"Listen to me. I will tell you the truth about a man's life. I will tell you the truth about his love for women. That he never hates them. Already you think I'm on the wrong track. Stay with me. Really - I'm a master of magic." More than a line, but a terrific short opening paragraph from Mario Puzo's 'Fools Die'

"When the girl came rushing up the steps, I decided she was wearing far too many clothes." Lindsey Davies 'The Silver Pigs'