Detective Miller walked into the galley kitchen where a chef lay unconscious. The gas stove was hissing, filling the room with natural gas. On the counter sat a bowl of unwhipped cream, a whisk, and a burning candle. Miller immediately turned off the gas and called an ambulance. What saved the room from exploding before Miller arrived?
The natural gas hadn't reached the burning candle yet, or the room wasn't fully enclosed.
Actually, gas rises or spreads, but the key is that natural gas requires a specific air-to-gas ratio to ignite. Or, simpler: The chef was unconscious, meaning the gas had just been turned on.
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
The night watchman claimed he saw a burglar smash the front window from the inside, grab the painting, and run out. Detective Gable arrested the watchman immediately. Why?
Four friends passed notes. Ana passed to Ben, Ben passed to Cal, Cal passed to Dee. Who got the note last?
An antique pocket watch stopped ticking precisely at 8:15. The owner was found dead at noon. The coroner stated the watch had been deliberately damaged by a tiny hammer blow to the internal gear. Who damaged the watch?
A jewel smuggler claimed his backpack containing emeralds was stolen while he was sleeping on a crowded train. Detective Marsh asked him to describe the backpack. The smuggler said, 'It's a bright neon green leather backpack with silver zippers.' Marsh immediately arrested him for filing a false police report. Why?
A priceless ruby necklace was stolen from a locked hotel suite. The maid found the door unlatched and the safe open. The guest claimed he put the necklace in the safe before going to sleep and woke up to find it gone. Detective Patel noticed the guest's heavy winter boots were caked in dry mud, even though it hadn't rained or snowed in the city for weeks. What did this reveal?
An old sea captain was found murdered in his cabin. His logbook was open to an entry dated October 12, detailing a storm. However, the calendar on the wall showed September 15. Why did the detective suspect the logbook was forged?