Riley Sager creates an enticing mystery, housed within the walls of a train that leaps off the page and keeps readers guessing until the end.

We're instantly thrown onto the train, without much context as to how we arrived there. Throughout the novel, more pieces are revealed that ultimately lead to a satisfying end.

What worked for me were the narration switches where we'd focus on some of the suspects and get a window into what they were doing, as well as following our main character and trying to piece together what happened. There were so many breadcrumbs that could lead a reader to the ending, but also weren't incredibly obvious that one could guess what would happen next.

Definitely a favorite by the author, and one I'm excited to share with people going forward.

Thank you Netgalley for letting me read this early in exchange for a review!

Sigh. Okay. You would think I would have completely loved this book by Riley Sager. Normally, I love what he rights, especially when we don't go down the occult/supernatural rabbit hole. I HATE that. So this book didn't have that.

Here's the issue: it reads almost EXACTLY like Murder on the Orient Express or And Then There Were None. Every person has been gathered on the bus for one reason. They are all connected to the crime and they must pay for their actions. We know that right off the bat. We also know what the crime was right off the bat. Then the book reads like Alfred Hitchcock's film "Strangers on a Train"

I did enjoy the book, don't get me wrong. Well parts of it. Some of it was pure ridiculousness--like some of the murders were just eye rolling. And I did expect the twist. After all, it was the oldest reason in the book <spoiler> scorned lover. The ultimate reason to destroy a man's reputation was because of a girl, a girl who was pregnant with the bad dude's baby </spoiler>

I love books that take place in this time period though so that was a perk. Very different setting for a Sager novel. That made the reading unique.

Seeking revenge for the deaths of her family members Anna dupe the guilty to take a luxury train trip straight to the FBI in Chicago. A solid locked room mystery on board commences early with deaths and much finger pointing the twists just didn’t get twisty enough for a higher rating. Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for an advanced copy for an honest review.

An obvious ode to Agatha Christie, With a Vengeance by Riley Sager definitely delivers on atmosphere and red herrings. Where I as a reader felt a disconnect were the characters. The main heroine, Anna Matherson, has collected the six people responsible for destroying her family on a nonstop train trip from Philadelphia to Chicago. The broad concept is interesting, but in execution it is a wee bit convoluted. But it’s pointed out enough that I believe Sager realized this and was comfortable with the dramatic turns. I have only read a handful of Sager books and correct me if I’m wrong, but this seems like their most traditionally mystery-coded; so as a first attempt, I’m intrigued. Sager still includes some of the creepy gore that I recognize from previous titles. I think this is a great entry into the train mysteries subgenre and one I think classic who-dunnit fans will enjoy.

This was a solid murder mystery set on a non-stop train from Philadelphia to Chicago. While it wasn't particularly fast-paced, it moved steadily enough to keep me engaged throughout. The twists weren't jaw-dropping, but they were unexpected and added to the enjoyment. I’m looking forward to reading more of this author’s books in the future. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this advanced reader’s copy.

Riley Sager returns with a fast-paced whodunnit that keeps you guessing until the very end. The plot keeps you engaged as a reader and while there are multiple characters, it never gets overwhelming or too involved. This one will keep you up late because you won’t want to put it down. 3.5/5

What happens when you get together all the people that framed your father for a crime on to one train? This has probably been one of my most anticipated reads of the year and I could not wait to get my grubby hands on it. I screamed when I saw this approval come through. I absolutely love the premise of this and could not wait to jump in. Clue meets Orient Express. This honestly felt so claustrophobic to me with that locked room vibe, but in the train setting. I loved each twist and turn in this book. Each person is a suspect and I love books like this that make me question everyone. Riley Sager has a perfect way of masterfully creating his books that keep you hooked from the get go. This one was no exception. Thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to read this early!

This was a pretty solid thriller! It was very different from his other books as it was set in the 1950’s instead of present day. I loved how the whole book was set on a train. It made for the perfect locked room mystery!

I enjoyed reading the different perspectives of the guests on the train. It was so interesting to read their thoughts and understand their motivations.

