A wealthy merchant was poisoned during a banquet. The coroner's report stated the poison was fast-acting and consumed via a liquid. Four people shared a specialized wine pitcher with the merchant: the butler, the cook, the wife, and the business partner. Each used a different personal goblet. The merchant used a crystal chalice. All goblets and the pitcher were thoroughly washed by the scullery maid immediately after. How did Detective Finch identify the poisoner?
The poison was smeared on the rim of the merchant's crystal chalice.
Since everyone drank from the same pitcher of wine and survived, the wine itself wasn't poisoned. The poison had to be applied directly to the merchant's personal cup.
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.
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