M. L. Rio – American author of the 21st century, best known for her acclaimed debut If We Were Villains, often likened to Donna Tartt’s The Secret History. With a background in literature and theatre, she also taught English, and her lifelong devotion to Shakespeare permeates her work. Rio explores the tension between friendship, art, and betrayal.
🎭 Her novel is dubbed a “Shakespearean thriller.” 📚 Dreams of creating a whole cycle where literature merges with drama. 🎓 Taught English and literature before focusing on fiction. 📖 Says she writes “for those who love the stage.” 🌍 Her debut has been translated into many languages worldwide. 🖋 Frequently blends Shakespearean quotes into her narrative. 🕵️♀️ Though not intended as a detective novel, crime became part of her story. 📖 Actors often read her book while preparing for Shakespearean roles. 🌌 She describes theatre as “magic that lingers after applause.” 💡 Fans joke her book makes them want to enrol in drama school. 😄 Once quipped she’d love to live in a library, but must settle for an apartment.