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Strangers in Time
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Historical Fiction (2025)During one of the fiercest conflicts the world has ever known, three strangers’ lives collide as they confront the raining bombs of their present and the explosive secrets of their past. Journey back to wartime London in this historical drama from the number one bestseller.
Charlie Matters’ life has always been a fight for survival. Orphaned with no prospects, Charlie steals what he needs, living day-to-day until he can enlist in the battle against the Germans. He miraculously emerges unscathed from the Blitz, but there’s no telling when the next bomb will fall, and whether it will be the one to end his life.
Molly Wakefield’s dreams of a joyful homecoming are all she’s had to hold on to after being evacuated to the countryside via ‘Operation Pied Piper’ five years before. But when she finally returns to the city, Molly faces a London changed beyond recognition, and the devastating news that neither of her parents are there, only her old nanny, Mrs. Pride.
Charlie and Molly’s paths converge when they both seek solace at ‘The Book Keep’, where they find an unexpected ally and protector in the bookshop’s owner, widower Ignatius Oliver. But the trio’s newfound peace is jeopardized as past secrets catch up with Charlie’s illicit activities have not gone unnoticed, an ominous shadow has trailed Molly since her return, and Ignatius is burdened by a secret that contributed to his wife’s death. Can they help one another survive this turbulent time? Or will they be ripped apart from the last people they hold dear?
Charlie Matters’ life has always been a fight for survival. Orphaned with no prospects, Charlie steals what he needs, living day-to-day until he can enlist in the battle against the Germans. He miraculously emerges unscathed from the Blitz, but there’s no telling when the next bomb will fall, and whether it will be the one to end his life.
Molly Wakefield’s dreams of a joyful homecoming are all she’s had to hold on to after being evacuated to the countryside via ‘Operation Pied Piper’ five years before. But when she finally returns to the city, Molly faces a London changed beyond recognition, and the devastating news that neither of her parents are there, only her old nanny, Mrs. Pride.
Charlie and Molly’s paths converge when they both seek solace at ‘The Book Keep’, where they find an unexpected ally and protector in the bookshop’s owner, widower Ignatius Oliver. But the trio’s newfound peace is jeopardized as past secrets catch up with Charlie’s illicit activities have not gone unnoticed, an ominous shadow has trailed Molly since her return, and Ignatius is burdened by a secret that contributed to his wife’s death. Can they help one another survive this turbulent time? Or will they be ripped apart from the last people they hold dear?
435 pages, Hardcover
First published April 15, 2025
9175 people are currently reading
71738 people want to read
About the author
David Baldacci
223 books123k followersDavid Baldacci has been writing since childhood, when his mother gave him a lined notebook in which to write down his stories. (Much later, when David thanked her for being the spark that ignited his writing career, she revealed that she’d given him the notebook to keep him quiet, "because every mom needs a break now and then.”)
David published his first novel, Absolute Power, in 1996; the feature film adaptation followed, with Clint Eastwood as its director and star. In total, David has published 52 novels for adults; all have been national and international bestsellers, and several have been adapted for film and television. David has also published seven novels for younger readers. His books are published in over 45 languages and in more than 80 countries, with over 200 million copies sold worldwide.
In addition to being a prolific writer, David is a devoted philanthropist, and his greatest efforts are dedicated to his family’s Wish You Well Foundation®. Established by David and his wife, Michelle, the Wish You Well Foundation supports family and adult literacy programs in the United States.
A lifelong Virginian, David is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Virginia School of Law.
David published his first novel, Absolute Power, in 1996; the feature film adaptation followed, with Clint Eastwood as its director and star. In total, David has published 52 novels for adults; all have been national and international bestsellers, and several have been adapted for film and television. David has also published seven novels for younger readers. His books are published in over 45 languages and in more than 80 countries, with over 200 million copies sold worldwide.
In addition to being a prolific writer, David is a devoted philanthropist, and his greatest efforts are dedicated to his family’s Wish You Well Foundation®. Established by David and his wife, Michelle, the Wish You Well Foundation supports family and adult literacy programs in the United States.
A lifelong Virginian, David is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Virginia School of Law.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,472 reviews
April 10, 2025
If you’re considering this novel my biggest advice is to try and get access to the audiobook. The narrators voice their characters throughout and I loved hearing all their voices pop up each time they spoke. The entire production was impressive.
It’s rare that a WWII novel feels unique to me, but this one had a different atmosphere. Amid destruction we witness an inspiring story of struggle, survival, and found family. The three main characters would have been unlikely to have crossed paths without the war wreaking havoc in London.
Charlie is almost fourteen, he’s been ditching school and barely scraping by with the only family he has left his dear old Gran. He spends his days doing any odd job he can for a bit of coin and isn’t above swiping something he needs from those who can afford to part with it. After all these ration books aren’t filling the bellies of the poor. Charlie’s conscience and desperation made me emotional. His spirit walked a line between fragility and strength. I wanted to hug him.
Molly was whisked away to the countryside before the Blitz for safety. Upon her return at age fifteen she expects to be greeted by her loving family, but returns home that’s empty save for her nanny. Molly’s fortitude was admirable. She began with more wealth and comfort than anyone and experienced tremendous loss. She looked for ways to make any situation work. Molly reminded me of the saying, “Nothing works until you do.”
Where are Molly’s parents?
Strange men begin following Molly everywhere.
Ignatius Oliver has a name that belongs in fiction! I love it!! It’s perfect that he runs a book shop. He harbors some secrets. The children find his shop to be a safe haven. He seems level headed, patient and diligently looks out for their best interests.
Suspicious men are seen leaving the book shop.
The children find unexplained oddities hidden in the shop.
There are some mysterious elements at play which were unexpected, but enjoyable.
This novel pulled me right into this time period. There were details I’ve never considered or read about before which I found interesting. (No spoilers 😉) A fantastic standalone!
4.5⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Hatchette Audio for providing a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
It’s rare that a WWII novel feels unique to me, but this one had a different atmosphere. Amid destruction we witness an inspiring story of struggle, survival, and found family. The three main characters would have been unlikely to have crossed paths without the war wreaking havoc in London.
Charlie is almost fourteen, he’s been ditching school and barely scraping by with the only family he has left his dear old Gran. He spends his days doing any odd job he can for a bit of coin and isn’t above swiping something he needs from those who can afford to part with it. After all these ration books aren’t filling the bellies of the poor. Charlie’s conscience and desperation made me emotional. His spirit walked a line between fragility and strength. I wanted to hug him.
Molly was whisked away to the countryside before the Blitz for safety. Upon her return at age fifteen she expects to be greeted by her loving family, but returns home that’s empty save for her nanny. Molly’s fortitude was admirable. She began with more wealth and comfort than anyone and experienced tremendous loss. She looked for ways to make any situation work. Molly reminded me of the saying, “Nothing works until you do.”
Where are Molly’s parents?
Strange men begin following Molly everywhere.
Ignatius Oliver has a name that belongs in fiction! I love it!! It’s perfect that he runs a book shop. He harbors some secrets. The children find his shop to be a safe haven. He seems level headed, patient and diligently looks out for their best interests.
Suspicious men are seen leaving the book shop.
The children find unexplained oddities hidden in the shop.
There are some mysterious elements at play which were unexpected, but enjoyable.
This novel pulled me right into this time period. There were details I’ve never considered or read about before which I found interesting. (No spoilers 😉) A fantastic standalone!
4.5⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Hatchette Audio for providing a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
April 3, 2025
This is my all time favorite novel by David Baldacci. This is very different from anything I’ve read by him. This story was both heartwarming and heartbreaking. As a listener, my emotions ran the full range. The narration was outstanding and the author narrated the Author’s note. The narration definitely added another layer to the book.
I’ve enjoyed 100’s of books set during WWII and I believe this may be my all time favorite. We hear from the perspective of the three main characters, two teenagers and a widower starting in 1944 in London. The characters were well defined and easy for me to form an attachment. It was a unique, detailed story of these civilians during this time, it was researched and detailed. I found it to be fast paced and difficult to find a stopping point. I pray Mr. Baldacci will write more novels like this.
I was blessed with an ARC of the audio through NetGalley and the opinions expressed are my own. I enjoyed this novel so much I will revisit it again. Highly recommend.
