Hahaha! Some nits are worthy.
I was debating the use of 'he said, he muttered, he bellowed,' but I wanted to see how it read without it. However, you have a point. There is another way to do it.
Just last night, I used one of Ruby's links to see more examples of POV. Btw, this blog is great!
http://darkerotica.blogspot.com/2005...ems-cures.html
But as I looked down the right hand side of the page, she addressed the above topic. It was a 'diatribe?' against the over use of 'he said, she said,' and gave examples that made sense.
i.e. (These are my examples, not the author's.)
He slammed the book on the desk. "No!"
Chip grabbed the unattended handbag and hesitated. "What do you think you are doing?" It was the principal.
Sharon's coffee cup spilled on the carpet. "Gosh...I'm so...sorry!"
Yeah, Number 2 is a nit, but it is worth mentioning. ~grin~
Thanks for reading it and your feedback.