From M. L. Rio comes a dark, atmospheric literary mystery steeped in Shakespeare, obsession, and the blurred line between performance and reality.

Oliver Marks has just been released from prison after serving ten years for a murder he may—or may not—have committed. On the day of his release, a retired detective is waiting for him… determined to finally hear the truth.

A decade earlier, Oliver was one of seven elite drama students at a prestigious arts conservatory, where their lives revolved around Shakespeare. Cast in roles that mirrored their real personalities, the group’s intense relationships, rivalries, and ambitions began to spill off the stage and into real life.

But when tensions reached a breaking point, tragedy struck—and nothing was ever the same again.

Told through shifting timelines, this story unravels secrets, betrayals, and the haunting question of how far people will go when they’re consumed by ambition, jealousy, and love.

Moody, intellectual, and deeply compelling, this is a slow-burn mystery with rich literary depth.

✨ Genre: Mystery / Literary Fiction / Dark Academia
🌶️ Spice Level: Low

📚 Series: Standalone

Dark, poetic, and unforgettable—perfect for readers who love Shakespearean drama, morally grey characters, and mysteries that linger long after the final page 🎭✨