British Library Crime Classics Novels & Stories

I left Aaron for the meantime on the part where the fountain pens are to go to the novel section. Since I saw Sophie Lark's Brutal Prince on TikTok's recommendation, people who have read this say that it has a strong female lead. I enjoy books of that genre, therefore I may be interested in reading it. I looked at the shelves. I also picked up a book and read the synopsis on the back when Aaron came to me here. "You like reading books?" he asked. I turned my eyes on him, "Uh, sometimes. If I'm interested in the plot," I answered.

Avery and Gio were in their bedroom. I made myself a cup of coffee, locking myself inside the library and searching for a book that would satisfy my craving. I came across a novel titled 'The Black Dahlia' by James Ellroy. The title was quite interesting, so I grabbed the book and sat on one of the armchairs, making myself comfortable and beginning to read. The story was intense. I was sucked into it. i was so invested in the crime fiction book that I almost missed the sound of a knock coming from the door. I used my pen to keep track of the page number, before looking up to see who the hell interrupted my moment with the book.

Threadbare paths where feet had walked before still looked good. The air smelled of lemon oil in some areas. I revisited the library again. Leather books, some with cracked spines, but well-kept. The Latin books on one side, the French books on another side. And there were the classics, which were my favourite. A decanter on the desk. Amber, which was always full, but I'd never used the desk, only the chaste by the window when reading. The drawing-room was next. There was a piano. Steinway, with the lid closed. The bench was pulled out as though someone had used the it.

"The boss asked me to take you home. He said he has something to handle at the company and might be home late." Isabella nodded and settled into her seat, her attention drifting back to the book resting on her lap, "The Crime Lord’s Obsession." "Also…" Roman began, his voice hesitant as if the thought had only just resurfaced. "He said he has a surprise for you at home." At that, Isabella’s head snapped up, her eyes shining bright with excitement. Roman almost smiled at her reaction but quickly turned his gaze back to the road. 'His arm had just healed...'

He looks surprised at my curiosity and I worry for a moment he will bristle again and we will fall into silence until we waste away. “Moby Dick,” He tells me and I am surprised. “It was one of my favorites when I was growing up. My mother would read it to me.” It is more information about him than I have ever known. I know now this library will be my favorite room in this house. Tucked away into pages will be the one defining fact I know. His name is Domenico and I know his favorite book.

That would be emotional suicide. I moved away from the romance section quickly, like it might contaminate me somehow. Crime thriller. I'd read a crime thriller. Something with murder and investigations and absolutely zero sexual tension. That was safer. Much safer. I browsed the mystery section and pulled out a book I'd heard good things about. A detective novel set in London. Dark, gritty, complex. Perfect. I carried it to one of the comfortable chairs by the window and settled in. The chair was incredibly comfortable—soft leather that seemed to mold around me. There was a small side table with a reading lamp. A footstool I could put my feet up on.

“Come on, there’s something I want to show you.” We stepped into the Reading Room—and for a moment, even he went quiet. “Built in 1857,” I said, spinning slowly under the vast domed ceiling. “This used to be the heart of the British Library. Karl Marx wrote here. So did Oscar Wilde. Virginia Woolf, too.” I glanced back at him with a grin. “Imagine how many dangerous ideas were born right under this roof.” I ran my fingers along one of the circular desks. “They say knowledge is power—but honestly, it’s also a hell of a seduction tactic.”

Leading the way into the living room, she added, "And there's a couple of new radio shows that debuted last month. Nothing that stands out though. I think you're right. I miss Alias Jimmy Valentine too." "Oh! Not there, please, Lily! Those have to go back to the library." With an annoyed flick of a brow, Lily lifted her coffee mug to give Evelyn time to move the books aside. "The Roman Revolution. Diplomacy," she commented drily, tilting her head to one side, reading the titles along the book spines. "The Empire of the Steppes. The Wimsey Papers. Why can't you just read Agatha Christie like everyone else?"