Riley Sager has built his reputation on delivering atmospheric thrillers with razor-sharp twists, and With a Vengeance is no exception. Set against the backdrop of a luxury overnight train in the early 1950s, this novel plunges readers into a classic locked-room mystery that feels at once nostalgic and propulsive. While it has divided readers, it remains a fascinating entry in Sager’s body of work.
The Setup
Anna Matheson has spent twelve long years waiting for her moment. After six people destroyed her family, she orchestrates an elaborate plan to gather them all aboard a first-class train bound from Philadelphia to Chicago. Her intention is simple: confront each one, force confessions, and deliver justice into the hands of authorities waiting at the end of the line.
But the plan unravels almost immediately. When one of the passengers is found murdered, it becomes clear that someone else is playing their own deadly game. Trapped inside a nonstop train, Anna must face a chilling reality: if she wants to survive, she must protect the very people she despises.
The Atmosphere
What makes this novel so compelling is its cinematic quality. Many readers have compared it to a black-and-white Hitchcock film, and for good reason. The confined setting of the train becomes a pressure cooker, with every compartment hiding secrets, and every hour raising the stakes. The dialogue crackles with tension, the characters reveal layers of deception, and the pacing mimics the steady rhythm of a train barreling through the night.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Fans of classic noir and Christie-style mysteries will appreciate the homage Sager pays to the genre. Anna is a strong protagonist who refuses to be reduced to a victim. Her grief is palpable, but so is her intelligence and relentless drive. The novel excels in building suspense and creating an old-Hollywood feel that keeps the pages turning.
That said, some readers may find the body count and final revelations veering into implausible territory. The last act borders on over the top, with chase scenes and dramatic reveals that may test believability. For those who prefer their mysteries rooted in realism, this could be a drawback.
Final Thoughts
With a Vengeance is a stylish revenge thriller that blends locked-room tension with noir flair. It is not Sager’s most universally loved novel, but for readers who enjoy atmospheric suspense, claustrophobic settings, and high-drama payoffs, it is a journey worth taking. Imagine Hitchcock meeting Agatha Christie on a 14-hour express train, and you will have the essence of this book.
If you are ready for a tense, cinematic ride filled with secrets, revenge, and survival, you can pick up your copy of With a Vengeance here: Buy on Amazon
