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Detective riddle

A museum curator reported a forged painting swapped for an original overnight. The thief left behind a modern paintbrush with dried acrylic paint. The curator insisted the thief must be a professional restoration artist. The lead investigator laughed and said the thief was an amateur. Why?

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.

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The curator stood before the shattered glass case, staring at the empty velvet cushion. Three staff members had keys to the gallery, and all claimed innocence. Arthur said he was dusting the west wing during the entire storm. Beatrice said she was in the basement inventory room, which had no windows and required an electronic badge swipe. Charles said he was on the roof fixing a stubborn weather vane. The detective immediately arrested the real thief. Who was it and why?