A security guard at a warehouse reported being blinded by a high-powered laser pointer before his radio was stolen. Detective Ray looked at the guard's uniform shirt and arrested him for filing a false report. What did Ray spot?
Burn holes from the inside out
The guard claimed the laser came from outside the gate, but the fabric of his shirt showed the laser burns originated from a close-range device he held himself.
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.
More detective riddles
A rare diamond was stolen from a museum display case during a total blackout. Three suspects were in the room: the guard, the curator, and the cleaner. Each claimed they were standing completely still in the dark. The guard wore a mechanical watch, the curator held a heavy brass lantern, and the cleaner carried a metal bucket of water. Only one person's story was physically impossible. Who stole the diamond?
Detective Holmes was given a cold case file regarding a robbery at a secluded mansion. The original report stated the thief cut the telephone lines outside, broke a window, and stole silver candlesticks. Holmes read the report and immediately realized the original police department had botched the case. What modern impossibility or logical flaw existed in the report?
Sir Arthur was found murdered in his study. The clock on the wall was smashed, stopping at 4:15. A calendar on the desk was flipped to November 31st. The detective arrested the butler for staging the crime scene. What gave the butler away?
The victim was discovered in a sterile laboratory with a single drop of poison on his tongue. Three scientists had access. Scientist A wore thick rubber gloves. Scientist B wore a respirator mask. Scientist C wore protective goggles. Which scientist administered the poison?
Five guests sign the hotel log one by one, and the manager remembers only these facts. Iris signed before Kira. Jonas signed before Felix. Felix signed before Iris. Kira signed before Luca. Who signed fourth?
The gold coin is bigger than the clover, and the clover is bigger than the green hat. Which one is the smallest?

