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Detective riddle

In a remote cabin, an explorer was found frozen solid by the fireplace. The wood was stacked, the matchbox was open with a single match missing, and the hearth was cold. Detective Ross noticed the dead man's fingers were completely black with soot on the tips, but the matchbox striker was untouched and brand new. Ross deduced the man did not die of a simple accident. What did Ross realize?

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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