Tony Wendice
How do you go about writing a detective story?
Mark Halliday
Well, you forget detection and concentrate on crime. Crime's the thing. And then you imagine you're going to steal something or murder somebody.
Tony Wendice
Oh, is that how you do it? It's interesting.
Mark Halliday
Yes, I usually put myself in the criminal's shoes and then I keep asking myself, uh, what do I do next?
Margot Mary Wendice
Do you really believe in the perfect murder?
Mark Halliday
Mmm, yes, absolutely. On paper, that is. And I think I could, uh, plan one better than most people; but I doubt if I could carry it out.
Tony Wendice
Oh? Why not?
Mark Halliday
Well, because in stories things usually turn out the way the author wants them to; and in real life they don't... always.
Tony Wendice
Hmm.
Mark Halliday
No, I'm afraid my murders would be something like my bridge: I'd make some stupid mistake and never realize it until I found everybody was looking at me.