Review of With a Vengeance by Riley Sager
When I first stumbled upon With a Vengeance, the latest thriller from Riley Sager, I couldn’t resist the allure of a murder mystery set on a train. The idea of six wrongdoers herded together for a reckoning, all while racing across the snowy backdrop of 1942 America, felt both tantalizing and ripe with potential. As a long-time fan of Sager’s suspense-filled narratives, I hoped this installment would deliver another thrilling ride. Unfortunately, what followed felt more like an exercise in patience than an immersive journey into the depths of vengeance and mystery.
The premise is undoubtedly enticing: Anna Matheson, wronged and grieving, plans to confront the six people responsible for her family’s ruin. As the narrative unfolds over a thirteen-hour train ride from Philadelphia to Chicago, Sager sets a stage filled with inevitable confrontations and the promise of cathartic justice. The thematic threads of grief, revenge, and toxic relationships are beautifully woven into Anna’s character, making her a poignant figure in the face of her family’s tragic past.
However, while the potential was there, the execution left much to be desired. The narrative unfolds slowly, with a tendency to get bogged down in repetitive dialogue and unnecessary character backstories—at times feeling more like a tedious soap opera than a gripping thriller. I found myself craving suspense, yet often drowning in details that added little to the main plot. As I raced through the pages, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this story could have been tightened significantly—it definitely would have benefited from a good 100 pages cut!
Sager’s signature style shines in the beautifully crafted cover design and some clever character portrayals, but I frequently found myself rolling my eyes at the unrealistic dialogue and plot holes. For example, Anna’s insistence on gathering her enemies aboard a train without a solid escape plan seemed contrived, and the rationale behind certain character decisions often felt flimsy. The bizarre twists—such as a character faking death or an impractically timed betrayal—only added layers of disbelief that dulled the trained eye.
One of the standout moments, however, involved the eerie atmosphere of the train as chaos unfolded, reminiscent of the 1985 film Clue. The tension mounted with each chapter, but by the time of the big reveals, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of fatigue rather than exhilaration. The ending felt rushed and overwrought, veering into territory that lacked the clever resolution I had hoped for.
What I appreciated, though, was Sager’s inclusion of diverse characters and the exploration of their complex relationships, adding refreshing depth to the narrative tapestry. Still, the overarching narrative structure left me wanting, as authenticity and clarity were sacrificed for the sake of convoluted plot twists that left me scratching my head in frustration.
In conclusion, With a Vengeance could find an audience among die-hard thriller enthusiasts and those who revel in intricate narratives full of twists. While it may not resonate with everyone—especially readers who value crisp pacing and logical consistency—it still carries the moody essence of a Riley Sager novel. For me, it was a mixed bag: a thrilling concept weighed down by execution not quite matching the ambition. In the end, though Sager’s evocative themes of revenge and betrayal lingered with me, the journey felt more like a slow crawl than a captivating sprint.
If you’re seeking an escape into a world of secrets and layered histories, this might just be your ride. Otherwise, perhaps consider hopping on a different train.
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