With a Vengeance - a plan for revenge becomes a murder mystery set on a speeding train.

It's 1954, and twelve years ago, when Anna Matheson was sixteen, she lost her entire family. Her brother was traveling with his WWII troops when the family's train, the Philadelphia Phoenix, was headed to Chicago when it exploded. Her father was killed in jail, after being convicted of crimes related to the accident. Her mother died soon after. Now, Anna has secured every seat on the same train and has invited the six people responsible for her family's deaths for a non-stop ride. Killing them is not her goal. She seeks justice and wants each to confess their crimes before handing them over to the FBI when they reach Chicago. But her plan quickly goes awry when one of the "guests" collapses and dies soon after they depart. And the deaths continue. Who is behind this, and will Anna live to see Chicago?

Riley Sager has written something a bit different. His thrillers, often spooky, are usually set in modern times. With a Vengeance is a historical thriller with a clever story and effective twists. While a murder mystery on a train is a familiar theme, this book stands on its own. I appreciated the detailed description of the luxury train setting, which enhanced the suspense. The backstories of the people invited on the train are eventually revealed, explaining their involvement in the train tragedy and their betrayal of Anna's father.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars.

Historical Thriller.

Publication Date: June 10, 2025.

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