The desire for power is a theme that is seen on both a large and small scale in the story. Harry is initially hired to find out who is responsible for the attacks on the women around Genosa. The initial motive for the attacks is unknown but eventually Harry discovers that one of the main reasons that Genosa has been targeted is because he has challenged Lord Raith's authority. In order to regain the power that Lord Raith has lost when Genosa left to start his own business, Raith is willing to hire Genosa's three ex-wives to help him destroy Genosa's spirit. It does not gain Raith anything if Genosa is killed, but stopping his new movie attempts will gain Raith more power.