dennis scharnberg

in other words

“The plainsong is for narration.  Then, at key points in the narrative, full polyphony is presented.  It must have been then that the pistol was fired.  To cover up the report.”

Clive Ennis, The Case of the Broken Handle.

down the hole

“She sympathizes with the downtrodden.”  Translation:  She cares abundantly about her feelings.

Tyrone Sommer, Nine Easy Steps.

nothing to see

“Characterize him,” demanded Harry.  “In less than one word, please.”

Thaddeus Crewes, The Seven Long Years.

concerning my veracity

“It took a long time for education to eradicate superstition,” said Connors, with great confidence.  “A long time, indeed.”

“And how long before we eradicate education?” asked Mr. Withers.

Benedict Elder, A Cosmopolitan Paradise.

out of tune

“I wish to express myself,” laughed Gerald.  “By means of tattoos.”

“Shut up!” said Cynthia.

Mark Anthony,  The Tale of the Mirror.

contradiction in terms

“But after all,” cried Carlotta, “isn’t a decision just something that happens to us?”

Stephanie Biggers, Cat Farming in Nigeria.

space is limited

The victim had been shot nine times, so the homicide investigators regarded it as a particularly vicious crime.  Actually, the perpetrator had merely been thorough.  That’s all.

Virgil Simms, The Case of the Frivolous Factotum.

thick as thieves

The proposition:  remove all constraints on sexual behavior.  The purpose:  to secure better health for us all.

Evelyn Harbuckle,  The Signs of Belonging.

music is mercy

Who wrote that socialism is one consequence of the inability to count to five?

Ned Pickering, Twilight of the Dogs.

model of kindness

The sudden presence of a videocam (mounted on a tripod) changed the behavior of everyone present.  It was as though a spell had been cast.

Chris Marlowe, The Phoenix Park Murders.