Detective Sergeant Riley Character Analysis in The Girl on the Train

Detective Sergeant Riley is a young female detective working Megan’s case. Riley, like Gaskill, is suspicious and wary of Rachel—but unlike Gaskill, Riley is more ready to pin Rachel down as a “sad” and lonely liar whose involvement in Megan’s disappearance stems her desire to be a part of something.

Detective Sergeant Riley Character Timeline in The Girl on the Train

The timeline below shows where the character Detective Sergeant Riley appears in The Girl on the Train. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...taken to a room where she met with Gaskill and a female officer, Detective Sergeant Riley. Rachel described the redheaded man she saw at the train station and reported that he... (full context)

...changed some details to make it more believable—implying that it is a lie. Gaskill and Riley continued badgering Rachel about the story, insisting that she wanted to harm the child and... (full context)

Gaskill and Riley began to suggest that perhaps Rachel attacked Megan, believing that she was Anna—both women, they... (full context)

As Gaskill and Riley continued to press Rachel about her physical injuries and the taxi accident in London, Rachel... (full context)

...the day before. He tells Rachel that he mentioned the tip about Dr. Abdic to Riley—but he left Rachel’s name out of it. Scott seems to truly believe that Abdic has... (full context)

...first child broke. Detectives believe the deceased baby’s father may have killed Megan. Gaskill and Riley have questioned Scott about the story—but Scott knows very little about Megan’s past. He believes... (full context)

...won’t leave them alone—or let him go. Anna picks up the phone and calls Detective Riley. (full context)

Gaslighting, Memory, Repression, and the Self Theme Icon

...by informing him about Kamal, but Scott accuses Rachel of being “insane.” He says that Riley asked him if he and Rachel are in a relationship—and that he answered her by... (full context)

...to do with this realization. She calls Tom’s house but then hangs up. She calls Riley’s office and hangs up again. Rachel is sure that no one will believe her. She... (full context)

...ambulance that night—it arrived too late to save Tom. The police and detectives Gaskill and Riley showed up, and Anna answered all their initial questions as Rachel sat in shock on... (full context)