IF WE WERE VILLAINS

If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio follows a group of seven young actors at a prestigious performing arts college, where they specialize in Shakespearean plays. The story is narrated by Oliver Marks, who has just been released from prison after serving ten years for a crime that took place during their final year at school.

The novel unfolds as Oliver recounts the events leading up to the death of one of their own, Richard, exploring the intense dynamics within their tight-knit circle. Each member of the group embodies a different archetype from Shakespeare's plays, and their lives become increasingly intertwined as they delve deeper into their roles both on and off the stage.

As the lines between performance and reality blur, tensions rise, and hidden rivalries emerge, leading to a tragic climax. The narrative masterfully weaves themes of friendship, jealousy, and ambition while exploring the darker aspects of art and the human psyche. Ultimately, Oliver must confront his past and the truth behind Richard's death, leading to a poignant exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and the cost of ambition.

If We Were Villains is not just a murder mystery; it's a literary exploration of the complexities of love, artistry, and the consequences of living life as if it were a stage play.