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Cover of If We Were Villains

Thriller · Fantasy · Mystery

If We Were Villains

by M.L. Rio

3.9 out of 5, from 710 ratings from Hardcover readers

Ten years after a conviction, Oliver Marks tells the detective who put him away what really happened. His story goes back to a tight group of Shakespeare students at an elite arts conservatory, and the night one of them died.

Facts last checked 2026-10-16

First published
2017
Pace
Medium
Length
Medium
Pages
368
Format
Standalone
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Read this if you like dark academia, a close-knit group of rivals and a murder that unfolds in the shadow of Shakespeare.

Skip this if you dislike heavy quotation of Shakespeare, or you want a fast-paced thriller rather than a slow, theatrical build.

The feel

Content warnings

  • Death
  • Violence

Also reported by Hardcover readers:

  • Physical abuse
  • Murder
  • Emotional abuse
  • Drug abuse
  • Domestic abuse
  • Suicide
  • Addiction
  • Body horror

Quick answers about If We Were Villains

What is If We Were Villains about?
Ten years after a conviction, Oliver Marks tells the detective who put him away what really happened. His story goes back to a tight group of Shakespeare students at an elite arts conservatory, and the night one of them died.
Who should read If We Were Villains?
Read it if you like dark academia, a close-knit group of rivals and a murder that unfolds in the shadow of Shakespeare. Skip it if you dislike heavy quotation of Shakespeare, or you want a fast-paced thriller rather than a slow, theatrical build.
How long and how fast is If We Were Villains?
It is a medium-paced, medium read of about 368 pages, first published in 2017.
Does If We Were Villains have content warnings?
Content we flag: Death, Violence.
Can I borrow If We Were Villains for free?
Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends If We Were Villains; the borrow button above searches it for you.
What should I read after If We Were Villains?
Readers who liked it often move on to The Secret History, The Atlas Six, In the Woods.

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