Riley Sager has long been synonymous with psychological thrillers that blur the lines between reality and perception, but With a Vengeance marks a bold departure into historical fiction that proves the author’s remarkable versatility. Set against the backdrop of 1954 America, this claustrophobic thriller transforms a luxury train journey into a pressure cooker of vengeance, murder, and moral complexity that rivals the best of Agatha Christie while maintaining Sager’s signature psychological depth.
The novel follows Anna Matheson, a woman haunted by the destruction of her family twelve years prior, as she orchestrates an elaborate scheme to bring six conspirators to justice aboard the Philadelphia Phoenix. What begins as a carefully planned confrontation quickly spirals into a deadly game of cat and mouse when passengers start dying, forcing Anna to protect the very people she despises most.
The Anatomy of Revenge: Character Development and Motivation
Anna Matheson: A Protagonist Forged by Trauma
Anna Matheson stands as one of Sager’s most compelling protagonists, a character whose quest for justice teeters precariously between righteousness and obsession. Raised in privilege and devastated by loss, Anna embodies the psychological complexity that defines the best revenge narratives. Her transformation from a grieving daughter to a calculating orchestrator of justice reveals layers of moral ambiguity that keep readers questioning their sympathies throughout the journey.
The author masterfully explores how trauma shapes identity, presenting Anna not as a simple victim seeking revenge, but as a woman grappling with the weight of inherited responsibility. Her relationship with her deceased family members, particularly her brother Tommy, drives her actions in ways that feel both deeply personal and universally relatable. The pin she wears—a silver locomotive belonging to her father—serves as both a talisman and a burden, symbolizing the weight of memory and the price of survival.
The Ensemble of Guilt: Supporting Characters
The six conspirators aboard the Phoenix represent a cross-section of American society in the post-war era, each carrying their own secrets and motivations. Sager avoids the trap of creating one-dimensional villains, instead crafting characters whose participation in the conspiracy stems from recognizable human weaknesses: greed, fear, misplaced loyalty, and survival instinct.
Particularly compelling is the relationship between Anna and Sally Lawrence, her father’s former secretary who betrayed the family’s trust. Their interactions crackle with the tension of intimate betrayal, as Sager explores how personal relationships complicate simple notions of justice and revenge. The revelation of Sally’s motivations—blackmail involving her sexuality in an era of severe social persecution—adds layers of complexity that elevate the narrative beyond simple moral categorization.
Setting as Character: The Philadelphia Phoenix
Luxury and Claustrophobia
The Philadelphia Phoenix itself becomes a character in Sager’s capable hands, its art deco luxury serving as both refuge and prison. The author’s meticulous attention to period detail creates an immersive experience that transports readers to an era when train travel represented the height of sophisticated transportation. The descriptions of peacock blue velvet, chenille upholstery, and Baccarat crystal glasses create a sensory richness that contrasts sharply with the violence that unfolds within these elegant confines.
The train’s layout becomes crucial to the mystery’s mechanics, with each car serving a specific purpose in the unfolding drama. From the first-class lounge where the initial confrontation occurs to the observation car with its panoramic windows, every space on the Phoenix feels intentionally designed to heighten tension and limit escape options.
Historical Context and Atmosphere
Set in 1954, the novel captures a pivotal moment in American history when the shadows of World War II still lingered while the country moved toward prosperity and social change. Sager skillfully weaves historical details throughout the narrative, from references to the Korean War to the emergence of commercial aviation as a threat to railway travel. This historical grounding gives weight to the characters’ actions and motivations, particularly regarding wartime profiteering and the moral compromises made during global conflict.
Plot Construction: A Masterclass in Pacing
The Locked Room Mystery Elevated
While the basic premise of a luxury train murder mystery might seem familiar, Sager subverts expectations at every turn. The revelation that multiple killers operate with different motives transforms what could have been a straightforward whodunit into a complex exploration of justice, revenge, and moral ambiguity. The author’s decision to reveal early that Judd Dodge faked his death demonstrates confidence in the story’s deeper mysteries, shifting focus from simple identification to the more complex question of justified retribution.
The pacing maintains relentless tension throughout the thirteen-hour journey, with each revelation peeling back layers of conspiracy while raising new questions. Sager’s chapter structure, marked by decreasing hours until arrival, creates an inexorable sense of approaching resolution that drives readers forward even as the situation becomes increasingly complex.
