Quotes from Douglas Preston

the guilt and suffering of Judas Escariot. I do not believe, however, that the congregation took to it. I asked the question: Was Judas chosen for the deed? It was prophesied, was it not? Where, then, is the guilt?

The good people of Kibbencook, indeed all human beings, want answers, not questions, from their religious leaders. No matter.

the shudder of fear is as sensual as the shudder of pleasure, if not more so.

our brains did not evolve to help us comprehend the true meaning of things, only to understand their mechanical workings. Knowing the true meaning of reality does not contribute to one's ability to survive, and thus this kind of understanding was not addressed by evolution.

The dangers of exploring Mosquitia go beyond the natural deterrents. Honduras has one of the highest murder rates in the world. Eighty percent of the cocaine from South America destined for the United States is shipped through Honduras, most of it via Mosquitia.

In the above-captioned case, the motive or original intent of the UNSUB was burglary of cash and/or other valuables. With the unexpected appearance of one of the residents of the house, the crime devolved into a homicide. The motivation was both sexual opportunism and the need to eliminate the only witness.

The monkey, as I understood it, is to stay indefinitely. I returned hatless. R. was much put out. I pray God bring her peace.

classic example of what we programmers call emergent behavior.

perfection was not only impossible, but the enemy of success. The real key was flexibility in the face of the unexpected, or, as someone once said, the "known unknowns.

animals surely would be in Heaven, otherwise Heaven would not be Heaven.

Stripping the duvet from the bed and throwing it over the victim's body in this situation is an indicator of depersonalization—the UNSUB did not want to see the results of his assault as he remained in the room searching for money and valuables. The UNSUB would be able to justify the killing in his own mind as necessary to protect himself;

Stephen King novel

just the two of them, him and Old Grand-Dad.

Modus operandi, or M.O., encompasses those actions necessary to accomplish the crime.

It seems that a civilization-wide catastrophe involving the "death" of all these cities occurred at approximately the same time, around 1500—the time of the Spanish conquest. Yet the Spanish never conquered the region; they never explored or even penetrated these remote jungles.

All the great pillars of my life are crumbling. I must constantly remind myself that I am not the only grieving person in the world. And yet, the loss of Reba is a terrible cross to bear and I do not think I have the strength for it.

Signature refers to those elements that make the crime emotionally satisfying or fulfilling to the offender, such as binding or torture, photographs, humiliation

We planned to enter the ruins the following day. What would we find? I couldn't even begin to imagine it.

There is no evidence of sexual or religious ritual, or any kind of game or group orgy.

Waga tomo yasurakani", he said. Farewell, my friend.

Constance inclined her head. "You are most kind. I have no fixed engagements on that evening. I should be delighted.

I'm afraid I don't suffer petty bureaucrats gladly. A very bad habit, but one I find hard to break. Nevertheless, you will find, Dr. Kelly, that humiliation and blackmail, when used judiciously, can be marvelously effective.

The idea of sticking the body deep in the earth when you wanted the soul to go up, not down, always seemed perverse to him.

Fire is often the weapon of choice for the insane.