There are so many books on the market. From romance, mystery, fantasy, and so many more, knowing what type of book you’re interested in can be difficult. ‘If We Were Villains’ by M.L. Rio is the perfect book to read during the upcoming fall months.
Published by Flatiron Books in 2017, If We Were Villains is M.L. Rios’ debut novel. It is an international bestseller and has been published in 20 countries and 15 different languages.
The book has themes of dark academia and mystery. It follows a closely-knit group of seven Shakespearean actors who attend the Dellecher Classical Conservatory. As tensions rise during their senior year, good and healthy rivalries turn hostile.
The friend group includes Oliver, James, Richard, Alexander, Fillipa, Wren, and Merideth.
During their last year, they finally get to perform the plays they have been looking forward to the most: tragedies.
From Julius Caesar, Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, and King Lear, these tragedies start to consume their daily lives.
When the group finds their fellow friend dead, the biggest acting challenge yet is convincing themselves and the authorities that they are innocent.
The novel is told from Oliver Mark’s viewpoint, and after being in jail for 10 years, Detective Colborne, the man who put him there, wants to know the truth.
The plot is written beautifully with no holes, and all the characters are developed to perfection. Saying the book is action-packed would be an understatement.
When reading, you feel completely immersed within the story. From the Shakespearean references to the characters, Rios’ writing is second-to-none.
As the air grows cooler, and the leaves begin to fall, the dark academia and mystery aspects of If We Were Villains makes it the perfect book to cozy up next to this fall.
Author M.L. Rio was born in Miami and raised in North Carolina. She has an MA in Shakespeare studies from Kings College London and Shakespeare Globe. Additionally, she also holds a PhD in English literature from the University of Maryland, College Park. She currently lives in Washington, D.C. with her dog Marlowe.