A man was found murdered in his study on a Tuesday morning. The suspects and their alibis were: The maid was dusting the library, the chef was ordering groceries over the phone, and the gardener was watering the indoor ferns. Detective Ray arrested the chef instantly. Why?
Grocery stores are closed on Tuesdays, or grocery orders aren't placed over the phone that way, or... wait. Let's use the gardener: watering *indoor* ferns with a hose outside? No, the chef was ordering groceries on a day markets are closed, or the phone line was dead.
The chef claimed to order groceries over the phone, but the mansion's phone lines had been cut since Monday night.
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
An antique pocket watch was reported stolen during a blackout. Three suspects were in the room. Anna said she was reading a book by the fireplace. Ben said he was tuning his acoustic guitar. Clara said she was boiling water for tea. Who is the liar?
An old lighthouse keeper was found dead at the base of the winding indoor stairs. The logbook on his desk was open to Tuesday, but the calendar on the wall showed it was Friday. His nephew claimed he visited every single day to bring groceries. Why did Detective Croft arrest the nephew for neglect?
Inspector Moreno is checking the order in which five suspects left the locked library. Aria left before Iris. Gwen left before Kira. Dmitri left before Aria. Kira left before Dmitri. Who left second?
A night watchman claimed he fell asleep and woke up to find the office safe blown open with dynamite. Investigators found a heavy soot mark on the wall directly above the safe door, but the watchman's face and uniform were completely clean. What did the forensic team deduce?
A museum curator was found bound and gagged in the vault. He claimed masked men tied him up and stole the golden chalice. Detective Lane noticed the curator's wristwatch was facing outward on his wrist instead of inward. What did that prove?
The pumpkin is bigger than the apple, and the apple is bigger than the squirrel. Which one is the smallest?

