“Oh,” said the warden. “I see.” Then through the phone. “Let the fifth man go. He’s all right.”

LOOK AT WHAT USED TO BE YOUR ROSES. –Shirley Jackson

Blue Murder had never been shod. –Wilbur Daniel Steele

I often wish I had. Maybe she left me a note. –James M. Cain

And in the south, always. –Dennis Lehane

They made little splashes and the seagulls rose off the water and swooped at the splashes. –Raymond Chandler

“Well,” said the inspector, “if you are so sure, I’m inclined to agree. You’ve never made a mistake.”

But why kill him, Warren? What for? –Henry Slesar

“Gave her a good look at my face. My face is important to me.” –Joyce Carol Oates

The sheriff threw it open, and upon the floor, sprawling in a smear of blood, lay Simon Kilrail, with a dueling pistol in his hand. –Melville Davidson Post

Mr. Osterweil had gone up to the hundred-and-second floor and jumped from the observation deck. –Jerome Weidman

Comb it wet or dry? –Ring Lardner

Ellery grinned and began to chop down the cherry tree. -Ellery Queen

“You ought to have known I’d do it!” My voice sounded harsh and savage and like a stranger’s in my ears. “Didn’t I steal a crutch from a cripple?”