Who murdered the mystery movie?

Hola, amigo. So glad you weighed in on the topic; been on the lookout for it. 

I'd had some similar thoughts on how the traditional mystery form had been popularly dressed up in "thriller" drag by the '90s, and your articulation pretty much obviates anything I could add. Likewise with the now-venerable British telly mysteries, going back to Holmes, Morse, Frost, Poirot and too many others to name, right up to today's excellent Vera, colorful Midsomer Murders and the aforementioned Death In Paradise (the latter two of which we're currently waiting for new eps to show on Britbox). Whether it's grit, whimsy or anything in between, there's something for every taste. We've seen some nifty ones from the down-under regions as well: Australia's Doctor Blake Mysteries series and the mini-series Mystery Road (with the estimable Judy Davis) and, from New Zealand, the quirky and now-sadly-gone Brokenwood Mysteries.

And I never fail to learn something from your posts. It's always a treat when you're here.