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If We Were Villains: A Novel

Author:
M. L. Rio
Read by:
Robert Petkoff
Read Read Own Own

Unabridged Audiobook

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Ratings
Book
49
Narrator
30
Release Date
April 11, 2017
Duration
12 hours 50 minutes
Summary
“Much like Donna Tartt’s The Secret History, M. L. Rio’s sparkling debut is a richly layered story of love, friendship, and obsession...If We Were Villains will keep you riveted through its final, electrifying moments.”
--Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney, New York Times bestselling author of The Nest

Oliver Marks has just served ten years in jail – for a murder he may or may not have committed. On the day he's released, he's greeted by the man who put him in prison. Detective Colborne is retiring, but before he does, he wants to know what really happened a decade ago.

As one of seven young actors studying Shakespeare at an elite arts college, Oliver and his friends play the same roles onstage and off: hero, villain, tyrant, temptress. But when the casting changes, and the secondary characters usurp the stars, the plays spill dangerously over into life, and one of them is found dead. The rest face their greatest acting challenge yet: convincing the police, and themselves, that they are blameless.

Intelligent, thrilling, and richly detailed, If We Were Villains is a captivating story of the enduring power and passion of words.
Reviews
Profile Avatar Alisa C. Jun 2025

Character driven story about a group of college students who find themselves in the middle of a murder investigation. It started a little slow but I was soon caught up in their lives. The ending had me all emotional. Good plot, good narration.

Profile Avatar Carrie K. Feb 2024

It’s been a while since I read a book that completely submerged me in it’s atmosphere, characters and language. Rich in theatrical history and interpretation, both literary and in acting, the story sticks in my mind and won’t let go. Highly recommend!

Profile Avatar Daniel E. Jul 2021

One of my favorite novels. Started out slowly but once the characters became imbedded in my consciousness, I couldn’t put it down. I’ve read this book several times and hope the author writes a follow up novel involving Oliver’s search for well deserved happiness

Profile Avatar Anonymous Mar 2026

This book had the potential to be better. The parallels of the plays and the plot are intriguing. However, the characters lack depth and their group dynamics could’ve been explored more since the ending was predictable. Overall, if you enjoy Shakespeare perhaps this book is for you. Otherwise it’s a surface-level version of the secret history.

Profile Avatar Brookimedes Dec 2025

This book was very well written! I was so immersed with the characters! Even though I figured out the plot…I was still in shock! The narration was fantastic and he was very easy to understand!

Profile Avatar Joell M. Apr 2024

Loved it. Characters were great. Suspense was fantastic. Loved every minute.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Jun 2021

I really liked this book and the narration was good!

If We Were Villains: A Novel

If We Were Villains: A Novel

Author: M. L. Rio
Read by: Robert Petkoff
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