A haunted mansion's vault was opened at 9:00 PM using a thermal touch pad that requires high heat to activate. Detective Drake interviews three suspects present at the time: Suspect A was wearing heavy wool gloves. Suspect B was drinking hot tea with bare hands. Suspect C was holding a glass of iced cider with bare hands. Drake immediately arrests Suspect B. Why?
Suspect B's bare hands were warmed by the hot tea, allowing them to activate the thermal touch pad.
Holding a hot tea cup heats bare hands sufficiently to trigger a thermal lock, whereas thick gloves or iced drinks would not transfer the required heat.
About this riddle
Detective riddles are tiny mysteries. Look for the detail in the story that does not fit; it is usually the clue that solves the case.
Difficulty: Medium. More like this: Detective riddles with answers or try Truth & Lie Island for a different kind of puzzle.
More detective riddles
The billionaire was found dead in his circular study. The chief of police declared it a suicide, noting the victim shot himself while sitting in the exact center of the room. Detective Drake scoffed and ordered the butler's arrest. What tipped Drake off?
Three kids race to build the tallest egg tower. Ava finished before Max. Max finished before Eli. Who finished last?
A priceless violin was stolen from a locked music room. Three musicians had keys. Mark said he was practicing scales. Nora said she was replacing a broken string. Leo said he was cleaning his rosin block. Detective Vance arrested Nora. Why?
An old sea captain was found murdered in his inland cabin miles from the ocean. His favorite compass was smashed on the wooden floor. The hands on the grandfather clock were frozen at 3:15. The suspect claimed he dropped off groceries at noon. Detective Briggs arrested the suspect for lying. Why?
An antique pocket watch was stolen from a display. Three suspects were questioned: Mark said, 'I was at the gym.' Sarah said, 'I was reading in the library.' Tim said, 'I was fixing the broken elevator.' Detective Green arrested Tim immediately. Why?
A jewel thief left a calling card at every crime scene: a fresh, unlit cigarette with a brand that was discontinued ten years ago. Detective Vance cross-referenced local tobacco sales and caught the culprit within hours. How did Vance track down the suspect?