I wondered, not for the first time, whether all farmers become obsesse — Ben Aaronovitch

"As property prices started rising, developers snatched up bomb sites and derelict buildings and erected the shapeless concrete lumps that have made the ’70s the shining beacon of architectural splendor that it is."

"The more power something has, the less the actual facts matter."

"“Anything else to report?” he asked. “A creeping sense of existential dread,” I said. “Apart from that I’m good.”"

"She had the startled rabbit look that civilians get after five minutes of helping the police with their inquiries. If they stay calm for too long it’s a sign that they’re professional villains or foreign or just plain stupid. All of which can get you locked up if you’re not careful. If you find yourself talking to the police, my advice is to stay calm but look guilty; it’s your safest bet."

"“There’s paperwork for magic? asked Vanessa. “Not so glamorous now, eh?” I said."

"“He believed in a mystical connection between the farmer and the soil.” “And you don’t?” I asked. “I believe there’s a connection,” she said. “I just happen to believe it’s biochemical.”"