Inspector Drake inspected a forged painting. The forger had used modern acrylic paint on a canvas stamped with a 19th-century manufacturer's seal. However, Drake didn't need chemical tests to know it was fake. He looked at the depicted city skyline in the background and laughed. What was wrong with the skyline?
A modern skyscraper was in the 19th-century painting.
The skyline included buildings that were constructed long after the 19th century, exposing anachronisms in the landscape.
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
A wealthy eccentric was found dead in his locked mansion study during a heatwave. The AC was turned off, the windows were sealed shut, and a portable electric space heater was running at maximum output next to his chair. On his desk was a suicide note written in shaky handwriting. Detective Frost read the note, smiled, and called for a homicide team. Why?
A priceless golden statuette vanished from a locked vault. Three people had access codes: the director, the treasurer, and the security chief. The vault door showed no signs of forced entry. The director claimed she was asleep. The treasurer claimed he was at a midnight diner. The security chief claimed he was reviewing camera footage. The detective arrested the security chief. Why?
A notorious smuggler was caught crossing the border with a hollowed-out wooden cane. Customs inspector Nia X-rayed the cane, opened it, and found it completely empty. She let him pass. Ten minutes later, detective Jax arrested the smuggler for carrying stolen diamonds. How did Jax know they were inside the cane?
Three kids race to build the tallest basket tower. Leo finished before Noah. Noah finished before Max. Who finished last?
Detective Hale questions five witnesses about the order they reached the museum door. Gwen reached the door before Carmen. Hugo reached the door before Dmitri. Boris reached the door before Gwen. Carmen reached the door before Hugo. Who reached the door last?
The victim was discovered in a modern apartment with a digital clock flashing 12:00, a half-eaten sandwich, and a spilled glass of water. There was a total blackout across the city that night lasting from 10:00 PM to 4:00 AM. The roommate claimed he slept through the whole thing. The detective arrested the roommate. Why?

