**”If We Were Villains” by M.L. Rio** is a dark, literary thriller that revolves around a group of Shakespearean actors at an elite arts college. The story follows Oliver Marks, who, after serving ten years in prison for a crime he insists he didn’t commit, is finally released and recounts the events leading up to his incarceration. The novel explores themes of friendship, rivalry, and the blurring lines between performance and reality, with a focus on the intense relationships and tragic circumstances that unfold within the world of classical theater. The narrative combines suspense with rich, dramatic elements, creating a gripping and emotionally charged read.