This is a difficult book for me to review. It's SO different from what I'm used to from David Baldacci, and I had a hard time separating the writing from what I've come to expect from him. Obviously it is a different subject matter, but I still expected some sort of familiarity. Despite that, this was quite enjoyable; the characters were heartwarming and delightful, and while the storyline often felt simple and juvenile, it was still an intriguing story that held my interest. There were areas where the writing was childish, like I was reading a young adult or children's novel, and the ending was rather implausible and over the top, but I did enjoy the final wrap up, and overall would recommend this book.

I love historical fiction that takes place during WWII. This one was a little different and I really enjoyed reading the book. It is a different take than a typical David Baldacci book, but I was pleasantly surprised. The characters are well developed and I loved getting to know Charlie, Molly, and Ignatius (what a great name!). As you travel with them through the pages and experience their loss, anxiety, and need to keep secrets, you will be cheering them on. I enjoyed this particular WWII book because it was not an “in your face” horrors that you typically experience when reading books from that time period. There is angst and fear, but you are able to really connect with the characters and see how they try to handle living during this difficult time. You will experience the meaning of family in the true sense of the word … not by blood but by connections and deep relationships. This one left my heart aching but also encouraged with the knowledge that there are just some decent people in the world.

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

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Adult
Fiction
Historical
Historical Fiction
Mystery
Mystery Thriller
Thriller
War
WWII

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Strangers in Time is a refreshing change of pace for David Baldacci—and an absolute triumph. Best known for his pulse-pounding thrillers, Baldacci trades high-tech espionage for wartime Europe, and the result is a deeply human, emotionally rich novel that’s hard to put down.

Set during World War II, this story isn’t just about battles and strategy. It’s about people—flawed, brave, complicated people—thrown into impossible circumstances. Baldacci’s gift for plotting is still here, but this time he leans hard into character. The relationships feel real, the dialogue is sharp, and the stakes are personal in all the right ways.

He doesn’t just recreate the era—he brings it to life with skill and subtlety. The historical detail is vivid, but never heavy-handed. What stands out most is the humanity. The characters are complex and relatable, shaped by war, loss, and hope. His research into mental illness is especially strong, adding layers that feel honest and necessary, not just dramatic.

For fans of WWII fiction, this is a must-read. And for longtime Baldacci readers, it’s proof that even after dozens of books, he’s still full of surprises. I loved it. Oh, and the audio narration is fabulous.

** Thanks to Grand Central Publishing and Hachette Audio for comps of the eBook and audiobook. The opinions are my own.

Set in WWII Britain, this tells the story of three very different people whose paths cross as they try to survive the constant bombing of London. Strong character development and historical accuracy make this a solid read. This is my first book by the author and I'll definitely read his previously published books.

This is my first David Baldacci book (I'm honestly as shocked as you are) but certainly not my last. I loved getting to read this story of Charlie, Molly, and Mr. Oliver!

Charlie is an impoverished young man living in the East End with his Gran, working under the cover of night to make ends meet. One day, he happens upon The Book Keep, a bookshop who's proprietor is Mr. Ignatius Oliver. Charlie steals from the shop's till, but soon takes the money back after feeling guilty for the theft in the first place.

Molly Wakefield is not yet 16, coming back to her family home in Chelsea after several years away, living in the country where her father hoped to keep her safe during the war. After arriving home where her parents are mysteriously absent, she ventures out hoping to find her father at his workplace, the Ministry of Food. Charlie helps her navigate the unfamiliar streets and thus their bond is formed.

This is a WWII novel, but quite unlike others I've read. To some degree, the found family between Charlie, Molly, and Oliver in this was much different from what I typically read in WWII hist fic books and I really appreciated it. Death was littered throughout and some of them caused me to have to shut the cover and set the book down for a few minutes before continuing through the prose. It was a very emotionally moving novel and, in my opinion, everything Baldacci brought into the plot had it's place in creating the story and the atmosphere. The final few chapters hurt, but the epilogue left me highly satisfied.

David Baldacci is wildly successful and up until now, I had not read any of his books. But I am happy that Strangers in Time was available. His well-told tale of World War II is one of relationships, trust, survival, and struggle among the civilian population of London. There are lies, secrecy, and the ties that bind two young people and an unlikely protector together.

War tears some people apart, and brings others together. This is the premise of Strangers in Time, a historical fiction novel by David Baldacci. Historical fiction is somewhat off the beaten track for Baldacci, but I was glad to see that his thorough character development and sure footed storytelling are very much on display here. Baldacci, of course, is well known for his thrillers, and this is one of a different sort.

