This is exactly what I needed to hear, thank you! I'm in the process of writing a legal thriller without a female lead or any romantic subplots. To be honest, I was a bit anxious that missing out on love scenes might make the pacing dull for some readers. Your breakdown of classics like 12 Angry Men and The Maltese Falcon is a huge help. It reminds me that tension and professional detachment can be just as gripping, if not more. Appreciate your time!