I also really loved how this book was organized hour by hour. It made for a super suspenseful read knowing that time was running out!

I will say that I did find this one a bit predictable. I figured out who the killer was quite early on in the book and kept hoping that I was wrong. I wanted more of a twist!

I would totally recommend this to fans of Agatha Christie’s books, especially Murder on the Orient Express and And Then There Were None, as this was a really good blend of the two.

This was a little ridiculous but definitely a fun, thrilling read.

I've equally liked and disliked past Riley Sager books, usually much preferring his books that don't have a paranormal/ ghosty twist. "With a Vengeance" was an enjoyable, gripping thriller with an intriguing plot and snowy winter setting. But, I wish there was more to it. It's literally just revenge on a train.

There were no overarching themes or messages and the characters didn't undergo any development (though the book is set over a number of hours, so this is understandable). It didn't leave me with anything to think about or reflect on. Basically, I wish this had more substance and more to say, but I understand that's not really what it was trying to be.

There were soo many characters that were equally horrible, so it was a little difficult to keep track of who was who. I needed the characters to be more fleshed out; we only get one page that explains their motivations, so I never got a chance to care about them or their deaths. Give me a moral dilemma!! I know they did something bad, but make me care about them and understand them so that I feel something when their life is in danger.
Nevertheless, I did enjoy this 'and then there were none'/ 'one by one everyone dies' thriller, when I usually don't like that trope. This was told in a more unique way, so it did work for me in this story.

TLDR: I had fun with this, but will probably not think about it again. It is a large cast, locked room, revenge thriller. Would definitely recommend if you've liked Sager's past books, or if the synopsis intrigues you.

Sager is so back!!!! 🚂🖤🔪 WITH A VENGEANCE is his best release in 3 years—and this will be such a fun summer binge!

Sager’s recent releases have been a bit subpar for my thriller taste and i’ve been missing his earlier work like FINAL GIRLS or HOME BEFORE DARK where he went there. but he finally is back in that space with this new release!!! WITH A VENGEANCE has tons of action (some of it is even a little gruesome).

if you were upset by his slow burn mysteries in his last 2-3 books, you’ll be pleased with how fast moving and action-packed this thriller is! it’s also such a creative revenge plot—6 people are lured into a 14-hour train ride that turns deadly 👀 there are MULTIPLE twists and suspicious murders and all the action made this so entertaining. Sager makes you suspect everyone and it makes for such a good mystery filled with tension and drama! 

WITH A VENGANCE is all about revenge. Anna’s life was destroyed by six people and she’s determined to get justice. she lures them on a 14-hour train ride—where they are the only passangers—to send them to Chicago’s FBI team where the evidence lies. but when one of them is murdered, her entire plan is at risk 👀

i just thought this was so fun! it’s going to be a perfect summer thriller binge by the pool and i think readers will really like the murder mystery and the revenge plot. i really liked Anna and learning all the characters’ involvement in what happened. plus it was atmospheric—having all the characters locked in a train made for a really intense, anxiety-inducing race to the finish line.

similar to Lisa Jewell’s new release, the ending of this was a little too wrapped up for my thriller taste. i am desperately missing the shocking endings thrillers had 4-5 years ago!!

👇🏼 for reference, here are my top 3 faves of his
1️⃣ FINAL GIRLS
2️⃣ THE HOUSE ACROSS THE LAKE
3️⃣ HOME BEFORE DARK

Sager is one of the most consistent airport thriller writers around. He knocks out a book a year, shifting genres, and always delivering a fun book which can get you through a 3 hour flight give or take. This is a Christie style locked room mystery where the room is an empty train in 1942 full of people who destroyed a women’s family, who she was bringing to justice and who keep dying. Very comfortable beats, I didn’t always see what the twists were going to be, but I knew they were coming. Sager doesn’t usually take big chances, this isn’t a gastronomical delight, but instead a local diner burger made well and very filling.