I’ve enjoyed 100’s of books set during WWII and I believe this may be my all time favorite. We hear from the perspective of the three main characters, two teenagers and a widower starting in 1944 in London. The characters were well defined and easy for me to form an attachment. It was a unique, detailed story of these civilians during this time, it was researched and detailed. I found it to be fast paced and difficult to find a stopping point. I pray Mr. Baldacci will write more novels like this.
I was blessed with an ARC of the audio through NetGalley and the opinions expressed are my own. I enjoyed this novel so much I will revisit it again. Highly recommend.
May 11, 2025
Book: 4 stars! ⭐️
Audio: 5 stars! ⭐️
Huge thanks to Hachette Audio, Grand Central Publishing & NetGalley for the ALC! 💌
Premise first— it’s 1944, London is getting bombed to bits, and three strangers—two teens and one heartbroken bookseller—collide in a city that’s barely hanging on. There’s Charlie, scrappy and stubborn, surviving any way he can. Molly, freshly returned from the countryside with no family in sight. And Ignatius, the kind of man who gives off “bookstore dad with secrets” energy. Together, they form an odd little trio in the middle of war, mystery, and survival.
Now hear me out—this book? It’s not like other WWII stories.
It doesn’t shove trauma in your face for the sake of being dramatic. It feels personal. Quiet. Heavy in a way that sneaks up on you.
Charlie cracked my heart wide open.
He’s a kid doing what he has to do—stealing, skipping school, hustling—just to stay alive. But what got me was his moral compass. The kid’s not heartless. He’s just real. Life’s messed him up, and he’s still trying to do right by his gran. I wanted to protect him so bad.
Molly? She’s a soft girl with a hard shell.
Rich past, broken present. She’s back home expecting love, and finds… nothing. No parents, just memories. But she doesn’t crumble. She builds herself again. Her strength was quiet but sharp. Like she’d bleed for the people she loves but wouldn’t let you see her cry.
And Ignatius... the book man with a storm in his chest.
Grieving, guilt-ridden, but still standing. He runs a bookshop that becomes the safest place in a city constantly on fire. The way he cared for Molly and Charlie? Gentle. Protective. Honest. And yet—he's got layers. Secrets. Things that might just break the fragile family they’ve found.
Also, plot twist: it’s not just war stuff.
There’s legit suspense. Strange people following Molly. Shady things happening around the bookshop. Whispers of a truth Ignatius never saw coming. The tension builds slow, then hits hard. Like, what just happened?? kind of hard.
The found family vibes hit SO HARD.
It’s not just a trope—it’s the soul of the book. Three broken people finding comfort in each other when the world’s literally crumbling around them? That’s my kind of story.
And oh my god—the audiobook??
RUN, don’t walk.
Full cast, distinct voices, atmospheric as hell. It felt like living inside a film. From the alarms to the whispers, it’s rich and immersive in the best way.
This book doesn’t scream—it aches.
It lingers.
It asks what survival really means.
And how sometimes, family isn’t blood—it’s who holds your hand when the bombs fall.
Final thoughts?
This book is grounded, raw, and human.
Not every battle is fought with guns. Some are fought with kindness.
And this book proves it.
4 bold stars for the story
5 for that unforgettable audio
Add this to your TBR if you love: historical fiction, found family, subtle mystery, and stories that don’t sugarcoat pain but still find hope.
Audio: 5 stars! ⭐️
Huge thanks to Hachette Audio, Grand Central Publishing & NetGalley for the ALC! 💌
Premise first— it’s 1944, London is getting bombed to bits, and three strangers—two teens and one heartbroken bookseller—collide in a city that’s barely hanging on. There’s Charlie, scrappy and stubborn, surviving any way he can. Molly, freshly returned from the countryside with no family in sight. And Ignatius, the kind of man who gives off “bookstore dad with secrets” energy. Together, they form an odd little trio in the middle of war, mystery, and survival.
Now hear me out—this book? It’s not like other WWII stories.
It doesn’t shove trauma in your face for the sake of being dramatic. It feels personal. Quiet. Heavy in a way that sneaks up on you.
Charlie cracked my heart wide open.
He’s a kid doing what he has to do—stealing, skipping school, hustling—just to stay alive. But what got me was his moral compass. The kid’s not heartless. He’s just real. Life’s messed him up, and he’s still trying to do right by his gran. I wanted to protect him so bad.
Molly? She’s a soft girl with a hard shell.
Rich past, broken present. She’s back home expecting love, and finds… nothing. No parents, just memories. But she doesn’t crumble. She builds herself again. Her strength was quiet but sharp. Like she’d bleed for the people she loves but wouldn’t let you see her cry.
And Ignatius... the book man with a storm in his chest.
Grieving, guilt-ridden, but still standing. He runs a bookshop that becomes the safest place in a city constantly on fire. The way he cared for Molly and Charlie? Gentle. Protective. Honest. And yet—he's got layers. Secrets. Things that might just break the fragile family they’ve found.
Also, plot twist: it’s not just war stuff.
There’s legit suspense. Strange people following Molly. Shady things happening around the bookshop. Whispers of a truth Ignatius never saw coming. The tension builds slow, then hits hard. Like, what just happened?? kind of hard.
The found family vibes hit SO HARD.
It’s not just a trope—it’s the soul of the book. Three broken people finding comfort in each other when the world’s literally crumbling around them? That’s my kind of story.
And oh my god—the audiobook??
RUN, don’t walk.
Full cast, distinct voices, atmospheric as hell. It felt like living inside a film. From the alarms to the whispers, it’s rich and immersive in the best way.
This book doesn’t scream—it aches.
It lingers.
It asks what survival really means.
And how sometimes, family isn’t blood—it’s who holds your hand when the bombs fall.
Final thoughts?
This book is grounded, raw, and human.
Not every battle is fought with guns. Some are fought with kindness.
And this book proves it.
4 bold stars for the story
5 for that unforgettable audio
Add this to your TBR if you love: historical fiction, found family, subtle mystery, and stories that don’t sugarcoat pain but still find hope.
November 22, 2025
"We all need someone at certain times in our lives. It makes the inevitable pain lessened and the periods of happiness exalted.”
There is no doubt that war creates havoc and chaos on countries, communities, and more specifically on the people caught in the middle of one. It is painful and heart-wrenching when countries make war their focused decision in dealing with conflict. That is why, sometimes it is difficult to understand why these decisions to start and/or continue a war still occur, especially after the destruction created by WWII.
To find Baldacci in the middle of a WWII story, is not a common one for this author to tackle. As readers, we are typically introduced and immersed in his character series, like: Travis Devine – ex-special ops, or Amos Decker – the memory man, or Will Robie – former assassin, or King & Maxwell – private investigators who were former Secret Service agents, or Aloysius Archer – a private investigator, or Atlee Pine – FBI agent, or the Camel Club – seekers of justice; and, the like. These series feature well-fleshed out characters readers are motivated to follow. That is until Baldacci chooses to end their series, generally on a good note. Although, sometimes sad for us readers.
But I appreciate how Baldacci reinvents himself, through his characters and stories, like this one.
In some ways, this book might even be considered a YA novel, since the main two characters, Charlie and Molly are teens during WWII London.
Wandering through the war’s devastation, they find solace, friendship and security with bookshop owner Ignatius Oliver. But it doesn’t mean that it will be an easy journey for these three survivors.
There is so much to this story. Not because it is 433 pages, but because it is a genuinely absorbing and expertly researched historical fiction novel. We can feel the character’s emotions of being in and surviving a war, their loss and loneliness created by the wars impact, and the jolt that comes from separation of families. As well as, the meaning of creating a new one.
Baldacci’s characterizations of our 3 main appealing protagonists are beautifully created, well-developed and multi-layered. Even if I was hoping to see Charlie and Molly advance to adulthood, this did not appear to be the author’s intention for readers to experience. Still, I could appreciate what he was willing to share of them.
Baldacci is definitely, a master storyteller. And, within this narrative, he explores the power of friendship, grace and love while overcoming the harshness, horrors and cruelty of war. Baldacci’s supporting cast of characters emphasize superbly, the hatred and evil they may have become because of the war.
Surprisingly for me, I found myself wanting more from this story, even as I winced at the size of the book, each time I picked it up to read. Still, did it need to be that many pages? The ending could have been better, but the story still captivated with its intense, haunting, heart-felt, and engaging readability.
