As Nose reached the front door, Jason Ross introduced himself and motioned for the detective to come inside. The interior of the cabin consisted of one very large, but cozy room. In the right-hand corner, all the camping supplies were piled including an axe, one five-liter jug of water, some canned food, a lantern and other various pieces of camping equipment. To the back of the room was a small fireplace, and a wooden table with a couple mismatched chairs.

The most notable item in the cabin could be seen in the middle of the floor; a body, evidently lifeless, sprawled on top of two sleeping bags that were casually laid there. The cause of death was not obvious.

“Can you tell me what happened?” said Detective Nose.

“I wish I knew,” Jason said quietly. “I run a desert camping expedition business, providing tours to a variety of people. I have been trying for years to get my brother to come and join me, but being the city person that he was, he would always scoff at the idea. He used to joke that if he wanted to be without the convenience of phones, running water, or electricity, he’d simply skip paying his bills. Anyways, last week we were having a few drinks together, and we made a silly bet in which if he lost, he would have to spend a week out here with me. As you can see, he lost.”

Jason then paused for moment and took a long deep breath before continuing.

“I woke up early this morning and since my brother was still sleeping, I decided to do a little dirt biking. I was gone for about two hours. When I returned, I found my brother dead in the middle of the floor. I really do not know what happened. Other than his wallet that was on the table, nothing seems to be missing.”

“I think you may know more than you’re telling me!”

Why did Detective Nose suspect that Jason was not being completely honest?

ANSWER: Had Jason really intended on camping out in the desert for the week, he would have brought more than five liters of water. Remember, Jason ran an expert camping business in the desert, and he would have known that five liters of water was not nearly adequate for the week.

“You haven’t touched anything in the living room at all?” the detective asked Mrs. Johnson. She shook her head firmly.

“I knew that if I touched anything, I might disturb clues, and I really want you to catch the scum that killed my husband!” she said fervently.

“I’m sure we will,” Detective Nose assured her. He started into the living room to look over the scene of the crime. As he entered, he noticed the victim’s feet sticking out from the other side of the couch, and noted that he was in his stocking feet. It wasn’t until he walked around the end of the couch that he could see Mr. Johnson, lying on his stomach on the floor. Two uniformed officers stood by, waiting for him to arrive.

“Help me turn him over,” Detective Nose told one of them. The man was definitely dead. The bloodstain had seeped into the carpet, and soaked the kitchen knife that was hidden under his body. Without a word, he turned and headed back into the kitchen.

“Mrs. Johnson,” he said, “I’m ready to arrest the scum that murdered your husband. Please stand up and turn around,” he added, unhooking the handcuffs from his belt.

How did Detective Nose know that Mrs. Johnson had killed her husband?

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When I arrived, there were a few police officers and a small gathering of onlookers. Two of the officers were standing on the public docks talking to what looked like an extremely well tanned gentleman who was wearing a bathing suit. Next to them in the water was a canoe that looked like it had seen better days.

After approaching the trio, I introduced myself to the tanned fellow, who was looking very upset, and asked him what had happened.

“It’s simply terrible Inspector! My friend Jim and I were out canoeing when I suggested that we give the Sunnyside rapids a go,” said the distraught man as he pointed in a southern direction towards the rapids. “Jim was a little concerned as he had never been in a canoe before today but I told him there was no need to worry, I would steer, all he had to do was paddle. Unfortunately, the rapids were a little more difficult than I remembered. I‘m not sure exactly what happened or when he fell out, all that I know is that when I got to the end of the rapids, I turned around and he was not there.”

I looked down at the canoe and observed that there were a couple of lifejackets and one wooden paddle with a large crack within the blade. I was just about to inquire as to how the paddle became damaged when the man stated, “Hell, I didn’t even notice that. My paddle is broken. I guess I must have cracked it on one of the rocks while I was traversing the rapids.”

“Yes, that is possible, “ I said. “But it is more likely that it cracked when you used it to hit Jim!”

Why did Inspector Nose suspect that Jim’s drowning was not an accident?

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The reason for the late night call soon became apparent, however. It turns out Sarah was the daughter of a friend of the Captain.

Detective Nose sighed. Hopefully this wouldn’t take long.

“So, can you tell me what happened?” Nose started off.

The petite girl was visibly upset. “Y-y-yes. I had just finished making my last stop, a delivery of 30 pizzas to a late night party. I was getting into my car and was starting to drive away when a man knocked on my car door. I thought he was from the party, but when I rolled down my window, he stuck a gun in my face and asked me for all my money. I was so upset I couldn’t even drive back to the store.”

Sure enough, the party across the street was still going full blast from what Detective Nose could tell. As he was surveying the scene, another car drove up and a handsome young man jumped out and ran over to the little group.

“Hi, my name’s Jon Hastel, I’m Sarah’s boyfriend. She called me on my cell phone as soon as it happened and I came right over.”

Detective Nose shook his hand and introduced himself. The young man looked him squarely in the eyes and gave a firm handshake before going over to comfort his girlfriend.

“Hmm,” Detective Nose thought to himself, “quite a polite young man.”

