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?
He tied himself up
When people tie their own hands in front or behind, it is much easier to fasten a watch or manipulate objects if the watch faces outward, or more simply, tying oneself requires a specific awkwardness that left the watch exposed.
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
Three kids race to build the tallest party hat tower. Omar finished before Ida. Leo finished before Omar. Who finished last?
A wealthy merchant was found dead in his study during a fierce winter blizzard. The heater was off, and the room was freezing. The only clues were a burnt-down candle and a small puddle of water near the window. Detective Miller realized the killer entered through the locked window without leaving footprints in the snow outside. How?
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?
A security guard at a jewelry store reported being knocked unconscious from behind while making his 2:00 AM rounds. When detectives arrived, they noticed the guard's flashlight was switched on, resting neatly on the floor pointing away from the dark hallway where the thief allegedly fled. What exposed the guard's lie?
An antique pocket watch was stolen from a locked display case during a museum gala. Three guests claimed they never approached the case: Lord Blackwood, Lady Ashton, and Professor Grey. Lady Ashton wore a thick winter fur coat. Lord Blackwood wore a tuxedo with tight, buttoned cuffs. Professor Grey wore a loose sweater with large, deep pockets. Detective Chen searched Professor Grey and found the watch. What gave the professor away?
A wealthy art collector claimed his gallery was broken into and a specific abstract painting was slashed. Detective Thorne inspected the slash marks and pointed out that the painting was a fake. How did the slash marks reveal this?