Greed

The author uses the theme of greed as a way to broadly vilify characters so that they fit in with the dark comedic undertones that accompanies the main arc of mystery.

Nick Stripling cuts off his arm and fakes his own death as a way to rid himself of a federal investigation as well as collect a large sum of money from his life insurance policy. Nick illustrates the most heightened state of greed within the novel. He is willing to sacrifice a part of his anatomy to pull off his scheme. This sets the expectations for what Nick is capable of doing high. The absurdity of a man cutting off his arm misdirects the reader to Nick faking his own death, and can be considered comical. It also establishes Nick as a serious threat. When Yancy confronts Nick, there is little doubt that Nick will...