Murder Mystery Cliches

[Zephyer]

What are the commonest cliches of the murder mystery genre? Either, flim, TV or book? Either in character, plot, etc

For example, there's frequently a showdown in the Living Room where the detective gathers all the suspects to reveal the true identity of the murderer. I often thought if the murderer knew the game was nearly up why didn't they get busy making a good escape instead of toddling along to the living room to be named and shamed!

Does anyone else have any other observations? Is there anywhere on the net I could get a list?

[jno]

"Like the villains in all the James Bond movies. Whenever Bond breaks into the complex: 'Ah, Mr. Bond, welcome, come in. Let me show you my entire evil plan and then put you in a death machine that doesn't work'." - Jerry Seinfeld. From - you guessed it - www.moviecliches.com

[kazza12345]

i think agatha christie murder mysteries always seem to have a high proportion of women doing the killing, also there seems to be a small circle of people who could have done it, also everyone has a secret, also millions of people have motive/opportunity

[Peri]

Have you ever wondered why people are still living in the likes of Midsomer and Cabot Cove (murder she wrote).  If you live in Midsomer I think you would have a more than 50% chance of getting murdered and if you live near or know Jessica Fletcher you are likely to be murdered, murder or at least be accused in the wrong.

[Personica]

The vital piece of evidence or incriminating clue always turns up 3 mins from the end of the show and often has nothing to do with any other evidence.

[lilyfrog]

The main suspect NEVER did it

[Johnmof]

A fairly common cliche in police series generally is that the hero is usually a junior rank, Inspector or thereabouts, who is absolutely brilliant at the job, but has a complete idiot/sadist/carreerist as their boss. The boss spends most of the programme putting obstacles in their way or threatening them to get a result, and when they do never shows any appreciation. Examples being Frost, Columbo, New Tricks, Waking the Dead, Prime Suspect.