Detective Holmes inspected a blackmail letter cut out from yesterday's newspaper. The blackmailer demanded $10,000 left under a park bench. Holmes arrested the local newspaper delivery boy within minutes. What gave away the boy's identity?
He used yesterday's paper, which wasn't delivered to the public yet
Yesterday's paper is already public, but wait—if it's yesterday's paper, anyone could have it. What if the letter used *today's* paper before it hit stands? Yes: the letter was cut from a paper that hadn't been printed or distributed yet, meaning only someone with access to the printing press could make it.
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.
More detective riddles
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In a dark warehouse, a watchman was found tied to a chair. He insisted a masked intruder crept up behind him and struck him on the forehead. The detective looked at the watchman's injuries and immediately called him a liar. Why?
A shipping magnate was found dead in his private office aboard his yacht. The cabin door was bolted from the inside. Through the porthole, Detective Drake saw the magnate slumped over his desk. A heavy iron safe was wide open, and gold coins were scattered across the floor. Drake noticed the yacht's anchor was dropped in the middle of a calm, deep lake, yet the engine was running at full throttle. What did this indicate?
At 3 AM, a frantic hotel manager called the police to report a jewel heist in room 402. Detective Marsh arrived, interviewed the guest who claimed she was asleep when the thief broke in, and immediately arrested her for filing a false report. The guest was wearing heavy winter pajamas, a thick wool beanie, and thick mittens. Why did Marsh arrest her?
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Detective Hayes entered a dark warehouse where a watchman lay tied to a chair. The watchman gasped, 'Two masked men jumped me from behind, knocked me out, and stole the shipment of microchips!' Hayes shined his flashlight on the watchman's glasses, which were smudged with grease exclusively on the outer lenses, and shook his head. What exposed the watchman's lie?