“Well, I better get down to it,” Nose said as he opened the car door and slid into the driver’s seat. He looked through the glove box, under the seats and inspected the rest of the interior carefully. After a few moments, as the others looked on anxiously, he put his hands on the steering wheel as if he were driving.

When he finally emerged from the car, he slammed the door shut and turned to face the expectant group.

“Captain,” he declared, “I’m afraid you’re going to have to give your friend some bad news. His daughter is a thief. And so is her boyfriend. I think you’ll find if you search the young man, you will find the $800!”

How did Detective Nose know that Sarah hadn’t been robbed, but had committed the crime herself with the help of Jon?

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Detective Nose stood inside the secluded cabin with the deceased’s brother. The cabin consisted only of two small rooms. It was very spacious with the antique kitchen being the highlight. It had an old wood burning stove and hand carved cabinets. On the blue stained counters sat, some food including some freshly opened canned goods, some apples, a few dirty dishes and a handheld can opener. The common area was small with a couch and a table. The second room was tucked away in the back. In it there was a single bed covered with an exquisite handmade quilt and a plain brown desk. The deceased’s body had been removed just a short hour ago.

“So tell me what lead you to conclude that his death wasn’t accidental after all?” Detective Nose asked.

“My brother was a handicapped man; he recently lost his arm in a horrible mechanical accident. Ever since then he’s required a nurse to help him out with even the simplest of tasks.”

“I’m really sorry to hear that,” Nose interrupted. “Please continue.”

“Well, this week he insisted on going up to the cabin alone for a few weeks. He was determined to prove to everyone that he hadn’t lost his independence. He had only been gone for a few days and because there is no phone out here, I decided to come up on check on him. Even though he insisted on spending the week alone, I was worried about him. When I arrived, I knew something was not right. There was an extra set of large footprints going into the cabin, my brother had small feet, but the police stated that it was not enough evidence to go on. Inside, I found him dead on the couch. I must admit that it was common knowledge that he owned this cabin but my brother was afraid that if he told anyone where he was going that they might try to stop him. I was the only person who knew where he was and that was because I was more than just his brother; I was his best friend. I know in my heart that his death was no accident. Therefore, I phoned you. My brother deserves justice.”

The Detective pursued the cabin once more. “Tell me, has anyone been in the cabin or touched anything since you reported the death of your brother.”

“No, only the police and the medical staff have been here.”

“Well based on what I’ve seen I don’t believe this was any accident either and I think I can help you prove it! Can you think of anyone that may have wanted to kill your brother?”

What evidence did the Detective find that lead him to believe that there was no accident?

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Just as the director was about to pack up and leave for the day, the phone rang. He quickly slouched down in his chair, and picked up the receiver.

“Bonjour.”

“Monsieur Homolle?” queried a monotone voice.

“Yes.”

“I have the Mona Lisa and if you want her returned, you’ll pay me a ransom of 50,000 francs!”

Homolle was momentarily speechless as he tried to digest what he just heard. With the mystery of exactly how Mona disappeared having played out in his head over and over during the past few days, he asked, “How did you acquire the painting?”

“It was simple. I stowed overnight in the Louvre knowing that the next day, a Monday, the museum would be closed for cleaning. With the Lourve being chiefly vacant, I took the portrait, carefully removed it from it’s frame, rolled it up and placed it under my smock. I then headed down the stairs, where I discarded the frame and promptly left the museum.” After a brief ominous laugh, he continued. “It was as easy as that! So if you would like to see …”

Homolle interrupted. “Although I am sure that the police would love to meet with you, it won’t be to recover the Mona Lisa. It’s obvious to me that you do not have the painting!”

How did Monsieur Homolle know that the mystery caller did not have the Mona Lisa?

Answer: Da Vinci painted his masterpiece, the Mona Lisa, on a plank of poplar wood. Since the painting is not on canvas, as the unidentified caller probably assumed, it could not have been “rolled up” and placed under his smock as he claimed.

Detective Nose searched for something positive to say but came up blank – there had been nothing but gray drizzle since he arrived! And now, although he was supposed to be on holiday, his friend was taking him on a work trip to the scene of a death – as if Detective Nose didn’t see enough of them back home.

Luckily he was saved from having to answer as the Constable suddenly braked hard and swerved the police car into a gravel drive. “Jolly good, here we are,” he said happily.

As they exited the car, a plump man opened the door of the big, old, ivy-covered house and bustled out to meet them.

“Ah, good morning,” said the Constable, removing his hat deferentially. “This is my friend Detective Nose, holidaying here; come along with me for the ride is all.”

Mr. Falconer, the owner of Manor House, shook both of their hands. “A pleasure, a pleasure! Do come in, gentlemen.”

Detective Nose’s day wasn’t getting any better. As he crossed the threshold, a huge dog appeared from nowhere and launched itself at his chest, almost winding him.

“Down, Rover! Sorry Detective – sorry – he wouldn’t hurt a flea – his only problem is his bottomless stomach, I’m afraid he searches everyone that comes in the house in case they have any food!”

“Humph… that’s OK,” said Detective Nose a little grumpily.

Their host showed the two investigators to the scene of the crime. An impressive dining room, the centerpiece of which was an enormous, regal dining table.

