Title: If We Were Villains
Author: M.L. Rio
First published April 11, 2017
354 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781250095282 (ISBN10: 125009528X)
Rating: 4.22
Overview
After spending ten years in prison for a murder he may or may not have committed, Oliver Marks is finally released. However, his freedom is short-lived as he is met by Detective Colborne, the man who put him behind bars.
Colborne is retiring and wants to know the truth about what really happened a decade ago. Oliver was once a part of a group of seven young actors studying Shakespeare at an elite arts college.
Their roles on and off stage began to intertwine, with the plays spilling dangerously over into their personal lives. When one of them is found dead, the group’s loyalty and trust are tested as they try to convince the police, and themselves, of their innocence.
The lines between reality and theatre blur once again as they face their toughest performance yet.
About the Author
M. L.
Rio has a passion for words that has led her on an interesting journey. She started as a bookworm, finding solace in the pages of her favorite books.
Later, she pursued acting, but ultimately found her way back to her love of language. She earned a master’s degree in Shakespeare Studies from King’s College London and Shakespeare’s Globe.
Today, she is an accomplished author who calls Washington, D.C. home. However, don’t rely on her online bios for current information, as she admits she’s not the best at keeping them up to date.
Editoral Review
If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio is a spellbinding novel that is a must-read for anyone interested in the intricacies of human relationships, the complexities of art and performance, and the darker side of ambition. The author masterfully blends together themes of love, friendship, loyalty, betrayal, and crime into a beautifully woven and compelling narrative.
The book tells the story of seven acting students at a prestigious arts conservatory in the United States, who are about to embark on their final year when the friendship between two of them takes a deadly turn. The story unfolds in a series of flashbacks and present-day interrogations, as the students recount their memories and experiences of the events leading up to the tragedy.
The characters in the book are well-drawn and complex, each with their own personal demons, secrets, and motivations. The author does an excellent job of gradually revealing the various layers of the characters, keeping the reader intrigued and invested in their stories.
The setting of the book is also noteworthy, as it is set in the world of theatre and acting, giving readers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the work that goes into producing a play. Rio’s writing style in If We Were Villains is poetic and evocative, with richly detailed descriptions and powerful metaphors that bring the scenes to life.
The pacing of the book is steady, with just the right amount of tension and suspense building up to the climactic ending. The plot is cleverly constructed, with several twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end.
One of the book’s strengths is its exploration of the themes of friendship and loyalty, and how they can be tested in extreme situations. The author does a great job of showing how different characters react to the same situation, and how their decisions and actions can have far-reaching consequences.
Another strength of the book is its exploration of the blurred lines between reality and performance, and how the two can often intersect in unexpected ways. The book is not without its flaws, however.
Some readers might find the multiple points of view and shifting timelines confusing, and the ending may leave some feeling unsatisfied. Additionally, the book contains some mature themes and violent content that might not be suitable for all readers.
Despite these minor criticisms, If We Were Villains is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that is sure to resonate with readers long after they have finished reading it. Fans of suspenseful literary fiction, crime thrillers, and books about the complexities of human relationships will find much to appreciate in this beautifully written and expertly crafted novel.
Highly recommended.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars.
