hemingways Hotel without paying a penny; who crossed the dark veldt between Kibera and Mbosi Camp protected only by her wits. This is the person we should keep safe!”
― Martha Grimes, The Knowledge

“It was either Kenya or staying with my nincompoop grandchildren. Ha! Leopards I’d sooner.”

Melrose waited for her to complete the sentence, but she was done with it.”
― Martha Grimes, The Knowledge

“To his horror, Melrose saw that these were name tags she was now pinning to the Attaboys’ clothing and that the other guests were wearing them. To his double horror, he saw her hand closing on his lapel. He shoved it away. Her smile-mask cracked.

“But everyone’s wearing them just to make it easier.”

“I’d much rather make it harder.” He walked off toward the drinks.”
― Martha Grimes, The Knowledge

“Melrose winced. He lived in a world of dried-up pheasant and one-liners.”
― Martha Grimes, The Knowledge

“Jury paused. “This is a onetime offer. It won’t come again. Choose.” Melrose prepared to laugh like hell, but managed only a bark. “Onetime offer? You mean if I don’t take you up on either of these jobs here and now, you’l I never ask me again?” “That is correct.” “Is this the most ridiculous conversation we’ve ever had?” “No, we’ve had more ridiculous.”
― Martha Grimes, The Knowledge