An enthralling and captivating tale of fixation, perfect for enthusiasts of dark academia and Donna Tartt’s The Secret History. Oliver Marks has recently completed a ten-year sentence for the murder of one of his closest friends – a crime he may or may not have committed. On the day of his release, he is met by Detective Colborne, the investigator responsible for his imprisonment. As Colborne approaches retirement, he is determined to uncover the truth about what transpired a decade ago.
The story takes us back to Oliver’s time as a young actor studying Shakespeare at an exclusive arts conservatory. He observes that his highly talented classmates consistently embody specific roles both on and off the stage – the villain, hero, tyrant, temptress – while he feels relegated to the background of other people’s narratives. When the teachers shake up the casting, a good-natured competition spirals into something dark and dangerous, and the lines between the plays and real life blur.
Tragedy strikes, resulting in the death of one of the seven friends. Now, the remaining group faces their most challenging performance yet – convincing the authorities, and themselves, of their innocence.