Actually not my favorite Sager novel by a long shot. I DNF'd around 30%. Patrons are likely to still request and check out the book, owing to the popularity of the author. This is the second book in a row from Sager that I haven't cared for.

Sager's take on a locked room mystery! Or in this case, a locked room train. I liked the setting and enjoyed that it was historical. I also appreciate that the MC has a legitimate beef with the people she gathers on the train. The only thing about Sager, is that he always throws in too many twists, to the point where it gets ridiculous. Still, I liked this a lot and do recommend.

Great take on a who dunnit. It kept me guessing until the end. I enjoyed the storyline, settling and pace if the novel. If you've enjoyed Riley Sager's previous novels you will enjoy this one.

Anna Matheson had an idyllic life, with parents who were deeply in love, a brother she looked up to, and plenty of wealth from her father’s successful train line. But when six people destroy her family she decides to seek vengeance. She invites them all on a 13 hour train trip to Chicago, which will culminate in her delivering them to the FBI. But an unexpected visitor and potentially murderous passengers send Anna’s plan into directions she wasn’t anticipating.

It was pretty gutsy to write a locked room mystery set on a train since I can’t imagine anything holding up Murder on the Orient Express, and unfortunately this one did not measure up. I have never read anything by Riley Sagar so perhaps his writing is just not to my taste, but this was not the exciting popcorn thriller that I was anticipating. The first half was slow, and then when the action got going it involved A LOT of people running up and down the train cars while shadowy figures slipped out of their view. There were plenty of twists at the end, but at that point I just wasn’t that invested plus it all stretched credibility a bit too far.

Read this if: you like plot-based thrillers and don’t mind a slow start.

Skip this if: you prefer books with deeper character development.

Pains me to say I think I’m done with Sagers books :( his early books were soooo good I always had the chills… but now, they’re more dragging mystery than eerie thriller :( oh well…. If you like whodunit books you’ll like this one.

I am a Riley sager CONNOISSEUR!! I’ve read every one of his books & he always does a good job of keeping us on our toes & keeping me entertained.

While this book was a bit slow at start for me, I was absolutely hooked by the middle & had about 6 different guesses as to who would be the bad guy!!

This plot is a bit of a revenge tale about a woman who lost her entire family after her father was framed & wrongly accused by those closest to him & his family. Now, she’s got all of those at fault on a non-stop train ride and wants them to pay. But nothing goes as expected & there may just be a murderer on board…

With a Vengeance has all the hallmarks of a Riley Sager thriller—an intriguing setup, a mysterious past, and a lead character caught in the middle of something dangerous. The premise is compelling, and there are definitely a few tense, page-turning moments that keep the plot moving.

That said, the book doesn’t quite hit the mark in the way some of Sager’s earlier titles have. While the twists are there, they don’t always feel fully earned, and some characters felt more like plot devices than real people. The pacing drags at times, and a few reveals are more predictable than surprising.

Still, there’s entertainment value here, especially for readers who enjoy a fast-paced, slightly pulpy thriller. It’s not Sager’s strongest work, but it’s readable—and fans of the genre may still find enough to enjoy if they go in with measured expectations.

A decent beach or weekend read, but not quite a standout.

3.5 ⭐️! only a few passengers on a train and one ends up dead. it’s all panic and accusations since one of the passengers is a killer. there are a few twists and shocking reveals throughout. the author makes you think you’ve figured it out and then totally backtracks. i enjoyed it but didn’t love it. i found myself bored a lot and it wasn’t super thrilling

thank you netgalley for the arc!!

What would you do if your family was ripped away from you as a child and you discovered that a group of people were responsible for their downfall? That is the question that Anna finds herself facing in With a Vengeance by Riley Sager. Anna finds herself on a train to Chicago with the very people responsible for her family's demise. She wants answers and she has a whole night to get the answers. When one of the passengers winds up dead everyone starts pointing fingers and nobody can be trusted. Will Anna get the vengeance she seeks or will her plans be spoiled?

This book is incredibly suspenseful. It will keep you guessing and trying to figure out who can be trusted and who might be next all the way until the unbelievable ending.