The butler claimed he was dusting the library chandelier when the master of the house was poisoned in the dining room at 8:00 PM. Detective Miller looked up at the chandelier, checked the grandfather clock, and arrested the butler for lying. What did Miller notice?
Dust on the chandelier
If the butler was actively dusting the chandelier at that exact moment, there would be no dust left on it for Miller to find.
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 famous explorer was found poisoned in his tent in the middle of a hot desert. The cap of his water canteen was unscrewed and lying on the sand. Three companions brought him water at different times. Companion A brought water at noon, Companion B at 2:00 PM, and Companion C at 4:00 PM. The coroner stated the poison took effect instantly upon drinking. Detective Holt arrested Companion A. Why?
A chemist was found dead in his lab. A beaker next to him contained a clear liquid labeled 'H2O2'. The note he left read: 'My partner poisoned my drink with the extra oxygen.' Police arrested the partner, but the defense lawyer pointed out a fatal flaw in the victim's accusation. What was it?
Three kids race to build the tallest pencil tower. Ava finished before Ida. Ida finished before Max. Who finished last?
An art collector was found dead beside a shattered glass display. His will left his entire estate to his cat. The prime suspect was his nephew, who had a motive and no alibi. However, Detective Ross noticed that every single piece of broken glass had fallen *inside* the display case rather than onto the gallery floor. What did this prove?
Three kids race to build the tallest clover tower. Mia finished before Zoe. Zoe finished before Omar. Who finished last?
The flag is bigger than the sparkler, and the sparkler is bigger than the parade float. Which one is the smallest?