# If We Were Villains - Paperback

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by **M. L. Rio** (Author)

**"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_ 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."

### Author Biography

**M. L. Rio** has worked in bookstores and theatres for years, and holds a master's in Shakespeare studies from King's College London. _If We Were Villains_ is her debut novel.

**Number of Pages:** 368

**Dimensions:** 1 x 8.1 x 5.4 IN

**Publication Date:** April 17, 2018

## Details

- **Price:** 25.99 GBP
- **Vendor:** BooksCloud
- **Type:** Books
- **Tags:** Books, Coming of Age, Fiction, Literary, Price Written on Book, Suspense, Thrillers

## Variants

| Variant | Price | Available |
|---------|-------|-----------|
| Default Title | 25.99 GBP | In stock |

## Images

- If We Were Villains

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> Updated: 2026-08-22