If We Were Villains by M L Rio

If We Were Villains by M L Rio

If We Were Villains is M L Rio's debut novel, published in 2017. She has since published a second novel, Hot Wax, as well as short story called Graveyard Shift. If We Were Villains is an Amazon Editors' Pick for Best Mystery, Thriller, and Suspense. It deals with bullying, death, drug abuse and addiction, mental illness, an eating disorder, references of physical abuse, violence, blood vomit, grief, murder, and injury detail.

Ten years ago, Oliver went to prison but the detective who put him there was never sold on the story that Oliver told him. Now that Oliver is out on parole, he agrees to tell Detective Colborne the whole story. He tells the story of seven close-knit Shakespearean actors attending Dellecher Classical Conservatory in Illinois. Seven young adults who embody the roles that they play: the hero, the ingenue, the tyrant, the sexpot. The villain. But in their fourth year, roles get changed around and rivalries rear up until the students are faced with real tragedy.

I really enjoyed this one. I have read that it is very similar to Donna Tartt's The Secret History, which is also on my list but I have been unable to get so far. The characters in this book are all a little annoying and a lot pretentious, but it didn't make me dislike them. Instead, it made the characters feel exactly as young as they are. I can see how it may not be the case for some people (I'm sure many people found it annoying), but I thought the characters quoting Shakespeare randomly added to their naivete while showing that they really thought they were worldly. Plus, I've learned that the author was a student of Shakespearean theater herself, so I think that lends some credence to the way the characters act. The setting was great, M L Rio really did a wonderful job of highlighting how secluded the group of characters was. And I loved the way the novel was cut into acts and scenes, with the book following the pattern of one of Shakespeare's plays while using those same plays to showcase what the characters are going through. Rio did an excellent job of using Hamlet in particular to evoke a feeling of unease and suspense, it made me want to sit down immediately and watch a really good interpretation of the play.

I'm giving If We Were Villains by M L Rio 4.5 stars out of 5. I thought it was really well done and I'm excited to see what else M L Rio has done.

Pairs well with mashed potatoes and knowing when not to bite your thumb at someone.