Set in 1954, With a Vengeance unfolds aboard the luxurious Philadelphia Phoenix, heading non‑stop from Philadelphia to Chicago. Anna Matheson, the daughter of a railroad magnate, experienced profound trauma twelve years prior: her brother died, her father was framed and imprisoned (soon to perish), and her mother took her own life. Acquiring compelling evidence, Anna orchestrates a trap—convincing six individuals who conspired against her family to board the train under false pretenses.
The plan is straightforward: compel each co‑conspirator to confess, then turn them over to the FBI upon arrival. But when one passenger is discovered murdered mid‑journey, Anna’s scheme unravels. As the train speeds forward, more killings follow—revealing that someone else aboard is pursuing vengeance. With no stops and no escape, Anna must identify the killer and protect those she despises—all within thirteen tense hours.
🕵️♀️ Setting & Atmosphere
Sager turns the train into more than just a backdrop—it’s a character itself. Critics unanimously praised the claustrophobic, period‑rich environment: from the elegant art‑deco lounge to the stormy blizzard outside, each compartment bristles with anxiety. One review compared it to a “pressure cooker of vengeance, murder, and moral complexity”. The countdown structure—chapter headers ticking down the hours to Chicago—adds relentless momentum.
🎭 Characters: Revenge, Trauma, and Moral Ambiguity
- Anna Matheson
Described across critiques as a deeply complex protagonist, Anna is neither wholly victim nor villain. She is a “forged by trauma” avenger, shaped by grief and grief‑induced drive. Her morally ambiguous mission raises the question: can vengeance align with justice?. - The Co‑Conspirators
Among the six invited are Sallie (the secretary), Judd (engineer), Sal (who hid her sexuality in a prejudiced era), and more. Reviewers note these figures aren’t one‑dimensional villains—their motives spring from fear, loyalty, ambition, or survival. This nuanced portrayal invites sympathy even as they become targets. - Supporting Cast
Anna’s romantic history with Dante Wentworth. The introduction of Seamus, another victim’s relative, broadens the moral landscape. Some reviewers found that with so many characters, a few lacked emotional depth .
🧩 Mystery and Pacing: Strengths and Gaps
What works:
- The locked‑train premise revives classic “locked room” mysteries, including nods to Orient Express—a point echoed by multiple critics.
- Clues are planted skillfully, misdirections are well‑orchestrated, and the core twist—multiple avengers—adds unexpected layers .
- Sager balances historical authenticity with psychological suspense, grounding even the cinematic elements.
Where it falters:
- Some critics label it “mid‑pack” or “mixed feelings,” citing imbalances in character development and pacing .
- A few reviewers found the bulk of setup—introducing conspirators and motives—drawn out, making the early chapters feel sluggish.
- Certain plot contrivances and coincidences (e.g., the survival of clues, timing of murders) felt strained .
- Several said the multitude of POV characters diluted narrative focus .
💭 Critical Perspectives
Several reviews offer contrasting viewpoints:
- Thrill‑seeker’s delight: Book CLB praised the moral complexity and lush period detail, granting it a strong recommendation.
- Edge‑of‑seat suspense: Bookish Elf framed the novel as a character‑driven thrill ride, innovating on familiar tropes with emotional gravity.
- Mildly underwhelming: Capes and Tights appreciated the atmosphere but wished for more originality in plot and deeper character connection.
- Negative comparisons: Novel Deelights dismissed it as derivative of Orient Express, finding the cast unengaging and the premise over‑used.
A range of reader responses from NetGalley mirror this diversity:
“Engaging, fast‑paced… I couldn’t put it down.”
“Quite dull… too slow paced… not enough show.”
🔍 Themes and Literary Merit
- Justice vs. Vengeance
At the heart of the novel is Anna’s moral quandary: does revenge equal vindication or perpetuate harm? Scholars observe this tension as thought-provoking. - Trauma’s Legacy
The narrative explores how unresolved grief can redirect into obsession, flipping victimhood into a darker form of power . - Social Reflection
Framing the tragedy in a post‑war 1954 setting, Sager weaves in themes of discrimination, wartime profiteering, and class inequality.
📈 Comparisons & Recommendations
- Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express
Nearly all critics draw parallels—same train‑locked format and social interplay. Some see Sager’s version as a refreshing nod; others find it too derivative. - Other Riley Sager novels
Compared to Final Girls, Home Before Dark, or Middle of the Night, this title is more ambitious in scope and period detail, though occasionally lacking psychological punch. - Literary peers
Readers who enjoy The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo or The Thursday Murder Club may appreciate the blend of historical setting, mystery, and character study.
Bottom line: If you love historical mysteries with layered character motivations, rich period detail, and aren’t bothered by pacing dips or classic tropes, this is worth a ride.
✅ Final Thoughts
Strengths:
- Immersive 1950s train‑setting and tension-rich atmosphere
- Anna’s morally grey journey invites ethical reflection
- Multiple layers of mystery enhance engagement
- Some repetitive or slow exposition
- Large cast can overcomplicate narrative
- Familiar plot structure won’t surprise seasoned whodunit fans
With a Vengeance offers a compelling, atmospheric mystery that rooms within a classic framework while wrestling with modern themes of trauma and retribution. Depending on your threshold for pace and procedural familiarity, it can be deeply satisfying—or mildly disappointing. Still, critics agree it’s a journey worth undertaking—and one that reveals Riley Sager’s growing literary ambition.
Also Read: Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil: By V.E. Schwab (Book Review)
