If We Were Villains

by Rio, M. L.
ISBN: 9781250289780
4.8 (6)
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Used - Trade Paperback - 9781250289780

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Overview

"Much like Donna Tartt's The Secret History, M. L. Rio's sparkling debut is a richly layered story of love, friendship, and obsession...will keep you riveted through its final, electrifying moments."
--Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney, New York Times bestselling author of The Nest

"Nerdily (and winningly) in love with Shakespeare...Readable, smart."
--New York Times Book Review

On the day Oliver Marks is released from jail, the man who put him there is waiting at the door. Detective Colborne wants to know the truth, and after ten years, Oliver is finally ready to tell it.

A decade ago: Oliver is one of seven young Shakespearean actors at Dellecher Classical Conservatory, a place of keen ambition and fierce competition. In this secluded world of firelight and leather-bound books, Oliver and his friends play the same roles onstage and off: hero, villain, tyrant, temptress, ingénue, extras.

But in their fourth and final year, good-natured rivalries turn ugly, and on opening night real violence invades the students' world of make-believe. In the morning, the fourth-years find themselves facing their very own tragedy, and their greatest acting challenge yet: convincing the police, each other, and themselves that they are innocent.

If We Were Villains, now available with beautiful stained edges, was named one of Bustle's Best Thriller Novels of the Year, and Mystery Scene says, "A well-written and gripping ode to the stage...A fascinating, unorthodox take on rivalry, friendship, and truth."

  • Format: TradePaperback
  • Author: Rio, M. L.
  • ISBN: 9781250289780
  • Condition: Used
  • Dimensions: 8.25 x 1.00
  • Number Of Pages: 368
  • Publication Year: 2024
Language: English

Customer Reviews

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5 ★   83%
4 ★   17%
3 ★   0%
2 ★   0%
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4.8
6 Ratings

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  • Shakespearian drama of Murderous Proportions

    Stephanie D. - 3 years 2 months ago

    Hold on to your Shakespearian Grammar! This book follows a group of drama students who ONLY study Shakespeare and this year, it's Tragedies. Things quickly get out of hand as the life they lead starts to reflects the tragedies they study. Filled with Shakespeare, fellowship, murder and betrayal this is one you definitely don't want to miss!

    HPB Staff Review

  • Dark Academia Bliss

    Elizabeth H. - 4 years 6 months ago

    I love this book. Shakespeare. Murder. Theatre. Mystery. Dark Academia. What more could you ask for?

  • Well developed characters, Succinct writing. Fun story

    Lisa K. - 5 years 5 months ago

    I thought it was great! Interesting characters and story. Fun and easy to read.

  • The Dark If We Were Villains

    Alma B. - 5 years 8 months ago

    If We Were Villains was the perfect blend of Shakespearean excellence mixed with the entertainment that we all crave from our favorite books. I have heard it being compared to The Secret History and people have stated that it is far less superior but I would have to disagree. The book is separate from The Secret History and features a much different cast of characters and should only be compared because of it's Dark Academia rather than it's writing style. Really excellent read overall that gripped me from start to finish. #bannedbook candidate.

  • TALENTED BRILLIANT INCREDIBLE AMAZING SHOWSTOPPING

    Lisa D. - 6 years ago

    Incredible. Literally SPECTACULAR. If you love The Secret History, The Likeness, or any gorgeously written thriller, pick this up. You will NOT regret it!