4.5 stars
There is no doubt that war creates havoc and chaos on countries, communities, and more specifically on the people caught in the middle of one. It is painful and heart-wrenching when countries make war their focused decision in dealing with conflict. That is why, sometimes it is difficult to understand why these decisions to start and/or continue a war still occur, especially after the destruction created by WWII.
To find Baldacci in the middle of a WWII story, is not a common one for this author to tackle. As readers, we are typically introduced and immersed in his character series, like: Travis Devine – ex-special ops, or Amos Decker – the memory man, or Will Robie – former assassin, or King & Maxwell – private investigators who were former Secret Service agents, or Aloysius Archer – a private investigator, or Atlee Pine – FBI agent, or the Camel Club – seekers of justice; and, the like. These series feature well-fleshed out characters readers are motivated to follow. That is until Baldacci chooses to end their series, generally on a good note. Although, sometimes sad for us readers.
But I appreciate how Baldacci reinvents himself, through his characters and stories, like this one.
In some ways, this book might even be considered a YA novel, since the main two characters, Charlie and Molly are teens during WWII London.
Wandering through the war’s devastation, they find solace, friendship and security with bookshop owner Ignatius Oliver. But it doesn’t mean that it will be an easy journey for these three survivors.
There is so much to this story. Not because it is 433 pages, but because it is a genuinely absorbing and expertly researched historical fiction novel. We can feel the character’s emotions of being in and surviving a war, their loss and loneliness created by the wars impact, and the jolt that comes from separation of families. As well as, the meaning of creating a new one.
Baldacci’s characterizations of our 3 main appealing protagonists are beautifully created, well-developed and multi-layered. Even if I was hoping to see Charlie and Molly advance to adulthood, this did not appear to be the author’s intention for readers to experience. Still, I could appreciate what he was willing to share of them.
Baldacci is definitely, a master storyteller. And, within this narrative, he explores the power of friendship, grace and love while overcoming the harshness, horrors and cruelty of war. Baldacci’s supporting cast of characters emphasize superbly, the hatred and evil they may have become because of the war.
Surprisingly for me, I found myself wanting more from this story, even as I winced at the size of the book, each time I picked it up to read. Still, did it need to be that many pages? The ending could have been better, but the story still captivated with its intense, haunting, heart-felt, and engaging readability.
4.5 stars
March 5, 2025
"We all need someone at certain times in our lives. It makes the inevitable pain lessened and the periods of happiness exalted."
In a departure from his previous novels, literary legend David Baldacci ventures into a story revolving around the London Blitzes of 1944. Against the backdrop of WWII German aircraft bombing London, Baldacci paints a story of the most unlikely people helping each other. Their bonds become unbreakable and transcend social class, age, and gender.
Molly is fifteen, comes from wealth, and is just returning from a five-year stay with a host family in the country. Charlie is a fourteen-year-old orphan who is living in poverty with his grandmother and doing whatever he can to help them survive. Ignatius is a bookstore owner who is grieving from the recent loss of his wife. Dire circumstances bring them together in an engrossing tale of friendship, war, resilience, and found family. Each of them is keeping secrets, which adds a compelling element. I highly recommend this historical mystery to fans of the genre.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Grand Central Publishing, and David Baldacci for an advance reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.
In a departure from his previous novels, literary legend David Baldacci ventures into a story revolving around the London Blitzes of 1944. Against the backdrop of WWII German aircraft bombing London, Baldacci paints a story of the most unlikely people helping each other. Their bonds become unbreakable and transcend social class, age, and gender.
Molly is fifteen, comes from wealth, and is just returning from a five-year stay with a host family in the country. Charlie is a fourteen-year-old orphan who is living in poverty with his grandmother and doing whatever he can to help them survive. Ignatius is a bookstore owner who is grieving from the recent loss of his wife. Dire circumstances bring them together in an engrossing tale of friendship, war, resilience, and found family. Each of them is keeping secrets, which adds a compelling element. I highly recommend this historical mystery to fans of the genre.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Grand Central Publishing, and David Baldacci for an advance reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.
May 29, 2025
Strangers in Time by David Baldacci is a historical fiction novel blends mystery and drama during WW2. The main character was likable, and the kind of person you want to follow through a story. I enjoyed how Baldacci weaved real history into the plot without making it feel like it. It added depth and made me think about how the past still echoes in our lives today. There were a few moments where the pacing felt a little rushed, and some twists I saw coming, but overall the story kept me hooked. I enjoyed the mix of suspense and emotion.
April 9, 2025
Wow, I loved this audiobook. David Baldacci can clearly put his pen to any genre and make it brilliant, but the narrators truly brought this book to life. Probably my favourite audiobook.
I was really pleased that the narrators had British voices as I feel American accents for the characters based in London war times would not have worked, so a great choice and brilliant voice artists.
A really interesting work of historic fiction with three main characters Charlie, Molly and Ignatius, who have come together through unexpected circumstances and would not normally have met. Lots of twists and turns, but ultimately a story of war, family, loss and survival that really gets you thinking.
A great book by Baldacci, who always writes a brilliant book, though usually thrillers, but this was equally if not more brilliant.
A big thanks to Hachette Audio/Grand Central Publishing, Netgalley for the advanced audio copy that I whizzed through as couldn't wait to find out what happened next.
I was really pleased that the narrators had British voices as I feel American accents for the characters based in London war times would not have worked, so a great choice and brilliant voice artists.
A really interesting work of historic fiction with three main characters Charlie, Molly and Ignatius, who have come together through unexpected circumstances and would not normally have met. Lots of twists and turns, but ultimately a story of war, family, loss and survival that really gets you thinking.
A great book by Baldacci, who always writes a brilliant book, though usually thrillers, but this was equally if not more brilliant.
A big thanks to Hachette Audio/Grand Central Publishing, Netgalley for the advanced audio copy that I whizzed through as couldn't wait to find out what happened next.
May 26, 2025
Usually a guaranteed four or five star author for me but this time I am sticking at three. Not that I disliked the book but I did not like it overmuch either!
Truth to tell I found Strangers in Time too long and too packed with description of WW2 and what it was like to live in London at the time. It was less like setting a scene and more like lecturing his audience (me). The three major characters were interesting and I read to the end more because I wanted to know what happened to them than from the pleasure of reading.
So for me an okay book but far from any of my favourite Baldacci novels. I will watch in future I think and leave his forays into historical fiction off my reading list.
Truth to tell I found Strangers in Time too long and too packed with description of WW2 and what it was like to live in London at the time. It was less like setting a scene and more like lecturing his audience (me). The three major characters were interesting and I read to the end more because I wanted to know what happened to them than from the pleasure of reading.
So for me an okay book but far from any of my favourite Baldacci novels. I will watch in future I think and leave his forays into historical fiction off my reading list.
April 17, 2025
David Baldacci has been a favorite author for years!!! This novel is a departure from his usual suspense/legal thrillers which highlights his versatility to write across different genres.
The moment I discovered he was venturing into my favorite genre, historical fiction, I was all in! True to form, Baldacci brings his trademark talent for crafting gripping tales with deeply developed characters and intricate plots to this novel.
The story unfolds in wartime London during 1944, with the Nazi bombing campaign, famously known as The Blitz, serving as its backdrop.
Baldacci skillfully evokes the era's tension, intertwining the stories of three unlikely companions: Charlie, a clever 13-year-old making his way through the streets of the East End; Molly, a 15-year-old coming back to a city and home irreversibly altered by the war; and Ignatius, a sorrowful and enigmatic bookseller grieving the loss of his wife.
Their lives intertwine in unforeseen ways, forging a connection that brings hope amid the turmoil of the blitz. Together, they face the perils of wartime London, unearth hidden truths, and tackle obstacles that challenge their strength and faith in one another.
If you enjoy a deeply engaging, character-focused story that explores themes of resilience, human connection, and survival, this is a must-have for your reading list.
Audiobook lovers, get your headphones ready because this is a must listen!!
🎧The audiobook has a talented cast of narrators that include David Baldacci, Stewart Crank, Alexandra Boulton, John Lee, Nicola F. Delgado, Matthew Lloyd Davies, and Joe Pitts.
With a full cast, each character has a distinct voice making it very easy to follow along. The cast was able to convey the war-time atmosphere so vividly through their voices in a way that you were able to truly feel the emotions each character was feeling during their many hardships.....the performance really heightened my emotional connection to each character.
