With a Vengeance – A Blood-Soaked Journey of Revenge Aboard a Locked Train | Book & Audiobook Review

1. About the Author: Riley Sager

Riley Sager is the pen name of an acclaimed American thriller author, known for his bestselling psychological suspense novels. With hits like Final Girls, The Last Time I Lied, and Home Before Dark, Sager has built a reputation for crafting intense, female-driven narratives filled with tension, twists, and eerie atmospheres.

His writing style often draws comparisons to classic noir and Hitchcockian suspense, with modern pacing and emotional depth. In With a Vengeance, he once again challenges genre conventions—this time aboard a luxury train bound for Los Angeles.

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2. About the Narrator: Erin Bennett

Erin Bennett is a prolific and award-nominated audiobook narrator, with over 400 titles to her name across Audible, Penguin Audio, and other platforms. Known for her expressive voice and distinct character portrayals, she has a strong following among audiobook enthusiasts.

Her narration is particularly effective for stories with strong female leads and psychological depth—making her the ideal voice for Sager’s latest protagonist. Her performance in With a Vengeance adds texture and tension that elevate the listening experience.

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3. About the Book: With a Vengeance

With a Vengeance is a historical thriller set in 1954 on a nonstop luxury train journey from Chicago to Los Angeles. When a murder occurs onboard, secrets unravel among the passengers, and one woman embarks on a path of long-awaited revenge.

This locked-room mystery combines the elegance of Agatha Christie with the psychological edge of Hitchcock. Themes of justice, hidden pasts, identity, and redemption run deep throughout the novel.

• Genre: Historical thriller, psychological mystery

• Release Date: June 10, 2025 (Dutton Books)

• Audiobook: 10 hours 40 minutes (Penguin Audio)

• Average Rating: 4.0/5 on Amazon (1,000+ reviews), 3.6/5 on NetGalley (300+ reviews)

• Bestseller: #1 on New York Times Bestseller List for thrillers in June 2025

• Sales: Among the top 3 bestselling historical thrillers in its release month

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4. Book Review

With a Vengeance is a gripping tale of secrets and revenge unfolding within the claustrophobic confines of a moving train. Riley Sager crafts a tightly woven narrative full of tension and misdirection. Each character harbors a secret, and the unraveling of their motives adds layers of suspense until the shocking final twist.

Strengths:

• Rich atmospheric setting reminiscent of classic noir.

• Multi-layered plot with an escalating sense of danger.

• Strong, complex female protagonist.

Weaknesses:

• Some pacing issues in the middle chapters.

• A dense cast of characters may overwhelm readers if not followed closely.

Notable Critic Quotes:

“Sager is a master of the modern mystery – and this one is his most ambitious yet.” – Bookreporter
“A love letter to Christie fans, but with Sager’s signature sting in the end.” – HorrorGeekLife

Personal Thoughts:
For readers who crave a blend of vintage suspense and contemporary psychological thrillers, With a Vengeance delivers. It reads like a noir film on rails—moody, thrilling, and ultimately satisfying.

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5. Audiobook Review

The audiobook edition of With a Vengeance, performed by Erin Bennett, is a powerful adaptation of the printed novel. Her narration gives voice to each character, enriching the tension and emotional resonance of the story.

Strengths:

• Clear character distinction through tone and pacing.

• Captures the protagonist’s inner turmoil effectively.

• Smooth, engaging narration that suits the story’s vintage atmosphere.

Weaknesses:

• Some action scenes lack urgency in vocal delivery.

• Demands close attention due to shifting timelines and flashbacks.

Notable Critic Quotes:

“Bennett’s voice adds weight and clarity to a tangled web of motives and murder.” – AudioFile Magazine
“Her narration is both haunting and grounded. A perfect match for Sager’s tale.” – Audible Listener Review

Personal Reflection:
This audiobook is an immersive experience. Erin Bennett’s performance enhances the story’s intensity and makes the complex narrative easier to follow. Highly recommended for audiobook fans who enjoy layered thrillers.

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6. Who Should Read This Book?

With a Vengeance is ideal for the following audiences:

• Fans of locked-room mysteries and classic whodunits with a modern edge.

• Riley Sager fans looking for his boldest plot yet.

• Thriller lovers who enjoy revenge narratives and psychological depth.

• Busy readers who prefer to listen on-the-go—this audiobook makes the experience seamless.

• Audiobook enthusiasts who appreciate a skilled, emotionally nuanced narration.

Whether you prefer reading or listening, this story’s confined setting and high stakes are bound to grip your attention.

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7. Conclusion

With a Vengeance is a standout thriller that fuses classic storytelling with modern psychological insight. Riley Sager once again proves his talent for spinning complex mysteries in immersive settings. Whether you’re new to his work or a longtime fan, this novel is a thrilling ride worth taking.

Add it to your reading list—or your Audible queue—today. This is one train you won’t want to miss.

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8. Where to Listen to the Audiobook

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You can listen on the following platforms:

• Audiobooks.com – Stream or download, with a free first book for new members.

• Audible – Free trial available with offline listening support.

We recommend signing up for a membership to enjoy seamless access to this and many other high-quality audiobooks anytime, anywhere.