In 1944 London, life is upside down. Most residents have lost loved ones, livelihoods, and property, and all have been psychologically scarred by the stress of living in fear that today might bring another air raid. Into this scenario we find Charlie (a savvy street kid who steals and schemes to feed himself and his grandmother), Molly (who, returning after being sent to the countryside for her safety, finds both of her parents missing) and Ignatius Oliver, who cares for his wife’s bookshop after she dies in the war. Normally, these three very different characters would never meet, but the circumstances of the war bring them together, creating a sort of substitute family for which they are all grateful. Of course, each of our characters has secrets. And war is a time where bad things are always waiting around the corner.

While this book is slower paced than some of his books, it has a build that allows us to get to know and care for the characters before the action heats up. I found it a quick read, even though it is lengthy at over 400 pages. Although the drama surrounded the characters, separately and together, keeps you turning pages, my favorite aspect of the book was hearing about how the war affected different types and classes of people. At times, this is visceral, as when Oliver describes how the ground starts to shake when German bombers are nearby. At other times, your heart breaks when people go without food, lose loved ones, and experience other privations without regard to class.

I enjoyed this book and recommend it. Many thanks to Grand Central and NetGalley for allowing me to read this eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

It doesn’t matter whether you are reading an installment of The Camel Club, Will Robbie, Amos Decker, Attlee Pine or any of his other series or his standalones “A Calamity of Souls”, “Wish You Well” among others - you are going to read a well researched, wonderful piece of writing.
“Strangers in Time” carries on the tradition.

Set during and shortly after “The Blitz” of London in 1944, this story examines just how much any person can endure before they break or “become desensitized to such profound loss”. With over eighteen thousand people killed by Hitler’s bombs and “one in six Londoners” left homeless, three people find in themselves and each other solace in places they would never imagine.

“It wasn’t so much the decisions you made, it was simply who you stumbled into while you were trying to work out important matters.” Oliver, Charlie and Molly did the stumbling and it is their story which resonates with intrigue, caring, and compassion. Just when you think there can’t be another book about WWII that is done differently Baldacci does just that. He seamlessly melds situations, personalities, and social commentary. “Strangers in Time” is another book that is important and highly readable.

So many thanks to Grand Central Publishing / Hachette Book Group and NetGalley for a copy.

Strangers in Time by David Baldacci was a beautiful character driven novel. I loved the three main characters so much. Although Baldacci is a crazy amazing thriller writer, I'm loving his genre jump into historical fiction. I loved this story but at points thought it was overwritten as if the reader had never heard of the Blitz before. That could be a me problem bc I read so much hist fic but either way, I hope he continues to write more in this genre.

review link coming soon

For fans of All the Light we Cannot See, if there was a Dickens Novel set in London, after the blitz.

This is a war story. And while I have read several books about the civilians in WWII- this was the first one that demonstrated to me how the impacts of the bombing affected residents of London- regardless of their neighborhood.

A story of London during WWII told fundamentally from the perspective of two teens - Molly and Charlie. Charlie and his grandmother have been struggling to survive the conditions yet he somehow has managed to hold onto his hope and goodness. Molly returns to London after living in the country for several years to find both her mother and father are not there and only her nanny remains in the house. Molly is ill-equipped for the struggles that she faces but after a chance meeting with Charlie, the two become friends and essentially family. The primary adult in their lives comes in the bookstore owner after Charlie robs the store and then returns the money. Charlie quickly became my favorite character with his unlikely optimism and commitment to doing good while trying to survive. It's an interesting twist on the normal story and highly recommended.

If you like WWII history, then you should read this book. It was very informative about the bombings in London. Even with information about the different type of bombs. It's hard to imagine that anything good could come out of such tragedy but the relationship between these 3 people was heartwarming. I had never read a D. Baldacci book before but this is one of my favorite genres. Thank you Mr. Baldacci for stepping away from your normal genre and giving us something new. An excellent read!

Strangers in Time is a historical fiction story that will grip you by David Baldacci. The book revolves around 3 strangers who come to mean the world to one another. Charlie Matters is a teenaged boy who has no parents. He lives with his grandmother and she works hard to keep food on the table and a roof over their head. Charlie goes out at night and finds what he can to help, usually by breaking into a place, and stealing. The book is based in England during World War II with the Germans bombing on a regular basis.

Molly is a fifteen year old who has been away from London for 5 years. Her parents sent her away to keep her safe. She's been living in the country with a family her father pays to take care of her. When she goes home, she is excited to see her parents. When the housekeeper answers the door she is the only one there. She tells Molly that her mother had a breakdown and is a few hours away in a mental hospital. She tells Molly that her father works for the Ministry of Food and works long hours. Molly can't wait to see him and hopes he'll be home soon.

Ignatius Oliver owns the book keep in town and opens the shop each day. He took over as owner of the shop when his wife, Imogen, died. His wife was writing a novel and finished half of it before she passed. Ignatius is hoping to finish it for her, but he has lacked the inspiration to do so. Charlie, Molly, and Ignatius all find solace in each other as the kids visit the shop for different reasons. As their lives get more difficult with losses suffered, the three will bond together and protect one another at all costs.