The moment I discovered he was venturing into my favorite genre, historical fiction, I was all in! True to form, Baldacci brings his trademark talent for crafting gripping tales with deeply developed characters and intricate plots to this novel.
The story unfolds in wartime London during 1944, with the Nazi bombing campaign, famously known as The Blitz, serving as its backdrop.
Baldacci skillfully evokes the era's tension, intertwining the stories of three unlikely companions: Charlie, a clever 13-year-old making his way through the streets of the East End; Molly, a 15-year-old coming back to a city and home irreversibly altered by the war; and Ignatius, a sorrowful and enigmatic bookseller grieving the loss of his wife.
Their lives intertwine in unforeseen ways, forging a connection that brings hope amid the turmoil of the blitz. Together, they face the perils of wartime London, unearth hidden truths, and tackle obstacles that challenge their strength and faith in one another.
If you enjoy a deeply engaging, character-focused story that explores themes of resilience, human connection, and survival, this is a must-have for your reading list.
Audiobook lovers, get your headphones ready because this is a must listen!!
🎧The audiobook has a talented cast of narrators that include David Baldacci, Stewart Crank, Alexandra Boulton, John Lee, Nicola F. Delgado, Matthew Lloyd Davies, and Joe Pitts.
With a full cast, each character has a distinct voice making it very easy to follow along. The cast was able to convey the war-time atmosphere so vividly through their voices in a way that you were able to truly feel the emotions each character was feeling during their many hardships.....the performance really heightened my emotional connection to each character.
April 21, 2025
the setup…
It’s 1944 London, the height of Germany’s bombing campaign and the city is under siege. Charlie Matters is fourteen-years old and lives in the East End with his grandmother, his only remaining relative. Unknown to her, he spends his days stealing things they need to survive instead of going to school. Molly Wakefield is fifteen years old and was sent to the countryside five years ago as part of Operation Pied Piper where she learned nursing skills. She returns to her home in Chelsea to find both her parents gone and her nanny the only one in residence. Ignatius Oliver is the owner of a book shop called The Book Keep and is an air warden. It was his late wife’s store and the still grieving widower lives above it, continuing to try and manage it in her image. Circumstances have these three cross paths that will forever change their lives and shape their futures.
the heart of the story…
It’s said that war is the great equalizer and Ignatius, Molly and Charlie certainly represent that ideology well. Molly not only comes from affluence, she’s been shielded from the ravages of the war until now. Ignatius has a comfortable life even in the throes of the war. Charlie and his grandmother barely get by, going to bed hungry most nights. Molly grew up overnight and despite her sheltered life, she’s got a fighting spirit. Charlie may be a thief but it’s only for survival and he has a strong moral code. Ignatius finds solace in helping these teenagers, giving him a new breath of life and them safety and shelter.
the narration…
I love a full cast narration and the six performers powerfully bring this story to life. Ignatius, Molly and Charlie were vividly portrayed, as well as the other secondary characters. It was wonderful storytelling.
the bottom line…
I wasn’t prepared to experience the war so profoundly, what it’s like to anticipate the next air raid, the terrifying moments when the alarms go off and the run to shelter. It was serendipitous how Ignatius, Charlie and Molly meet and eventually seek shelter together. There are moments of peril for all of them outside of the bombing and their survival depends on them looking out for each other. I’m not sure any of them would have survived without having met each other. This story will haunt me for a long time.
(Thanks to Hachette Audio, Grand Central Publishing and Libro.fm for my complimentary copies. All opinions are my own.)
It’s 1944 London, the height of Germany’s bombing campaign and the city is under siege. Charlie Matters is fourteen-years old and lives in the East End with his grandmother, his only remaining relative. Unknown to her, he spends his days stealing things they need to survive instead of going to school. Molly Wakefield is fifteen years old and was sent to the countryside five years ago as part of Operation Pied Piper where she learned nursing skills. She returns to her home in Chelsea to find both her parents gone and her nanny the only one in residence. Ignatius Oliver is the owner of a book shop called The Book Keep and is an air warden. It was his late wife’s store and the still grieving widower lives above it, continuing to try and manage it in her image. Circumstances have these three cross paths that will forever change their lives and shape their futures.
the heart of the story…
It’s said that war is the great equalizer and Ignatius, Molly and Charlie certainly represent that ideology well. Molly not only comes from affluence, she’s been shielded from the ravages of the war until now. Ignatius has a comfortable life even in the throes of the war. Charlie and his grandmother barely get by, going to bed hungry most nights. Molly grew up overnight and despite her sheltered life, she’s got a fighting spirit. Charlie may be a thief but it’s only for survival and he has a strong moral code. Ignatius finds solace in helping these teenagers, giving him a new breath of life and them safety and shelter.
the narration…
I love a full cast narration and the six performers powerfully bring this story to life. Ignatius, Molly and Charlie were vividly portrayed, as well as the other secondary characters. It was wonderful storytelling.
the bottom line…
I wasn’t prepared to experience the war so profoundly, what it’s like to anticipate the next air raid, the terrifying moments when the alarms go off and the run to shelter. It was serendipitous how Ignatius, Charlie and Molly meet and eventually seek shelter together. There are moments of peril for all of them outside of the bombing and their survival depends on them looking out for each other. I’m not sure any of them would have survived without having met each other. This story will haunt me for a long time.
(Thanks to Hachette Audio, Grand Central Publishing and Libro.fm for my complimentary copies. All opinions are my own.)
January 12, 2026
David Baldacci has taken such a different direction in this writing. It is not the usual thriller he normally writes. Yet this book has a head of steam of its own, not to be ignored or put off for he has taken a different path, the one less traveled.
WW ll is in full swing and London is Germany’s favorite target. The east end which is the poorer area seems to be taking the blunt of the bombs and rockets. But never fear, Hitler believes in equality of torment and extends his punishment to the more affluent west end. Molly is from the west end and Charlie is from the east end yet they manage to hit it off as friends. They are familiar through their travels with the little book store run by Ignatius Oliver. As family/friend losses for both Charlie and Molly occur they become much closer friends with Ignatius.
The pages are saturated with a plethora of death, pain and heartbreak. Friendship provides hope, comfort and the stability of the mental status. Secrets are kept. The difficult past life of those that wish for anonymity is revealed, sometimes with good results…sometimes not.
This is not a quick read due to its multiple facets and depth of detail. This is a book to be savored with the perchance of reading again at a future time. To race over the words these pages reveal would be a travesty.
WW ll is in full swing and London is Germany’s favorite target. The east end which is the poorer area seems to be taking the blunt of the bombs and rockets. But never fear, Hitler believes in equality of torment and extends his punishment to the more affluent west end. Molly is from the west end and Charlie is from the east end yet they manage to hit it off as friends. They are familiar through their travels with the little book store run by Ignatius Oliver. As family/friend losses for both Charlie and Molly occur they become much closer friends with Ignatius.
The pages are saturated with a plethora of death, pain and heartbreak. Friendship provides hope, comfort and the stability of the mental status. Secrets are kept. The difficult past life of those that wish for anonymity is revealed, sometimes with good results…sometimes not.
This is not a quick read due to its multiple facets and depth of detail. This is a book to be savored with the perchance of reading again at a future time. To race over the words these pages reveal would be a travesty.
July 23, 2025
This is a well-written, entertaining, WWII historical fiction novel. It has three diverse, likable, protagonists, tragedy, heartbreak, loss, friendship, strength, resilience, and hope, with a powerful message that people are stronger when they stand together. I listened to the audiobook which was voiced by several talented narrators. The author's note, which was read by him, was interesting and inspiring. An added note that the car is amazing!
April 19, 2025
We meet three wonderful characters in 1944 London.
Charlie Matters who wears tattered clothes, too-small shoes, who lies to his grandmother, who quit school, and steals things.
Molly Wakefield who just returned home to her well-to-do neighborhood after being with a family in the country to avoid the London bombings.
Ignatius Oliver who befriends both Charlie and Molly, who owns a bookstore, and who Charlie stole from.
How do they become friends? What brings them together?
These three unlikely characters were brought together because they all needed someone.
The book focused on friendship and people taking care of each other.
The storyline was quite engaging, and I loved Charlie Matters for his scrabbly, trying-to-stay alive-and-out-of-the-workhouse personality and also for some of his honest deeds.
