I've just read two mysteries by English author Stella Whitelaw. She's pretty good. Plots are little too byzantine, but characters are interesting. Also, her love of the sea in its ever-changing forms is most enjoyable.

However, I would like to see explanations (not really translation, of course) of the following from these two books. The part I'm not familiar with is in quotation marks.

"Crimplene" suits. Surely there can't be fabric called Crimplene?

Electic wheelcarts glided noiselessly, their occupants as intent on steering as if it was "Brands Hatch."

People walked their dogs, looking like "Lowry people" from a distance.

She walked fast despite the heeled "court shoes."

"Tears of Allah" swept in from the sea.

I would be good, so very good in bed with him...Dream on, "Terry Pratchett."

And finally, why does she call the uniformed police "wooden tops"? Does this refer to their headgear or their IQ's?