It seems to me that women are freed from their responsibilities only when they are merry widows or eccentric old spinsters.
Be bad, and if you can't be bad be worse.
Danger is an aphrodisiac.
As a reader I like both great characterization and fast moving plots. The challenge is to balance the both and not compromise one for the other.
Death strips all men of dignity.
Intelligence is power; it is the flame behind the spark of intrigue. Find out all the facts and stamp out the fire. Demystify.