A wealthy collector was found dead in his study holding a burning cigarette that had burned down to the filter, leaving a massive pile of ash in the tray. The heavy velvet curtains were completely charred on the inside. The coroner ruled foul play before testing any poisons. What physical impossibility tipped him off?
Closed windows
Heavy velvet curtains act as massive thermal insulators and fire hazards, but more importantly, a cigarette burning down to the filter in a sealed room with zero draft leaves an ash column that collapses naturally, whereas this pile was unnaturally disturbed as if forced.
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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