Charlie’s Grandma was wonderful as well - I think she knew all the things Charlie was up to.
Molly and Oliver were just lonely, wonderful people.
If you need a heartwarming, but heartbreaking read at times, this is it.
There is even a bit of a mystery along with short, pull-you-in chapters. 5/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Charlie Matters who wears tattered clothes, too-small shoes, who lies to his grandmother, who quit school, and steals things.
Molly Wakefield who just returned home to her well-to-do neighborhood after being with a family in the country to avoid the London bombings.
Ignatius Oliver who befriends both Charlie and Molly, who owns a bookstore, and who Charlie stole from.
How do they become friends? What brings them together?
These three unlikely characters were brought together because they all needed someone.
The book focused on friendship and people taking care of each other.
The storyline was quite engaging, and I loved Charlie Matters for his scrabbly, trying-to-stay alive-and-out-of-the-workhouse personality and also for some of his honest deeds.
Charlie’s Grandma was wonderful as well - I think she knew all the things Charlie was up to.
Molly and Oliver were just lonely, wonderful people.
If you need a heartwarming, but heartbreaking read at times, this is it.
There is even a bit of a mystery along with short, pull-you-in chapters. 5/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
April 16, 2025
I normally like this author and books set in WWII, but I'm giving this one up 40% into it. I find I'm really bored. I feel bad for the kids and all that they are going through, feel for the adults that try to hide so much from the kids to protect them, but it's not enough to keep going. This one just isn't for me.
April 15, 2025
Gosh David Baldacci can write a story can’t he!! He has been one of my favourite crime writers for a long time and his historical fiction book last year, A Calamity of Souls, was my favourite book of the year. So when ai saw that he had written a story set in WWII London I just had to read it.
This was such a moving story, so many times I had tears in my eyes while listening to this tremendous cast of narrators. They really did bring Strangers in Time to life, along with the authors brilliant writing. I feel like I was walking the streets of London with these characters. Any story set during wartime is going to be emotional, and this one really does tug at the heartstrings.
It is a story of 3 people that are brought together by the war. 3 people from different backgrounds and places in society, that may not have met under normal conditions. Charlie lives with his gran in the East End, and they battle for every penny and morsel of food that they can get their hands on. Molly has just returned to her home in affluent Chelsea after being sent to the country for years to escape the war. And Ignatius is a widowed bookseller who has plenty of dark secrets of his own. The 3 form a friendship that gets stronger and stronger the more that is thrown at them.
This is a story of war, of family, of friendship, betrayal, survival and love. It is an eye opening look at the real people that the war affected. It shows the real courage of those who did what they had to do to survive and protect the people that they loved.
Thank you so much to Hachette Audio for my advanced audio copy to listen to. Out on April 15th.
This was such a moving story, so many times I had tears in my eyes while listening to this tremendous cast of narrators. They really did bring Strangers in Time to life, along with the authors brilliant writing. I feel like I was walking the streets of London with these characters. Any story set during wartime is going to be emotional, and this one really does tug at the heartstrings.
It is a story of 3 people that are brought together by the war. 3 people from different backgrounds and places in society, that may not have met under normal conditions. Charlie lives with his gran in the East End, and they battle for every penny and morsel of food that they can get their hands on. Molly has just returned to her home in affluent Chelsea after being sent to the country for years to escape the war. And Ignatius is a widowed bookseller who has plenty of dark secrets of his own. The 3 form a friendship that gets stronger and stronger the more that is thrown at them.
This is a story of war, of family, of friendship, betrayal, survival and love. It is an eye opening look at the real people that the war affected. It shows the real courage of those who did what they had to do to survive and protect the people that they loved.
Thank you so much to Hachette Audio for my advanced audio copy to listen to. Out on April 15th.
January 4, 2026
✰ 2.75 stars ✰
I really struggled at the beginning. I knew Baldacci was building up each respective character profile, but my attention span was struggling, because the details felt so trivial to be touched upon, that I repeatedly questioned myself - where are we going with this?
I'm also not sure what led me to believe that magical realism would be involved or at least something with a clock that maybe turns back time. with how heavy it was being laid on that there were several key moments of their lives each of the characters wished they could prevent from happening, it certainly would not have surprised me. 🙆🏻♀️
Well, my mind is all over the place with my thoughts for this one. 💫 I know what it was doing, but did I think it was good writing that kept me invested and intrigued? yes and no. Because the pacing is really slow, a character-driven narrative with a very slow pace that captures how we can be Strangers in Time, but somehow be the ones we will hold dearest to our hearts.
“We all need someone at certain times in our lives. It makes the inevitable pain lessened and the periods of happiness exalted.”
For three unsuspecting souls, their paths cross most fortuitously so, despite the harsh and bleak circumstances in which their serendipitous meeting felt preordained. How odd is that when a world is at war, their wars within could be enriched for it. Regardless of status in society, anyone could be afflicted during times of adversity. how we rise above that darkness is what defines us. 🥺
I admired Molly's tenacity; her medical acumen - a tad disbelieving for her age - was her strength, but her kindness, too, was a beacon for not-yet-fourteen, Charlie, who was pretty much at the end of any hope for a decent life. But, they form an unlikely bond that leads them inadvertently to the doorsteps of The Book Keep, where the enigmatic widower, I. Oliver resides, carrying on more than just his wife's love for books, but a torch for her presence from his life, too. 🫂
And that emptiness to rebuild a home for themselves is what unites them, pushes Oliver to protect these young children entrusted to his care, unwittingly so, but he's a man who only ever did good for others. Even with his own share of secrets that slowly catches up to them and surprisingly connects them further. ⌛ His resolve to keep them out of harm and help them find their way out of the dismal dredges of their current plight felt believable and sincere.
“Grief, sadness, anger at a loss, and terrible, unrelenting hurt were the costs to be paid for loving and being loved.”
It was really befuddling that for a story that started with Charlie as the MC, the story quickly evolved into one concerning only Molly's crisis. because, well, charlie's plight did end early on, with rather less emotion, tbh, but...
The shift of the plot towards the ending did not surprise me, because it was a dead give-away when one supporting character relayed significant events to Molly. 🤷🏻♀️ I just felt like even when it was resolved, the story did not want to end. And the epilogue just proved to me that when a story has run its course for too long, it gets a very condensed version of all that transpires in its wake that feels neither satisfied nor was fulfilling.
However, what I think was the strongest aspect of the writing, where the author truly shined was the depiction of the shock and horror of the London bombings and its aftermath. 👍🏻 It was a visceral portrayal with vivid descriptions that allowed you to sense each flavor of its impending destruction - the sounds, the landing - it was a palpable fear of every second a longer chance for survival. 😔
“We all have each lost a great deal in this terrible war. But amidst all this destruction and despair, we managed to find one another.”
I really struggled at the beginning. I knew Baldacci was building up each respective character profile, but my attention span was struggling, because the details felt so trivial to be touched upon, that I repeatedly questioned myself - where are we going with this?
I'm also not sure what led me to believe that magical realism would be involved or at least something with a clock that maybe turns back time. with how heavy it was being laid on that there were several key moments of their lives each of the characters wished they could prevent from happening, it certainly would not have surprised me. 🙆🏻♀️
Well, my mind is all over the place with my thoughts for this one. 💫 I know what it was doing, but did I think it was good writing that kept me invested and intrigued? yes and no. Because the pacing is really slow, a character-driven narrative with a very slow pace that captures how we can be Strangers in Time, but somehow be the ones we will hold dearest to our hearts.
“We all need someone at certain times in our lives. It makes the inevitable pain lessened and the periods of happiness exalted.”
For three unsuspecting souls, their paths cross most fortuitously so, despite the harsh and bleak circumstances in which their serendipitous meeting felt preordained. How odd is that when a world is at war, their wars within could be enriched for it. Regardless of status in society, anyone could be afflicted during times of adversity. how we rise above that darkness is what defines us. 🥺
I admired Molly's tenacity; her medical acumen - a tad disbelieving for her age - was her strength, but her kindness, too, was a beacon for not-yet-fourteen, Charlie, who was pretty much at the end of any hope for a decent life. But, they form an unlikely bond that leads them inadvertently to the doorsteps of The Book Keep, where the enigmatic widower, I. Oliver resides, carrying on more than just his wife's love for books, but a torch for her presence from his life, too. 🫂
And that emptiness to rebuild a home for themselves is what unites them, pushes Oliver to protect these young children entrusted to his care, unwittingly so, but he's a man who only ever did good for others. Even with his own share of secrets that slowly catches up to them and surprisingly connects them further. ⌛ His resolve to keep them out of harm and help them find their way out of the dismal dredges of their current plight felt believable and sincere.
