Whodunnit Daily — Answer for July 11, 2026
Today's case: The Missing Microfilm. A reel of microfilm vanished from the records room. 5 archivists had clearance. A hint first, then the culprit and the full reasoning. Tap the blacked-out box to reveal.
The statements
- Nia: “It was Tess or Jo.”
- Jo: “It was Tess.”
- Tess: “It was Nia or Cole.”
- Fia: “I didn't do it.”
- Cole: “Fia is innocent.”
Hint
Two people point the same way. If they're right, the accused is the one who must be lying — which is exactly what the guilty one does.
The culprit
Guilty: Tess
Why (step by step)
Start by assuming Tess is the guilty one and follow the chain. Nia said “It was Tess or Jo.” — checks out as true, matching an innocent’s honest account — consistent. Jo said “It was Tess.” — true — and since the innocent never lie, that fits. Tess said “It was Nia or Cole.” — that statement is a lie, which is precisely the tell of the guilty suspect. Fia said “I didn't do it.” — checks out as true, matching an innocent’s honest account — consistent. Cole said “Fia is innocent.” — checks out as true, matching an innocent’s honest account — consistent. Every statement lines up under this assumption, so Tess is guilty. Swap in anyone else and an innocent is forced to lie (or the guilty one ends up truthful) — both forbidden — leaving Tess as the only logically consistent answer.