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TL;DR: Oliver Marks has just been released from prison after ten years for a murder he may or may not have committed. A retired detective wants the truth about what happened at Dellecher Classical Conservatory, where Oliver and six fellow acting students lived and breathed Shakespeare.
Table of Contents
If We Were Villains at a Glance
| Author | M. L. Rio |
| First published | 2017 |
| Type | Dark academia mystery |
| Best for | readers who like Shakespeare, theater and campus mysteries |
If We Were Villains is a novel by M. L. Rio, first published in 2017. The novel is told in five acts, like a play. It is part of the dark academia genre. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, a few ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it most. The part-by-part section gives away the plot, including the ending, so skip it if you have not read the book yet.
Content note: Contains violence, death and some drug and alcohol use.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
Out of prison
Oliver leaves prison and meets Detective Colborne, who has long suspected there is more to the story. He wants Oliver to tell him what happened.
The company
In flashback, Oliver is a fourth-year student at the conservatory. He and six friends take the same classes and are cast in the same roles, often mirroring their personalities.
Typecasting
The seven friends are limited by the parts they are given each year. Oliver is cast as the supporting hero, and the leader James as the leading man.
Tensions rise
Jealousy, ambition and secrets create strain in the group. They drink, argue and become entangled in each other's lives.
The death
A death occurs, and the group's bond is tested. Each member is affected differently, and they must decide what to say and how to behave.
The truth
The final act reveals what happened that night and why Oliver took the blame. The ending is tragic and ambiguous.
5 Key Takeaways
- Roles we play can shape who we become.
- Loyalty and guilt can bind people together.
- Ambition can be destructive.
- Art can be a mirror and a trap.
- Truth is complicated when everyone has a role to play.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- Shakespeare quotes are part of the characters' language.
- The structure echoes a tragedy.
- The mystery is also a story about friendship.
Who Should Read If We Were Villains?
Read it if you like The Secret History, theater and moody campus settings. It is slow in places and tragic.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of If We Were Villains:
- Which character did you understand best, and what did the author do to make you feel that way?
- Which scene would you change, and what would that do to the ending?
- What does the book say about its main theme that you agree or disagree with?
Quick Facts to Remember
- Book: If We Were Villains by M. L. Rio (2017)
- Type: Dark academia mystery
- Best for: readers who like Shakespeare, theater and campus mysteries
- Main idea in one line: Roles we play can shape who we become.
Reading Time and Format
Novels differ a lot in length and pace, so check the page count of your edition before you start. If you prefer to listen, many public libraries lend audiobooks through free apps, and a narrated edition can suit a long novel well. Whichever format you choose, a library copy is a low-cost way to try the book before you buy, and used or digital editions are often cheaper than new print copies.
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether If We Were Villains is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full argument, examples and style, which no short summary can carry.
A simple way to get the most from it: first read the TL;DR and the takeaways to decide if the book fits your interests, then read the part-by-part section for the structure, and finally write down one idea you want to remember or one question you want answered by the full text.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of If We Were Villains, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary from your copy.
Should You Read the Book?
If you plan to read it, set aside a few evenings and read the opening chapters before you decide. A summary tells you what happens, but the voice and pacing are what make a novel work or not. If you are still unsure, read a free sample or the first chapter, because the opening pages usually show whether the voice and subject suit you. Reviews from readers with tastes like yours can help too, but your own reaction to a few pages is the best test.
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What to Read Next
- The Secret History by Donna Tartt: the classic campus murder novel
- Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo: a dark academia fantasy
- Bunny by Mona Awad: a dark satirical campus story
Related: 15 Books Like If We Were Villains You’ll Love: Shakespeare, Theatre and Dark Friendships
Frequently Asked Questions
Is If We Were Villains similar to The Secret History?
Yes. Both are campus murder stories with close groups, though this book is rooted in Shakespeare.
Do I need to know Shakespeare?
No, but it adds to the enjoyment.
Is it a series?
No, it is a standalone novel.
Is If We Were Villains worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for readers who like Shakespeare, theater and campus mysteries. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.
Can this summary replace reading If We Were Villains?
No. A summary covers the main events and ideas, but it cannot carry the author's voice, detail or pacing. Use it to decide whether to read the book, to refresh your memory or to prepare for a discussion.