David Baldacci has truly outdone himself with this novel! While it's a departure from his usual genre, he absolutely nails it—delivering an emotionally gripping, beautifully written, and deeply immersive wartime story.

From the very first page, I was transported to 1940s London, feeling every bit of the tension, heartbreak, and resilience that these characters endure. Charlie, Molly, and Ignatius are unforgettable—three lost souls who come together in the midst of war, finding solace in an unexpected place: a bookshop. Their struggles, their courage, and their found-family bond had me completely hooked.

Baldacci’s descriptions are so vivid that I could almost hear the air-raid sirens wailing and smell the pages of old books in The Book Keep. The storytelling is exquisite, weaving history, suspense, and raw emotion into a novel that lingers long after the final page.

If you love historical fiction with heart, depth, and unforgettable characters, this is a must-read. One of the best wartime novels I’ve ever experienced!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Strangers In Time by David Baldacci is a powerful story about love, loss and three unlikely people who become friends trying to survive the day to day horrors during World War II. Charlie (14 years), Molly (16 years) and Ignatius the bookstore owner will steal your heart, each trying to make the best with the hands they were dealt, while each bringing their own strengths to help each other get through such a trying time. I found myself getting lost in this story, living the harsh reality right along with these three. Each chapter drawing me in further and further. This was an emotional read, but also one we all need to experience to see how tragedy can make the heart and soul stronger. We can only hope in life to have friends who are as loyal and caring as Charlie, Molly and Ignatius. I will be recommending this well written novel to all my friends who want a story to get lost in..
Well Done Mr. Baldacci.
Thank You To NetGalley, The Author David Baldacci, And The Publisher Grand Central Publishing for allowing me the honor to read this ARC, for my honest review.

Set in WWII London, this story centers around a poor East-Ender 14-year old boy, Charlie, and a wealthy posh 15-year old girl, Molly, as well as an adult man, Oliver, who owns a book shop, The Book Keep. All the characters are gifted in different ways: Charlie in knowing the ins and outs of London, and how to hustle to make a buck and get out of a scrape; Molly in learning emergency nursing and securing paid work doing so when money was desperately needed; and Charlie who is an expert in decoding messages of any sort. The children are precocious and mature beyond their years.

I am a die-hard Baldacci fan, and requested this from NetGalley despite my WWII fiction fatigue. I was drawn in from the very first pages, enjoying Baldacci's talent for quickly developing a compelling sense of setting and characters, which engage this reader every time.

With that said, this book clocks in at 448-pages in hardcover, and I personally felt it was too long. The plot was engaging, but predictable, like a YA book. The plot deals with the loss of loved ones, and relies upon 2 major and 3 minor "mysteries" to further the story (hint: Major mysteries include 1 with Oliver and another tied to Molly's father. Minor mysteries involve Oliver's wife, another with Molly's mother, and a 3rd with fallout from a situation Charlie was involved in).

The actions of some characters felt uneven - some overly nice, others overly cruel, and some felt extraneous and are still a mystery to me, like the shop owner woman across the street from the book store, and the 2 physicians who treated Molly's mother.

But for a 450-page book, I wanted a deeper dive into some of the above mysteries with more sophisticated plot development. I wanted a little more nefarious action with some surprises for the reader, while still maintaining the mostly "good guy" vibe the book has. As written, I wish it had moved along through the expected stages of narrative with at least 100 fewer pages.

Baldacci is still the GOAT for modern thrillers for me, and this particular book was a mostly enjoyable read, but definitely a YA vibe to educate young readers to a variety of POVs during WWII London. 3.5 stars rounded up.

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for providing a pre-release copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this eARC.

We're introduced to a young boy trying to find his way amidst a bombed-out London during World War II. We're painted a bleak picture of the times and what he must do to survive, despite his better judgment. Soon we're introduced to an older man, who much like the boy is doing what he must do to survive whilst like so many is suffering loss. Lastly, we're introduced to a young girl who is more privileged in life. Only to find life back in London after being evacuated to the country isn't quite what she expected or what it seems to be. This is a sad but beautiful tale of wartime, mystery, and secrets. Of how three strangers come together through loss and hardship to survive the most harrowing times and become found family. It was so well written I quickly became submersed in the story. Through the imagery description and emotive language, I felt like I was right there with the three of them. I felt their heartbreak, their loss, and their happiness with each page I read.

Set in London during late WWII, this novel is different from the Baldacci writing most are used to. While he is usually known for his fast-paced thrillers, this story is a work of historical fiction. While the genre might be different, the writing is still superb.

When a bereaved bookshop owner is robbed by a struggling young man, an unexpected relationship begins. Along with a possibly-orphaned teenaged girl who has just returned from the countryside, a found family forms. With the tumultuous war forcing Londoners into underground bunkers as bombs are dropped, the stability of having people you can trust creates unbreakable bonds.

This story is beautifully told – your heart will break for the tragedies that befall the main characters, and their triumphs will feel like your own. A great mix of history, fiction, and a sprinkle of mystery – check it out!

