We join our hostess, Penny, as she creates a murder mystery that's a hit among her friends.

We did this for New Years Eve, starting around 6:00 p.m. We had 21 people participating and everyone had a blast! Even some of the husbands who were dragged along cracked a few smiles as guests got into character as soon as they came through the door.

Some of the wives were nervous since they didn't know each other very well. Apparently Patty Hunt played her part so well it was hard to tell whether it was role playing or a real personality.

Our hostess started the evening with a reception of shrimp cocktails, cheese platters, and skewers.

Soon the Conductor was heard over the sound system calling "All aboard, All aboard!" and we moved onto dinner in the "Dining Cars".

The guests ate in multiple cars labeled 1st and 2nd class.

What fun it was to watch as some of the 2nd class passengers insist they should be in the 1st class dining.

For Dinner there was plated salad, stuffed Cornish game hens, roasted rosemary potatoes, and glazed carrots. This wonderful spread was enjoyed...

...amidst the sounds of a train rolling down the track and a blustery snow storm. We also used elegant china, silver, cloth napkins and candlelight. Our dinner was plated and served by the Porter and the Conductor. We utilized the internet and downloaded a lot of music (big band) from the late 40s and early 50s. Some of the guests even danced.

Coffee and dessert consisted of chocolate truffles with fresh raspberries and cream.

The quieter people came to life in round 2, with the scavenger hunt, as they ran everywhere looking for clues. Since nobody knew how long the mystery would last, our hostess was surprised that it was almost midnight by the time everyone found all the clues and conducted interviews!

The highlight of the night was supposed to be going out onto the porch (we're in the north and it's very cold) with our champagne and welcoming in the New Year as the Clock Tower (which is right in front of us) strikes midnight. It was foggy and we squinted to see the hands come together on the "12" but heard nothing. No chime. Did we make a mistake? Had any of us actually heard the clock chime at midnight to begin with? We all laughed, kissed and toasted, heading back inside from the cold. 12:04 a.m. and the clock suddenly starts chiming as if to laugh back at us.

The murderer was then revealed, awards given, and all the guests asked Penny to host another mystery as they left. Last Stop: Murder was a Big Hit.

Thanks for choosing us for your party, Penny, and we hope we can be part of the next one!