If We Were Villains

If We Were Villains is a literary thriller set within the insular world of a classical theatre conservatory. M. L. Rio's 2017 debut follows a group of drama students bound by art, ambition, and a murder that fractures their tight-knit circle. The novel opens with the protagonist emerging from prison, then circles back to trace the events leading to a death that may not be what it seems.

Rio constructs a narrative dense with Shakespeare references and theatrical tension, where lines between performance and reality blur. The students inhabit a rarified ecosystem of rivalry, romance, and loyalty tested by circumstance. The prose mirrors the controlled intensity of stage work - dialogue-heavy in places, introspective in others - creating a compelling portrait of young artists grappling with fame, jealousy, and moral ambiguity.

This is a book for readers who appreciate character-driven narratives with literary depth, where the mystery serves the emotional stakes rather than overwhelming them. The closed setting and ensemble cast invite comparison to works like "The Secret History," though Rio's focus on theatre gives the story its own distinctive rhythm.

• Debut novel by M. L. Rio
• Literary mystery with theatrical setting
• Published 2017
• Best for fans of character-driven fiction
• Available nationwide with Cash on Delivery