A suspect was interrogated for forging historical documents. He swore he bought a 15th-century parchment letter at a flea market just that morning. Detective Finch took one look at the letter and booked him for forgery. What gave it away?
The date / Epoch on the document
A 15th-century document would not be dated using 'BC' correctly for a post-classical era, or it likely referenced an event that hadn't happened yet, or it used a modern font/ink. Wait, let's make it simpler: The letter was dated '1492' and mentioned a modern event, or it was written in ballpoint pen.
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: Easy. More like this: Detective riddles with answers or try Truth & Lie Island for a different kind of puzzle.
More detective riddles
During a blackout, a rare sapphire was stolen from a museum display. Three suspects were questioned. Anna said, 'I was reading my book by the emergency exit sign.' Ben said, 'I was eating a sandwich in the pitch-black cafeteria.' Chloe said, 'I was checking my phone messages in the hallway.' The detective immediately arrested one of them for lying. Who was it and why?
An antique pocket watch was stolen from a display. Three suspects were questioned: Mark said, 'I was at the gym.' Sarah said, 'I was reading in the library.' Tim said, 'I was fixing the broken elevator.' Detective Green arrested Tim immediately. Why?
A sea captain's log stated he encountered heavy tropical rainstorms every single day while sailing north through the icy Arctic Circle in the dead of winter. The detective read the logbook page, shook his head, and called the shipping company to report the captain for forging his navigation records. What exposed the captain's lie?
A jewel thief claimed he bought a stolen emerald ring at a garage sale from an elderly woman who didn't know its value. Detective Kelly checked the ring under a jeweler's loupe, found a custom serial number, and arrested the thief for the museum heist. What proved the thief was lying?
Inspector Drake inspected a sinking yacht. The captain claimed a massive wave knocked him unconscious, and when he woke up, the safe was open. Drake noticed the captain's hair was completely dry despite the raging storm outside. What did this prove?
A security guard at a pharmaceutical lab reported that a vial of experimental serum was stolen during his night shift. He claimed a masked intruder threw a smoke grenade through the small, high ventilation grate, rendered him unconscious, and fled. Detective Cruz inspected the guard's uniform and immediately knew the story was fabricated. What did Cruz notice?