“Grief, sadness, anger at a loss, and terrible, unrelenting hurt were the costs to be paid for loving and being loved.”
It was really befuddling that for a story that started with Charlie as the MC, the story quickly evolved into one concerning only Molly's crisis. because, well, charlie's plight did end early on, with rather less emotion, tbh, but...
The shift of the plot towards the ending did not surprise me, because it was a dead give-away when one supporting character relayed significant events to Molly. 🤷🏻♀️ I just felt like even when it was resolved, the story did not want to end. And the epilogue just proved to me that when a story has run its course for too long, it gets a very condensed version of all that transpires in its wake that feels neither satisfied nor was fulfilling.
However, what I think was the strongest aspect of the writing, where the author truly shined was the depiction of the shock and horror of the London bombings and its aftermath. 👍🏻 It was a visceral portrayal with vivid descriptions that allowed you to sense each flavor of its impending destruction - the sounds, the landing - it was a palpable fear of every second a longer chance for survival. 😔
April 29, 2025
Would have rated higher were it not so depressing.
February 4, 2025
I enjoy David Baldacci’s series, but his last two standalones have been spectacular. I tend to get worn out with WWII historical fiction, so I always feel reluctant to pick up yet another book about it. I’m more likely to pick it up if it’s written by an author I already enjoy, hence Strangers in Time. Worth it. The book takes place during the Blitz in London, and Baldacci fleshes this out well, with details of how people responded to the bombings, and places that were destroyed. The book truly shines though, in telling the story of three very different people that are brought together by the bombings. Charlie is a poor East Ender living with his Gran after losing both of his parents. He happens to see Ignatious Oliver’s bookstore one night while Oliver is conducting business, and steals money his conscience later obligated him to return. Along the way he meets Molly, a well-to-do young woman who after being shipped to the countryside by her parents, returns to London to find both parents gone. Charlie is hiding from the consequences of being poor, Molly is trying to find her parents, and Oliver is grieving his wife while keeping a secret from the children he has welcomed into his home when they no longer have one of their own. Despite all of the horrible, unfair things that happen to the trio, it’s heartwarming how selfless each is with each other and those around them. Baldacci doesn’t sugarcoat the tragedies that happened; there are plenty of sad moments in this book. But the goodness he shows in people that have very little and give of themselves anyway makes it worth being reminded of the horrors of war. Historically accurate, but more poignant for the focus on the humanity and people that lived the experiences of the Blitz, this is definitely worth reading. A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 24, 2025
So, let me get this straight. David Baldacci is so talented he shows up at his publisher and basically says, 'Here's a little ditty I had rattling in my head,' and hands them a manuscript for Strangers in Time. And it's great! How is that fair to the rest of us peons? If I had a tenth of his talent--in anything--well, I would suck less.
Strangers in Time transports you to 1944 London during the Blitz: the desperation, fear, and inevitability are palpable. How can someone who wasn't alive during this period make it so tangible? Baldacci illustrates the horrors of war and its indiscriminate nature, showcasing compassion and love through the experiences of a bookshop owner and two teenagers.
Thank you, Grand Central Publishing for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Strangers in Time.
Strangers in Time transports you to 1944 London during the Blitz: the desperation, fear, and inevitability are palpable. How can someone who wasn't alive during this period make it so tangible? Baldacci illustrates the horrors of war and its indiscriminate nature, showcasing compassion and love through the experiences of a bookshop owner and two teenagers.
Thank you, Grand Central Publishing for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Strangers in Time.
June 1, 2025
To be fair this is closer to 3.5!
This is my first Baldacci read and from other GR reviews this appears to be a step out of his usual genre. I have no way to base this off of his other works and there are a lot to explore.
The setting, London, during WW2. Two young people collide when there world is torn apart by all the horrors that war brings. A few twists, although none were particularly surprising or new. The story itself was a bit YA to me and although it was well put together, I thought it was a bit predictable. I also found it quite long, I think it could have been shortened. When a book is over 400 pages I expect some depth and there really was none.
I love historical fiction. This was pleasant, not memorable. I do feel there are way better HF books out there. I did hear from some GR friends that this is excellent on Audio, if that is your jam.
This is my first Baldacci read and from other GR reviews this appears to be a step out of his usual genre. I have no way to base this off of his other works and there are a lot to explore.
The setting, London, during WW2. Two young people collide when there world is torn apart by all the horrors that war brings. A few twists, although none were particularly surprising or new. The story itself was a bit YA to me and although it was well put together, I thought it was a bit predictable. I also found it quite long, I think it could have been shortened. When a book is over 400 pages I expect some depth and there really was none.
I love historical fiction. This was pleasant, not memorable. I do feel there are way better HF books out there. I did hear from some GR friends that this is excellent on Audio, if that is your jam.
May 8, 2025
A great fan of David Baldacci’s work, I was excited to see this standalone novel set in London in the latter time of the war. A widowed shop owner has some keen skills and when he befriends two teenagers, their friendship helps push them through the darkest days across Europe. Baldacci delivers a captivating story that many will likely enjoy.
Charlie Matters may only been fourteen, but he’s had a lifetime of mischief. Without parents and an ailing grandmother, he’s come to ditch school and fills his days stealing to stay one step ahead of the law. It’s wartime in Europe and everyone is on edge, worried about their next meal and what will come of the Allies do not defeat Hitler and the Axis. After the Blitz nearly kills him, Charlie must decide how to survive.
Molly Wakefield has a much different, but still worrisome, view of London. As her family is well-off she was evacuated at the start of the war and has been apart from then for five years. Molly is back and trying to locate her kin, as well as make sense of her locale. She and Charlie run into one another, discovering some of their similarities. It is only when they locate a widower bookshop owner that Charlie and Molly may have found an anchor to keep them from drifting away. Ignatious Oliver has an exciting past that he tried to share with the teens.
Befriending Charlie and Molly, Ignacius tries to protect them as best he can. He stands up for Molly, who tried to get a job to earn some money. He’s also keen to turn a blind eye and protect Charlie from the law, who are searching for him regarding a criminal act. These three must stick together to ensure their safety until the war ends. As bombing continues, no one is sure when that might be, creating stronger bonds with each passing day. David Baldacci delivers a stunning piece of writing that differs from much of his other work and is sure to hook the reader from the outset.
David Baldacci’s work usually moves in the realm of police procedurals or investigative thrillers. However, this piece taps into history and a more emotional narrative than one might expect. Still, the narrative clips along and keeps the reader wondering as the story gains much momentum. The characters provide a stunning flavouring of the story, whose setting and time period are enough to offer substantial connection for many. Plot points deliver great storytelling and serve to surprise the reader effective as things twist in ways few might expect. Baldacci proves his versatility and has impressed me once more.
Kudos, Mr. Baldacci, for a great story that kept me entertained throughout.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Charlie Matters may only been fourteen, but he’s had a lifetime of mischief. Without parents and an ailing grandmother, he’s come to ditch school and fills his days stealing to stay one step ahead of the law. It’s wartime in Europe and everyone is on edge, worried about their next meal and what will come of the Allies do not defeat Hitler and the Axis. After the Blitz nearly kills him, Charlie must decide how to survive.
Molly Wakefield has a much different, but still worrisome, view of London. As her family is well-off she was evacuated at the start of the war and has been apart from then for five years. Molly is back and trying to locate her kin, as well as make sense of her locale. She and Charlie run into one another, discovering some of their similarities. It is only when they locate a widower bookshop owner that Charlie and Molly may have found an anchor to keep them from drifting away. Ignatious Oliver has an exciting past that he tried to share with the teens.
Befriending Charlie and Molly, Ignacius tries to protect them as best he can. He stands up for Molly, who tried to get a job to earn some money. He’s also keen to turn a blind eye and protect Charlie from the law, who are searching for him regarding a criminal act. These three must stick together to ensure their safety until the war ends. As bombing continues, no one is sure when that might be, creating stronger bonds with each passing day. David Baldacci delivers a stunning piece of writing that differs from much of his other work and is sure to hook the reader from the outset.
