Ola sat on a wooden chair in Mr Anthony's library, looking at the rows of old bookcases. She often came here after school because she loved the smell of parchment and the rustling of the pages. The library seemed to have a life of its own - light came in through the high windows and the creaking floor seemed to tell stories from hundreds of years ago. One afternoon, as the rain began to fall from behind the glass, Ola reached for one of the dustiest books. It was very thick, with a faded cover decorated with golden letters. Before she had time to open it, something strange caught her attention - the book trembled slightly and.... she sighed quietly! - Finally someone has noticed me - said a thin, slightly hoarse voice. Ola jumped up. She looked around, but there was no one but her. The library door was closed and Mr Anthony was asleep again at his desk with his nose in the newspaper. - Are... are you talking? - whispered Ola, looking at the book in disbelief. - Of course I'm talking! - replied the book in an indignant tone. - Every book in this library can speak, but only a few can hear us. Ola felt her heart beating faster with delight. - I wish I could talk to all the books! - she exclaimed. - 'You'd better start with me,' the book replied, 'because I have something important to tell you. In this library there is something that a great many people are looking for. But only he who hears our voices can find it. Suddenly another, louder voice came from behind the shelf: - Don't trust all objects! - warned a shiny metal bookmark, sliding itself across the tabletop. Ola looked at the book, then at the bookmark. At the same moment, other objects began to call out from the shelves: a globe spun noisily and an inkwell sloshed mysteriously. - Ola! - whispered the book. - If you want to know more, you must find the Midnight Watch. But be careful, because not everything it says tells the truth.... Suddenly, the lights in the library flickered and the door by bookcase number seven shook violently. Ola watched as the hands of the clock hanging above the door began to go back in time. Did she have the courage to take that first step?