Detective Barnes interviewed three witnesses to a bank robbery. Witness A said the robber wore a red cap. Witness B said the robber wore a blue hoodie. Witness C said the robber wore no hat and a green jacket. Barnes smiled, knowing none of them actually saw the robber. How did he know?
They were all colorblind
Actually, the trick is that all three gave completely contradictory statements about the most basic details, meaning they were guessing or coached.
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
Detective Miller found a coded message left by a spy: 'Meet me at the place where the shadows are shortest at midnight.' Where was the spy asking to meet?
Inspector Lane walked into a freezing cabin where an explorer sat wrapped in blankets. The explorer claimed he had been trapped inside by a massive snowdrift blocking the only outward-opening door for five days without food. Lane pointed to the ceiling fan spinning slowly on low and arrested the explorer for trespassing. Why?
The victim was found poisoned at a dinner party. Every guest ate the exact same meal from the same serving platters, except for the host, who ate a different dish. The coroner determined the poison was introduced through the salt shaker. Everyone used the salt shaker, yet only the victim died. How?
An antique dealer was murdered during a thunderstorm. The suspect claimed he was driving home from the coast when his car broke down at 11:00 PM, forcing him to walk through the pouring rain. When the police searched the suspect, his clothes were bone dry and his leather shoes had no water damage. What exposed his lie?
A rare emerald necklace was stolen from a display shelf at a penthouse party. Three guests were questioned: a doctor, a lawyer, and an architect. Each claimed they were standing by the balcony enjoying the sunset. Detective Reed noticed that only one person had a sunburn exclusively on the left side of their face. Reed arrested that person. Who was it?
Lord Blackwood was found slumped over his desk with a suicide note nearby. Detective Sterling walked in, felt the warm coffee mug on the desk, and instantly declared it murder. What gave it away?

