A dead body is found outside a multistory building. The detective goes to the first floor, walks to the window facing the body, opens it and tosses a coin. He repeats this on every floor. Then he returns and tells his team it's a murder, not suicide. How did he know?

Why this works

At first glance, this riddle seems to weave a tale of mystery and intrigue, but it plays a clever trick on our assumptions about the scene. The detective's actions—tossing a coin out of each window—may seem odd, yet they serve a vital purpose in unraveling the truth behind the dead body. By observing that all the windows were closed, he deduces that the deceased couldn't have jumped from the building; if he had, at least one window would have been left ajar, as it’s unlikely someone would take the time to shut a window on their way out in such a dire situation. This riddle not only challenges our reasoning but also invites us to consider the details we often overlook. The closed windows symbolize a barrier, not just to the outside world but to the very idea of a voluntary exit from life. It evokes a deeper reflection on how the environment can provide clues to human behavior, revealing the stark contrast between our assumptions about suicide and the reality of a murder. The satisfaction of piecing together the clues offers an "aha moment" that mirrors the detective's own realization, making us feel like sleuths ourselves. Interestingly, this type of riddle has a long history in literature and folklore, often serving to highlight the importance of observation and critical thinking. It's a reminder that the truth can be hidden in plain sight, waiting for someone to connect the dots. So, the next time you encounter a puzzling situation, remember that sometimes the answers are just a window away!