Love Murder on the Orient Express? Try These 3 Locked Room Mysteries Set on a Train
Disclosure: We are part of the Amazon Affiliate/LTK Creator programs. If you purchase a book, we will receive a small commission at no cost to you. This post may contain links to buy books, and you can read our affiliate disclosure here.
If you’re captivated by the intrigue of a locked-room mystery set aboard a train, you’re in for a treat. The confined space, the sense of movement, and the looming presence of an unknown killer make for the perfect backdrop for a gripping whodunit. If you loved Murder on the Orient Express, here are three must-read thrillers set on a train, each packed with suspense, deception, and unexpected twists.
1. With a Vengeance by Riley Sager
A high-stakes thriller where revenge and survival collide aboard a luxury overnight train.
Set in 1954, Anna Matheson has a plan—to bring justice to the six people responsible for her family’s ruin. She lures them onto a train traveling from Philadelphia to Chicago, intending to extract their confessions and ensure their arrest upon arrival. But when one of the passengers is murdered, Anna realizes she isn’t the only one seeking retribution. As the train speeds through the night, Anna must outwit an unknown killer determined to take out everyone on board. A gripping, relentless thriller filled with twists and suspense.
2. The Main Characters by Jaclyn Goldis
A psychological thriller where fiction and reality dangerously blur aboard the legendary Orient Express.
Renowned author Ginevra Ex is famous for transforming real lives into bestselling thrillers. Her latest subject, Rory, eagerly accepts a lavish train trip along Italy’s Mediterranean coast, only to discover that her brother, best friend, and ex-fiancé have also been invited—each with their own secrets. As the train winds through stunning locations, Rory realizes Ginevra has orchestrated more than just a luxurious getaway—she’s setting the stage for a real-life mystery, with Rory at the center. With betrayals, hidden motives, and deadly twists, Rory must uncover the truth before the journey ends in murder. Perfect for fans of locked-room mysteries and psychological suspense.
3. Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson
A self-aware, witty locked-room mystery set aboard a crime-writing festival on The Ghan, Australia’s luxury train.
Aspiring crime writer Ernest Cunningham boards the train hoping for inspiration for his next book. But when one of the festival’s authors is murdered, the remaining writers—each an expert in crime fiction—must work together to solve the case. With a train full of people who know exactly how to commit the perfect murder, identifying the killer proves far more challenging than expected. Blending humor, sharp wit, and classic whodunit vibes, Stevenson delivers a cleverly crafted mystery that keeps readers guessing until the very end.
the Book Rec Newsletter
Subscribe for weekly book recommendations perfect for a Mood Reading TBR , and update you on new blog posts!
Related Posts
Looking for more great reads? Check out these related posts:
- Bookish Cozy Mysteries
- Knitting Cozy Mysteries
- The Best New Thrillers of 2025 – 15 Suspenseful Reads You Can’t Miss
All Aboard for Suspense!
Locked-room mysteries set on trains are some of the most exhilarating reads in the thriller genre.
The isolated setting, the ticking clock, and the web of secrets among passengers create the perfect storm for tension-filled storytelling.
Which of these books will you be reading next? Have any other favorite train-bound mysteries? Share your recommendations in the comments!
Love book recommendations? Sign up for The Weekly Borrow for more curated picks straight to your inbox!