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Detective riddle

An old lighthouse keeper was found dead at the base of the winding indoor stairs. The logbook on his desk was open to Tuesday, but the calendar on the wall showed it was Friday. His nephew claimed he visited every single day to bring groceries. Why did Detective Croft arrest the nephew for neglect?

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.

More detective riddles

Lord Blackwood was murdered in his study during a fierce thunderstorm. The detective arrived to find the lights off, a candle burned down to a stub on the table, and a bullet hole in the west wall. The butler stated, 'I rushed in the second I heard the shot, tripped in the pitch darkness, and knocked over the bookshelf.' The detective arrested the butler on the spot. Why?

A rare coin collector was found murdered in his vault. The combination lock was untouched. Inside, a single flashlight was left shining on an empty velvet tray. Detective Vance checked the flashlight batteries and immediately knew the killer was a close family member. How?

A jeweler reported that his store was robbed overnight. The front glass window was shattered inward, with hundreds of glass shards scattered across the hardwood floor inside the shop. The detective inspected the scene, shook his head, and arrested the jeweler for filing a false police report. What tipped off the detective?

The antique dealer was found murdered behind his counter. A pocket watch was clutched in his stiffening hand, its hands permanently frozen at 4:15. The detective immediately knew the watch was a red herring planted by the killer. What proves the watch was faked?

Lord Blackwood was found dead in his study during a fierce winter blizzard. The thermostat on the wall read 45 degrees Fahrenheit. The window was frozen shut from the inside with thick frost. His tea mug was stone cold. Yet, the coroner's report stated he died of severe heat exhaustion. How is this possible?

The rabbit is bigger than the carrot, and the carrot is bigger than the basket. Which one is the smallest?