Robicheaux acts on an ethical imperative that he is under demand to routinely choose what source he will serve, replenish, and empty into his own agenda. When he violates a suspect’s constitutional liberties by employing violence as an interrogational method, he feels guilty for betraying his oath, but also concern that he has confused his sources of inspiration.
As he narrates the episodes of his ongoing conflict with corruption, predation, evil, and his own private demons, readers can find entertainment, but also provocation to contemplate mysteries far beyond the scope of any police procedural.