"What's good for the goose is definitely good for the desperate housewife" suggests that actions deemed appropriate or effective for one group or individual should similarly apply to another, even if the situations differ. It highlights a sense of fairness or consistency in behavior, regardless of circumstances or social roles.

In James Patterson's book, The Quickie, this phrase might reflect themes of equal opportunity, moral questioning, or reversing typical roles. It hints at characters potentially engaging in unconventional or unexpected actions, emphasizing that everyone, even those who seem desperate, deserve the same considerations or treatment.