Moral Complexity and Grey Areas
Perhaps the novel’s greatest strength lies in its refusal to provide easy answers about justice and revenge. Anna’s struggle between her desire for vengeance and her moral compass creates genuine internal conflict that resonates beyond the specific circumstances of the plot. The introduction of Seamus Callahan, whose brother died in the same conspiracy, adds another layer of moral complexity as readers witness how grief and loss can drive individuals toward very different responses.
The relationship between Anna and Dante Wentworth, son of the conspiracy’s mastermind, provides some of the novel’s most emotionally resonant moments. Their romantic history and current circumstances create a subplot that humanizes both characters while exploring themes of inherited guilt and the possibility of redemption across generational lines.
Strengths and Minor Weaknesses
What Works Exceptionally Well
The novel’s greatest achievements lie in its character development and atmospheric detail. Sager’s ability to create sympathy for morally compromised characters demonstrates sophisticated storytelling that trusts readers to navigate complex emotional terrain. The historical setting feels authentic without becoming overwhelming, supporting rather than dominating the narrative.
The mystery’s resolution proves both surprising and satisfying, with clues planted throughout that reward careful readers while never feeling forced or contrived. The multiple reveals maintain momentum without becoming convoluted, and the final confrontation provides appropriate emotional catharsis.
Areas for Consideration
While the novel largely succeeds in its ambitious scope, some readers might find the large cast of characters occasionally difficult to track, particularly in the early chapters where motivations remain unclear. Additionally, certain dramatic moments, particularly those involving the train’s roof during a blizzard, strain credibility despite their undeniable entertainment value.
The novel’s length, while generally well-paced, includes some sequences that feel slightly extended beyond their dramatic necessity. However, these minor pacing issues pale in comparison to the overall achievement of sustaining tension across such an extended narrative timeframe.
Literary Merit and Genre Positioning
Comparison to Previous Works
Readers familiar with Sager’s previous novels, including Final Girls, The Only One Left, Middle of the Night, and Home Before Dark, will recognize the author’s signature exploration of trauma and its long-term effects. However, With a Vengeance by Riley Sager represents a significant evolution in scope and ambition, demonstrating growth in historical research and period atmosphere while maintaining the psychological depth that defines the author’s best work.
The shift from contemporary settings to historical fiction showcases Sager’s versatility while proving that the themes explored in previous works—survival, guilt, and the price of truth—transcend specific time periods.
Genre Excellence and Innovation
Within the historical mystery genre, With a Vengeance by Riley Sager stands alongside classics like The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton and The Thursday Murder Club series by Richard Osman, though it distinguishes itself through its darker psychological depth and moral ambiguity. The novel successfully bridges the gap between historical fiction and contemporary thriller sensibilities, creating something that feels both timeless and immediate.
Recommendations for Similar Reads
Readers who enjoy With a Vengeance by Riley Sager might appreciate:
- The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid for its historical scope and complex character relationships
- The Invisible Bridge by Julie Orringer for its exploration of family trauma during wartime
- The Orient Express series by Agatha Christie for classic train-based mysteries
- The Alice Network by Kate Quinn for its blend of historical fiction and revenge narrative
- The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley for contemporary locked-room mystery elements
Final Verdict: A Journey Worth Taking
With a Vengeance by Riley Sager succeeds on multiple levels, functioning as both an effective thriller and a thoughtful exploration of justice, revenge, and moral complexity. Sager has crafted a novel that honors the conventions of classic mystery fiction while bringing contemporary psychological insight to bear on timeless themes of guilt and retribution.
The book’s exploration of how trauma shapes identity and motivates action feels particularly relevant to contemporary readers, while its historical setting provides enough distance to examine these themes without the complications of modern sensibilities. The result is a novel that satisfies on both entertainment and literary levels, proving that genre fiction can tackle serious themes without sacrificing narrative drive.
For readers seeking sophisticated mystery fiction that respects their intelligence while delivering genuine surprises, With a Vengeance represents Riley Sager at the height of their powers. The novel demonstrates that the author’s evolution continues in promising directions, suggesting even greater achievements lie ahead.
I received an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, much like Anna Matheson received an invitation to board a train under false pretenses—though thankfully, my literary journey proved far less dangerous and considerably more rewarding than her vengeful expedition aboard the Philadelphia Phoenix.