- Alternative Character Interpretation: Is Adeline the image of wifely virtue, or is she is just being weak by allowing Hector to get away with so much?
- Moral Event Horizon: While he was a somewhat sympathetic (and even pleasant) character most of the time, Montes committed the single most heinous act in the book when he deliberately infected Valerie with a tropical virus that would kill her slowly and gruesomely (Revenge and Asshole Victim notwithstanding).
- Retroactive Recognition: Who knew House was Margaret Schroeder's dad?
- Nausea Fuel: The amount of detail given about the dying Valerie's symptoms is gratuitous and might leave the reader more kindly disposed to her.
