If We Were Villains - Illustrated Edition

A gorgeous illustrated edition of the bestselling dark academia thriller where tragedy strikes at an elite Shakespeare conservatory - complete with a brand-new cover, original illustrations and deluxe finishes.

Format: Hardback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 04 April 2023
Publisher: Titan Books Ltd

A captivating and visually stunning illustrated edition of the highly acclaimed dark academia thriller, where a tragic incident unfolds at an esteemed Shakespeare conservatory. This deluxe edition features a brand-new cover, original illustrations, and exquisite finishes, making it a must-have for fans of the genre.

Oliver Marks has just completed a ten-year prison sentence for the alleged murder of one of his closest friends, a crime that he may or may not have committed. On the day of his release, he is greeted by the detective who led the investigation into his case. Detective Colborne is retiring, but before he does, he desires to uncover the truth behind the events that transpired ten years ago.

As a young actor studying Shakespeare at an elite arts conservatory, Oliver observed that his talented classmates seemed to effortlessly inhabit a range of roles on stage and off: villains, heroes, tyrants, and temptresses. Despite his own aspirations to be a leading character in his own story, Oliver felt destined to play supporting roles in the narratives of others. However, when the teachers introduced a new casting system, a friendly rivalry between the students transformed into something more sinister. The lines between reality and fiction blurred, and the plays began to mirror the dark secrets and betrayals that lurked within the hearts of the seven friends.

When tragedy strikes, one of the seven friends is found dead. The remaining six must face their greatest acting challenge yet: convincing the police and themselves that they are innocent of any wrongdoing. As they delve deeper into the investigation, they discover that each of them holds a secret, a hidden motive, and a potential reason for the murder. They must navigate through a web of lies, deceit, and manipulation, all while trying to preserve their friendship and their reputations.

The story is filled with suspense, mystery, and psychological depth, as Oliver and his friends grapple with their own demons and confront the truth about the person they thought they knew. The illustrations in this edition add an extra layer of intrigue, capturing the essence of the characters and the atmospheric setting of the conservatory. With its compelling plot, memorable characters, and stunning visuals, this illustrated edition of "The Shakespeare Conspiracy" is a must-read for fans of dark academia and psychological thrillers alike.

Weight: 480g
Dimension: 139 x 206 x 38 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803364919