A rare stamp collection was stolen from a display case at a convention. Three dealers had access: Mr. Vance, Ms. Holt, and Dr. Crane. Each blamed another. Detective Brooks asked them to show their hands. Mr. Vance had ink on his index finger; Ms. Holt had tweezers in her pocket; Dr. Crane had a magnifying glass around his neck. Brooks arrested Mr. Vance. Why?
The stamps were hinged with water-soluble glue
Stamps must be handled with care using tweezers to avoid oil damage. Mr. Vance's ink stain and handling stamps with bare fingers showed he lacked professional care, but more directly, the stamps required licking or moistening, leaving ink/saliva evidence on his finger.
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: Hard. More like this: Detective riddles with answers or try Truth & Lie Island for a different kind of puzzle.
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