It has shelves full of thrillers detailing the most sordid of plots, and now Readings in Carlton has become the subject of its own true crime tale.

The famous Lygon Street book store has fallen victim to a couple of burglars who broke in recently and stole a safe which contained more than $10,000.

Perhaps it's not a case for hard-boiled private eye Philip Marlowe, but police are investigating the theft, which Readings managing director Mark Rubbo said happened in as little as "six minutes".

Mark Rubbo, managing director at Readings, says the shop was recently robbed. Credit:Eddie Jim

He said the crooks broke in late on February 18 or early on February 19 through a window facing Tyne Street, which runs next to the Carlton shop.