The story titled "Clean, Kills, and Gives Splendor" weaves a narrative infused with crime and mystery, featuring the ghost of Cervantes that haunts a building, appearing only to the janitors. This backdrop creates an intriguing atmosphere where history and the supernatural intertwine, illustrating the weight of literary legacy amidst corruptive forces.

In the book "Good Men" by Arturo Pérez-Reverte, themes of morality and the complexities of human nature are explored through the lens of crime. The presence of Cervantes’ ghost serves as a symbol of greatness and the deterioration of ideals, contrasting the noble aspirations of literature with the darker aspects of society. This duality enriches the narrative, prompting reflections on the values that define humanity.