David Baldacci’s work usually moves in the realm of police procedurals or investigative thrillers. However, this piece taps into history and a more emotional narrative than one might expect. Still, the narrative clips along and keeps the reader wondering as the story gains much momentum. The characters provide a stunning flavouring of the story, whose setting and time period are enough to offer substantial connection for many. Plot points deliver great storytelling and serve to surprise the reader effective as things twist in ways few might expect. Baldacci proves his versatility and has impressed me once more.
Kudos, Mr. Baldacci, for a great story that kept me entertained throughout.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
August 5, 2025
"But this was their story. Three people standing together against all the world could hurl at them."
4.5⭐
This is a heartfelt and tender book that touches on the ugliness of war. Set in London in 1944, during WWII, it centers around the wartime existence and the experiences of three lonely and lost people; 13-year-old Charlie Matters from the East End, 15-year-old Molly Wakefield from Chelsea, and Ignatius Oliver a bookstore owner with a troubled past and many secrets. These three characters have lost a lot during the war, and they come to depend on one another to get through some of the hardest times that people had to face.
I came to care about the young people in this book like I felt about the youths in This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger or the kids in The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles. Their strength of character shines through the pages. Charlie has the ingenuity and perseverance of Oliver Twist, while Molly has the fortitude and resilience of many movie heroines.
There is a lot of death, destruction, and burials in this story. That was a fact of life during that time.
However, this is ultimately a story about strength, bravery, friendship, and courage. It is quite different from other books by this author, but it is extremely well done.
I highly recommend this book to historical fiction fans with a soft heart and thick skin.
4.5⭐
This is a heartfelt and tender book that touches on the ugliness of war. Set in London in 1944, during WWII, it centers around the wartime existence and the experiences of three lonely and lost people; 13-year-old Charlie Matters from the East End, 15-year-old Molly Wakefield from Chelsea, and Ignatius Oliver a bookstore owner with a troubled past and many secrets. These three characters have lost a lot during the war, and they come to depend on one another to get through some of the hardest times that people had to face.
I came to care about the young people in this book like I felt about the youths in This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger or the kids in The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles. Their strength of character shines through the pages. Charlie has the ingenuity and perseverance of Oliver Twist, while Molly has the fortitude and resilience of many movie heroines.
There is a lot of death, destruction, and burials in this story. That was a fact of life during that time.
However, this is ultimately a story about strength, bravery, friendship, and courage. It is quite different from other books by this author, but it is extremely well done.
I highly recommend this book to historical fiction fans with a soft heart and thick skin.
April 6, 2025
I have been a fan of Mr. Baldacci for a while but this book just didn't do it for me. When I got an advanced copy of this book I thought that it would be a little like the other books that I have read but that was not the case with this one. In fact it was a historical fiction read that was set during World War II time when three strangers come together from three different walks of life. The trio are each working to overcome their own tragedies from the war. They are all hiding something from one another while still showing their humanity during this difficult time. In other words, three strangers dealing with a lot of sad stuff in their lives at a very slow pace in this book - the opposite of what I have come to expect from Mr. Baldacci's other work. Overall, this was a sad yet slow moving read set during a difficult time in history for these characters and not what I was expecting. In the end it just was not the book for me.
April 17, 2025
Too slow, too boring, trying to hard to be “all the light you cannot see”
May 9, 2025
4.5 Excellent historical fiction. I love the young characters in this novel and the entire plot.
October 18, 2025
For the last several years, Baldacci has been producing two books a year (and sometimes even three) and focusing most of his attention on his series characters of Amos Decker (Memory Man), Atlee Pine, Aloysius Archer, and Travis Devine (6:20 Man). However, Balducci is a student of history and likes to step outside of his current day thrillers to write one-off historical novels set during turbulent eras and times of serious change. This time he takes us to the dark days of World War II when the world was under siege.
“Strangers in Time” takes place in London, England. The year is 1944. Germany is bombing the city and its survivors are living day to day with a hope for the end of the second great war and a better future. It is the story of Charlie Matters, Molly Wakefield, and Ignatius Oliver, and Desiree DuBose – each from entirely different backgrounds, experiences, and beliefs. And more importantly, each seeking healing from the personal losses of them are suffering from.
Fourteen-year-old Charlie Matters is a street urchin, surviving on the streets much like Dicken’s fictional character of Oliver Twist. Both of his parents are dead and he sleeps in a box in his grandma’s East End slums open-air apartment (due to the impacts of the German bombing raids). Every day he lives by his wits, scraping, stealing, and finding small jobs that will allow him to get old enough to fight in the war…
Fifteen-year-old Molly Wakefield is returning to London after spending five years away in the country where her parents sent her to be safely away from the bombings. She has not heard from either of her parents for a while and the money they were sending to pay for her has stopped coming. However, the decimated London she finds is almost unrecognizable from the city she left. Even worse, finding her parent’s empty house in Chelsea sets her on a mission to find out what happened to both of her missing parents…
Ignatius Oliver is the widowed owner of The Book Keep bookstore, previously owned and run by his wife, Imogen, before she died a year or two ago. Her death has been hard on him, and he has not emotionally gotten over it, still suffering in his grief and loss. Instead of moving forward, he has focused his pain on the war efforts. He’s keeping secrets that involve his loyalty and legacy…
As the German bombs rang down from above almost daily, these three scarred individuals’ cross paths, forcing them to come together and support each other in their biggest challenges yet, creating a connective bond that will last a lifetime…
As you can imagine, this is also a different kind of Baldacci novel, full of history, war, political, social, and economic elements from over 75 years ago, during a time of global conflict and atrocities. Baldacci doesn’t shy away or pull back from the reality of what it was like to survive in London during the dark times of Germany’s ongoing bombings. He attacks it with visceral and immersive examples and lessons of what living during that horrible time period was like, and the impact on life that came from a lack infrastructure, food and perishables, living conditions, and especially medical assistance. Baldacci does not sugarcoat in any way what was a brutal struggle to get by on a daily basis.
The good news on this one is that Baldacci settled down pretty fast into his storytelling groove that we all love and enjoy, what I think of as his special talent and secret sauce. His characters, storylines, and setting (location and history) were compelling and gripping. Baldacci knows each of his characters intimately and he makes us care about them intimately and personally. For an author that produces two books a year, Baldacci shows that he hasn’t lost his ability to create immersive and intriguing plotting, character depth, and pacing.
There is some bad news too, which probably says more about me than it does the book itself/\.
One, the overall plotlines were a bit disjointed at times throughout the book. It felt like Charlie’s and Ignatius’s storylines were much fleshed out and had more meat to them. In contrast, Molly storylines had great potential and started out well, but kind of got lost throughout the second half of the book, and for me really faltered at the end from an execution standpoint. For me, they fizzled out a bit and left me feeling emptier than I think was intended.
Second, and this is a surprising comment for me, this is the first book that I have ever read by Baldacci that I didn’t like the ending. It left me feeling melancholy, sad, and empty. I believe that it was the right ending for him to write, but I just didn’t connect with it in the ways that I usually do. I hated what happened to Ignatius (no details and no spoilers). Yes, it was probably the right thing to do with him, but it just hit me much harder than I thought it would and left a bad taste in my mouth, which I will assume is my issue on not one most readers will share.
Overall, “Strangers in Time” is an uncomfortable journey back in time when things were different and many nations were at war with Adolph Hitler and his German Nazi regime. I believe that did not intend for this to be a comfortable and escapist read and shouldn’t be treated that way. This historical novel was a serious reminder of those who were England’s own version of what Tom Brokaw referred to as “The Greatest Generation” – citizens who came of age during the Great Depression, fought in World War II, and played a key role in building our modern nation. Baldacci challenges us to remember our ugly history and do better moving forward. It’s never too late to take a personal inventory and make any necessary changes needed. Even though I am hung up personally on the ending, the lessons were well delivered.
“Strangers in Time” takes place in London, England. The year is 1944. Germany is bombing the city and its survivors are living day to day with a hope for the end of the second great war and a better future. It is the story of Charlie Matters, Molly Wakefield, and Ignatius Oliver, and Desiree DuBose – each from entirely different backgrounds, experiences, and beliefs. And more importantly, each seeking healing from the personal losses of them are suffering from.
