Right on the Money has much in common with other novels in the Thatcher series. The structure is familiar and, while less in evidence than usual, Thatcher's colleagues from the Sloan pop in and out of his office, adding humor and commentary. As in East Is East and others, much of Thatcher's involvement in the case comes from his desire to help and support another Sloan officer — here Ken Nicolls — as well as, of course, his insatiable curiosity.

The focus on the conflicts involved in acquisition of one company by another crops up in Green Grow the Dollars (1982) and Money to Go (1969). Both novels also examine family-owned firms in crisis, as does Hook or by Crook (1975). The concern with the moral fiber and ambition of the younger generation is a frequent topic in Lathen, notably in Going for the Gold (1981) and East Is East...