Armand Degas to an extent is a reworking of characters in earlier Leonard novels, primarily Bobby Leary of Unknown Man No. 89 (1977) and Roland Crowe of Gold Coast (1980). The latter, like Degas, is an enforcer for the mob, a former inmate, and a frequent murderer.

Crowe's last name and Degas's nickname, Blackbird, also suggest a kinship.