Fourteen-year-old Charlie Matters is a street urchin, surviving on the streets much like Dicken’s fictional character of Oliver Twist. Both of his parents are dead and he sleeps in a box in his grandma’s East End slums open-air apartment (due to the impacts of the German bombing raids). Every day he lives by his wits, scraping, stealing, and finding small jobs that will allow him to get old enough to fight in the war…
Fifteen-year-old Molly Wakefield is returning to London after spending five years away in the country where her parents sent her to be safely away from the bombings. She has not heard from either of her parents for a while and the money they were sending to pay for her has stopped coming. However, the decimated London she finds is almost unrecognizable from the city she left. Even worse, finding her parent’s empty house in Chelsea sets her on a mission to find out what happened to both of her missing parents…
Ignatius Oliver is the widowed owner of The Book Keep bookstore, previously owned and run by his wife, Imogen, before she died a year or two ago. Her death has been hard on him, and he has not emotionally gotten over it, still suffering in his grief and loss. Instead of moving forward, he has focused his pain on the war efforts. He’s keeping secrets that involve his loyalty and legacy…
As the German bombs rang down from above almost daily, these three scarred individuals’ cross paths, forcing them to come together and support each other in their biggest challenges yet, creating a connective bond that will last a lifetime…
As you can imagine, this is also a different kind of Baldacci novel, full of history, war, political, social, and economic elements from over 75 years ago, during a time of global conflict and atrocities. Baldacci doesn’t shy away or pull back from the reality of what it was like to survive in London during the dark times of Germany’s ongoing bombings. He attacks it with visceral and immersive examples and lessons of what living during that horrible time period was like, and the impact on life that came from a lack infrastructure, food and perishables, living conditions, and especially medical assistance. Baldacci does not sugarcoat in any way what was a brutal struggle to get by on a daily basis.
The good news on this one is that Baldacci settled down pretty fast into his storytelling groove that we all love and enjoy, what I think of as his special talent and secret sauce. His characters, storylines, and setting (location and history) were compelling and gripping. Baldacci knows each of his characters intimately and he makes us care about them intimately and personally. For an author that produces two books a year, Baldacci shows that he hasn’t lost his ability to create immersive and intriguing plotting, character depth, and pacing.
There is some bad news too, which probably says more about me than it does the book itself/\.
One, the overall plotlines were a bit disjointed at times throughout the book. It felt like Charlie’s and Ignatius’s storylines were much fleshed out and had more meat to them. In contrast, Molly storylines had great potential and started out well, but kind of got lost throughout the second half of the book, and for me really faltered at the end from an execution standpoint. For me, they fizzled out a bit and left me feeling emptier than I think was intended.
Second, and this is a surprising comment for me, this is the first book that I have ever read by Baldacci that I didn’t like the ending. It left me feeling melancholy, sad, and empty. I believe that it was the right ending for him to write, but I just didn’t connect with it in the ways that I usually do. I hated what happened to Ignatius (no details and no spoilers). Yes, it was probably the right thing to do with him, but it just hit me much harder than I thought it would and left a bad taste in my mouth, which I will assume is my issue on not one most readers will share.
Overall, “Strangers in Time” is an uncomfortable journey back in time when things were different and many nations were at war with Adolph Hitler and his German Nazi regime. I believe that did not intend for this to be a comfortable and escapist read and shouldn’t be treated that way. This historical novel was a serious reminder of those who were England’s own version of what Tom Brokaw referred to as “The Greatest Generation” – citizens who came of age during the Great Depression, fought in World War II, and played a key role in building our modern nation. Baldacci challenges us to remember our ugly history and do better moving forward. It’s never too late to take a personal inventory and make any necessary changes needed. Even though I am hung up personally on the ending, the lessons were well delivered.
May 3, 2025
It pains me to say this, as a long time huge fan of David Baldacci’s writing, but this book was dire. It’s like he’s read a load of facts about the Blitz and then churned them out like it’s written by AI. It’s boringly slow, wooden and dull, the characters are cliched and the story is weak and holds no mystery or interest. Truly awful and I couldn’t wait to finish it. I wish I hadn’t wasted my money on it and I hope he returns to the genre he writes best. He is not a modern day Dickens, however much he’d like to be. What a disappointment and time waste.
August 19, 2025
I am not sure how one book about the atrocities of WW II can be more sad than others, but I found this story particularly and relentlessly depressing. I don't know how people held it together in Europe during this war, but as the story depicts, they at times, did not. Could not. This story is about how this war affected people of different ages, occupations, and classes and still found the words to tie in how folks took advantage of each other while citizens of the same country. The suspicion of neighbors and acquaintances was as anxiety provoking as the bombs dropped night after night. War is horrible and people can be hell. Still, there are those who stick together and support each other, even as strangers. A very contradictory thing, is war. I just wish I didn't feel so sad after reading this one.
April 14, 2025
*3.5 stars. In his latest work of historical fiction, David Baldacci takes us back to WWII and war-torn London, where three strangers from completely different walks of life come together to help each other survive these frightening and uncertain times. Charlie Matters is a poor kid from the East End while Molly Wakefield is a rich girl from Chelsea but both find themselves homeless and alone. They are befriended by Ignatius Oliver, a widower and the owner of a small bookstore named The Book Keep. The bond that forms between the three of them is unusual and heart-warming.
I loved these characters but most of all, I was blown away by how brilliantly Baldacci describes their war-time experiences. You are living it in these pages. You are terrorized by nightly bombing raids and the destruction of all you've known; you are starving; you are cold; you are desperate, but somehow you don't give up, you don't lose all humanity. Instead, you bond with those good people you find who offer comfort, hope, and friendship. Quite an enthralling WWII novel from start to finish.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this new novel via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
I loved these characters but most of all, I was blown away by how brilliantly Baldacci describes their war-time experiences. You are living it in these pages. You are terrorized by nightly bombing raids and the destruction of all you've known; you are starving; you are cold; you are desperate, but somehow you don't give up, you don't lose all humanity. Instead, you bond with those good people you find who offer comfort, hope, and friendship. Quite an enthralling WWII novel from start to finish.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this new novel via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
December 23, 2025
(MY 8TH FAVORITE BOOK OF 2025)
Taking place in 1944 in London during WWII, we first meet teenage boy Charlie who lives with only his grandmother and is trying to survive while looking for work. We later meet teenage boy girl Molly who has returned to her London home after spending a few years away from her parents after being evacuated from London during “Operation Pied Piper” in the beginning of the war, only to learn from her nanny that her mother is incapacitated and her father has vanished. Their paths will slowly intertwine through widowed bookshop owner Ignatius Oliver who will become their ray of hope when the bombs continue to rain on the city and their lives will face unexpected challenges while we learn more about Oliver’s backstory.
While it may have that similar type of story found in other novels about war, “SIT” still grabbed me in with the three main characters we follow through their branching stories of survival, history and tragedy. Charlie and Molly’s plots are full of harsh and struggles and the novel really changes when they meet Oliver, and it gets more unexpected and shocking when we learn about his wife’s past and of Molly’s mother’s unstable state. It slowly also becomes about finding the truth and justice as well as unexpectedly finding family with others in dark times. Definitely different from Baldacci’s usual genre, yet it’s a bittersweet and emotional war novel that hits you. A (100%/Outstanding)
Taking place in 1944 in London during WWII, we first meet teenage boy Charlie who lives with only his grandmother and is trying to survive while looking for work. We later meet teenage boy girl Molly who has returned to her London home after spending a few years away from her parents after being evacuated from London during “Operation Pied Piper” in the beginning of the war, only to learn from her nanny that her mother is incapacitated and her father has vanished. Their paths will slowly intertwine through widowed bookshop owner Ignatius Oliver who will become their ray of hope when the bombs continue to rain on the city and their lives will face unexpected challenges while we learn more about Oliver’s backstory.
While it may have that similar type of story found in other novels about war, “SIT” still grabbed me in with the three main characters we follow through their branching stories of survival, history and tragedy. Charlie and Molly’s plots are full of harsh and struggles and the novel really changes when they meet Oliver, and it gets more unexpected and shocking when we learn about his wife’s past and of Molly’s mother’s unstable state. It slowly also becomes about finding the truth and justice as well as unexpectedly finding family with others in dark times. Definitely different from Baldacci’s usual genre, yet it’s a bittersweet and emotional war novel that hits you. A (100%/Outstanding)
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