Strangers in Time is a fantastic book that will make you feel as if you're living there with Molly, Charlie, and Ignatius. You'll feel the terror of the bomb sirens going off, the race to a shelter, and you'll be praying that the 3 characters you've grown to love will make it out alive! Family isn't always blood, it is often who is there when you most need them. That's the lesson from Strangers in Time. I rate Strangers in Time 5 stars with my very highest recommendation. The book Is available now and should not be missed! I'd like to thank NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for an advanced copy of Strangers in Time in exchange for a fair review. #StrangersInTime

While I'm still a bit new to the David Baldacci fan club, this was my least favorite of the few novels I've read. I just felt like I could not connect with this story.

The East End of London in the final years of WWII was a pretty grim place. This is the setting for this novel. Charlie Matters, aged 14, has been getting by, living with his granny and indulging in a bit of petty larceny. Molly Wakefield, aged 15, was sent away early in the war but now she has returned to London. Her father seems to be missing, so she is staying with her nanny. They meet by chance. Later when they each end up homeless and no adults in their lives they join forces. A mysterious, reclusive book shop owner takes them in. Can these three lost souls form a family? There are several intriguing story lines.

I had taken a break from WWII-themed books, but when I discovered that David Baldacci had written a historical fiction novel, I knew I had to dive in. As a fan of the genre, I was drawn to the perfect mix of history, mystery, and suspense. The story captivated me from the very first page, and Baldacci’s engaging writing kept me hooked until the end

I am a romance and fantasy reader 90% of the time. However, sometimes I want something completely different and I literally stalked Netgalley for an ARC of Strangers in Time. Eventually, I gave up and bought the actual book. Lo and behold, I was got an email from Netgalley to read it the very next day! 😂

I can't say enough good things about this story. I'm a sucker for any book set during WWII (I have a history degree) and this has been one of my favorites so far. At the beginning of the book, we meet our three different characters in their own storylines. Eventually, their storylines came together flawlessly! I cheered with them, I cried with them and I grew to love them. Weeks later, I'm still thinking about Molly and Charlie and Oliver. The historical detail that went into this book is astounding but the story never got weighed down with historical fact. I truly felt like I was reading the accounts of people who'd lived during the London Blitz. This was the perfect book to get you out of a reading slump or when you need a literary palate cleanser.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing for an ARC of this book. I TRULY loved it!

Heartfelt WWII historical fiction about found family in the midst of chaos and uncertainty. Three unlikely characters come together and find each other during the height of WWII as their individual secrets unravel around them. So sweet and heartbreaking at times! I'm not a big historical fiction reader, so I'm unsure how it stacks up to other works in the same genre, but I felt it was a good blend of unique and predictable.

Fans of David Baldacci (and who isn’t?) will welcome a World War II novel, Strangers in Time. This excellent historical novel is different from Baldacci’s norm, but is fascinating and well written, as expected from this bestselling author.

Charlie Matter is a 14 year old boy who has lost most of his family to the war, and lives with his Gram on the poor side of town where he steals most of what he needs and wanders the streets. He meets Molly Wakefield, who has been staying in the countryside for about five years and has been sheltered from the war in London until now, and has come back to see her parents; she finds that her mother is in a sanitarium and her father is nowhere to be found. There are some strange goings on, and she is being followed. They have interactions with the proprietor of a book shop, Ignatius Oliver, who is grieving over the loss of his wife. The story goes from there, adding suspense, government intrigue, bombs going off constantly, and unexplained scenarios.

As usual, Baldacci does an excellent job of developing his characters – they seem real and believable. The story is sad, and since Baldacci is a master storyteller, readers will find themselves on the edge during the entire novel. There are surprises at every turn, and unfortunately plenty of death. Unlike most of Baldacci’s novels, this one is very dark, and although excellent, a bit of a downer.

All told, it is one of those that exposes a time in history that is important for all of us to know about and remember; there were sacrifices or our freedom both in America and the UK. This novel is definitely worth reading and is excellent.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.

David Baldacci is one talented writer. This novel is like a beautiful tapestry of sorrow and redemption all in one. If I could have taken each of these well developed characters home with me (even some of the questionable ones), I would. That is how convincing his writing is.

At the beginning of the book, Charlie Matters lives with his grandmother and engages in theft to keep them afloat. Molly Wakefield is returning to London from the country now that the worst of the bombing is over. She’s committed to reconnecting with her parents. Ignatius Oliver owns the shop from which Charlie stole becomes friends with both Molly and Charlie.

Not only is this book about friendship, but it is also about survival in the face of devastation and finding a found family in the process. I am so grateful when I read something that sticks with me after I have put it down. I am still mulling over these characters several days later.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.