“The police have of course removed the … uh … deceased,” said Mr. Falconer,”and my chef cleared away the dishes, but otherwise nothing has been touched.”

“Right,” said Constable Howard reassuringly. “This is just a formality, sir, my colleagues at the station believe your guest died of a heart attack. Our visit is just a tick in the box.”

Mr. Falconer looked relieved. “It was awful,” he confided. “One minute we were all enjoying a lively dinner party, and the next dear old Bob collapsed into the remains of his food.”

As the other two men talked, Detective Nose stalked around the room, his footsteps cushioned by the deep, luxurious carpet. He stopped directly behind the seat where Bob had been sitting when he died. He slowly turned a full circle, noting everything in sight. Returning to face the table, Detective Nose was struck by the vast mirror that hung on the wall directly opposite. With its highly ornate frame, the mirror was clearly meant to be the focal point of the room.

The Detective frowned as he looked at the mirror – there was something odd about it – it was subtly concave, reflecting virtually the whole room. Immediately behind him was an open door. He wandered through it and found himself in a spotless kitchen. He took a quick inventory. Dog’s bowl full of dinner scraps by the scullery, a hanging rack of utensils, enormous Aga stove …

“Ah, Detective, there you are!” The constable bustled in. “I think we’ve done our duty here. Shall we be going?”

“Howard”, the detective replied seriously, “all is not quite what it seems in this place.”

What made Detective Nose suspect foul play?

More Two Minute Mysteries

“Detective Nose”, said the young man, “I know that my father hasn’t been an honest person, but I assure you that I am trying to make amends for his tainted reputation.” Detective Nose examined the young man closely. Neatly and smartly dressed in a navy blue suit and matching striped tie, the young man was a stark contrast to his father, and looked every bit as refined and educated as a young person could hope to be.

“I called you in because someone has sold me fake diamonds, and I want you to work with the police to catch these despicable crooks!” “I was hoping that my father’s reputation with his suppliers would still be intact, but I believe that they simply preyed on my inexperience in this trade.”

“What is it with this jewelery store and crooks?” Detective Nose thought to himself. “Show me where these fake diamonds are”. The young man produced a velvet pouch, from which he took out several glittering stones and laid them out on a mat on the counter.

“I had tried the scratch test, and indeed they were scratch resistant against sapphires, but when I tried to hit them with a mallet to test their hardness, the stone shattered.” The young man sounded devastated, and what Detective Nose had to say would prove even more disastrous for him.

More Two Minute Mysteries

“No need to call the cops,” Detective Nose quipped, “there’s been no deception here.”

What was the jewelery owner’s mistake? And why did Detective Nose not call the cops?

“I was watching an old movie when the lights suddenly went out. Just then, I heard some strange noises coming from the bedroom. I got up to investigate when all of a sudden someone came flying out of the bedroom in such a rush that they knocked me down. Although I did not get a look at the offender, I did hear them open the front door and run out.. At this point, I crawled over to my desk and picked up my phone to call you people. When I got off the phone I lit some candles and checked the bedroom, that’s when I saw that my diamond rings were missing.”

The lights suddenly flashed on and Detective Nose was able to get a good look at the neat cottage. There was a large fireplace, and a very modern computer sitting on a desk. The front door was opposite another door which lead to the bedroom. The phone rang and the woman got up to answer it. Inspector Nose watched as Ms. Lloyd picked up the cordless phone and nodded as she politely excused herself and went into the bedroom to continue with the call. When she returned, the Detective asked her if that was the only phone in the cottage. She assured him that it was.

“I guess the only other question I have then, Ms. Lloyd, is where did you hide the rings?”

Why did detective Nose suspect that the woman was lying?

More Two Minute Mysteries

“Well I was locking the front door when I first heard the voices from the library. I was surprised because I didn’t know that Mr. Wentworth had a visitor but just as I approached the library door …”

“Yes go on Mr. Tanner” I said.

“Yes Sir – I heard the shot, for a moment I was confused, then I opened the library door and Mr. Wentworth was lying forward over his desk, a bullet wound in his temple. I saw a piece of paper clasped in his hand and then a tingling sensation of fear shivered up my spine. I somehow knew I wasn’t alone.“

“Did you see someone?” I interrupted.

“No, I didn’t see anyone but I somehow realized that the murderer was there. I had the feeling that he was waiting so that he could get the piece of paper.”

“Did you take it Mr. Butler?” I said.

“I did Sir. That is — I slipped it into a book that was on the desk.”

“But there is no book here on the desk” I said.

“He must have taken it after all. I even remember the title of the book sir, it was the Widow’s Surprise. I quickly slipped the paper between pages 77 and 78 but just as I did, the murderer darted out the door behind me. I ran after him and the next thing I knew, someone struck me over the head.”

“No Mr. Tanner, it didn’t happen that way did it?” I said. “Hold out your hands. Your under arrest for the murder of your employer Mr. Wentworth.”

What was the one clue that told Detective Nose that the butler was lying?

The case of the Missing paper was adapted from the OTR show “Five Minute Mysteries” which is in the public domain. More Two Minute Mysteries