"There's been a murder!"

A cry rang out through the goods shed. The assembled passengers gasped. 

Luckily for us, mystery novelist, local celebrity and amateur sleuth Miss Mapletree was also about to board the train too. 

She reassured us that we wouldn't need to miss our train as she'd be able to solve the case with our help as we travelled. 

Phew, our three-course dinner would still be served on board the First Class carriage on the Watercress Belle. 

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On boardOn board (Image: Kimberley Barber) Alresford Railway Station, which already looks like it has stopped in time somewhere in the 50s in the glorious days of rail, was the perfect backdrop to this murder mystery.

Most of the guests were in 50s attire - and everybody was eager to get on board, sit down over some exceptional food, and ponder who could have done such a heinous act. 

We were introduced to the main characters - two sisters who had found some fame singing at army bases after the war. Their pushy mother in tow, and of course, love interest and a smooth-talking promoter. 

As we ate, and drank, the characters walked up and down the carriages, stopping for dramatic scenes, or to allow us to ask questions. 

The food - french onion soup, followed by braised beef bourguignon, then a blackberry eton mess - was delicious. Served beautifully and excellently prepared, this murder mystery train could give the fine dining train a run for its money. 

Main courseMain course (Image: Kimberley Barber) After a fun night of eating, talking, drinking and entertainment, the train reached its final destination, back to Alresford station after a jaunt up and down the Watercress Line to Alton, where we were back in the goods shed and looking at Miss Mapletree to uncover the murderer. 

Again there were gasps from the crowd as the murderer was unmasked, and then made a desperate bid to escape and a gun was fired. There was more drama than an Eastenders' Christmas special. 

This night was packed full of surprises, and with its wonderful 1950s setting, it's great for anyone who wants to step back in time and escape for a few hours. 

For an authentic touch, I hired my costume from Hampshire Wardrobe in Winchester. The centre is tucked down a lane by Winchester Leisure Centre and is run by Hampshire Cultural Trust.

It is an Aladdin's Cave of costumes, with a collection of 6,000 theatrical costumes for hire. Go to hampshireculture.org.uk/hampshire-wardrobe for more. 

Murder on the Rails will return to the Watercress Line with a different story on March 8, go to watercressline.co.uk for more.

Further dates will be held on April 5 and June 28. 

Tickets cost £249 for a table for two.