I usually think of Baldacci as a thriller writer for the masses. He is an author that my mother has on her automatic read list. When I received this copy I assumed that this would be more of the same. Boy was I wrong. What a beautiful story set amongst a tragic time in history. I really enjoyed this book and thought it was very well done.

Not what I expected

I am used to fast, action-packed thrillers from this author. Although I appreciate him trying something new, for me this book was a bit of a disappointment. This is set in London during WWII. The action was pretty much people getting killed by bombs and people otherwise having their world exploded.

It revolves around two young people: a wealthy girl who was sent away when the bombing started and a poor boy who was struggling to survive after losing his family.

It was a sad book. Well-researched, but sad.

I've been a fan of Baldacci since he started writing and have read and enjoyed all of his books. With that said, I can't believe I'm writing this, but I just could not get into this book. His characters were well developed and the storyline sounded great in the description (just in my reading wheel), but the story just dragged for me. Sorry, I really wanted to like this book!!! Thanks for the ARC and for allowing me to express my opinions.

David Baldacci is one of my favorite authors. I know I can never go wrong when I pick up one of his books, however, this one just did not keep my attention. I had to keep taking a break and coming back to it. It was still well written however it just was not the style of book I like or that keeps me coming back for more.

Thriller writer,David Baldacci, once again excels in another genre. Just like in “A Calamity of Souls” Baldacci explores another area of fiction superbly. “Strangers in Time” is a novel depicting life in London during World War II. We are introduced to Charlie Masters, a thirteen year old orphan living in a bombed out city with his grandmother trying to make ends meet. He is earning money at odd jobs he comes across as well as stealing small amounts of money and food to keep him alive.

One night, Charlie breaks into a book shop and steals some money and notices some very peculiar things happening with the book shop owner, Ignatius Oliver. Charlie feels guilty about the book store theft and goes back to return the money ho stole. He meets up with Oliver and they eventually establish a friendship.

Molly Deavers is a sixteen year old young lady who returns to London after being sent away by her parents because of the situation in London. Expecting, a warm welcoming form her parents she encounters her nanny at her home, but no parents. She eventually meets Charlie and Ignatius.

This is a very interesting character study and world building during a very trying time in history The story illustrates the life in London, when the Germans were bombing the city. It’s Al’s a coming of age story on the par with William Kent Kruger.

Baldacci is one of my favorite authors. His multiple thriller series are excellent and his expansion to the legal and wartime genres proves that he is one of America’s great authors.

Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and write my review of this terrific novel.

I never expected to write a negative review of a David Baldacci book., but I don't have many positive words for this one. The character development was excellent, as is usual for him. In fact, if I hadn't been so invested in the characters, I think I might have stopped reading. I knew the setting before I started the book, of course, but I think some of his descriptions were more gruesome than they needed to be. I've read Baldacci's books that were not thrillers, and they were excellent-this one just wasn't. It almost felt like it was written by someone else. It makes me a bit sad to say this, but I will be hesitant about recommending this one to our patrons.
Content warning: Gruesome war violence, sexual violence alluded to, suicide and severe mental health situations.

A heartfelt story of unlikely strangers who bond during trying times in WWII. Baldacci’s writing style pulls me into the WWII setting. I could feel the fear, the thunder of the bombs and the human emotion. Just a really good story.

Thank you NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing the advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
#NetGalley #StrangersInTime

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.

𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: April 15, 2025
𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪:

Beautifully and flawlessly written. The characters are perfectly developed and the connections and dialogue were perfect. I could not set this book down because it had such a grip on me from the very first page. I have thought about this book ever since reading it and I cannot wait for my book club to pick this one up. We follow teenagers who endure so much and their lives end up bringing them together. I want to give as little away about this story because I want you to feel this book as I did, I felt every single page of this book to my core. I will always love Baldacci’s writing and this one as one for the favorite of 2025.

Huge thank you to our Author, NetGalley as well as Grand Central Publishing

5 stars
Expected publication date April 15, 2025

Thank you, NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this eARC for review. All opinions are my own.

Molly Wakefield is a teenage girl from a well to do family. Charlie Matters is a teenage boy who lost his parents and struggles daily with his Gran to survive. Ignatius Oliver is a widowed man, overcome with grief after losing the love of his life. These three form an unlikely friendship during World War 2 in London. Together, they navigate love and loss, bravery, resilience, secrets, and truths.

This was a pleasure to read. I loved the bond these three formed during their darkest days.

I loved this book. Many thanks for Grand Central Publishing, David Baldacci and NetGalley for the e-galley. I'm a big historical fiction fan and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A reminder that "family" is not always the one you were born into, and you never know how "chance meetings" will affect and change your life and your perspective. I can't wait to recommend this to patrons in my library!

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

"Strangers in Time" by David Baldacci is a captivating World War II novel set in London.

This story revolves around the following three primary characters: Charlie Matters, a 14 year-old boy who has been surviving on his own; Molly Wakefield, a 15 year-old girl who returns to London after being evacuated during the war, only to find her parents gone; and Ignatius Oliver, a warm-hearted grieving bookshop owner who becomes a mentor and protector to both children.

This story beautifully captures the resilience and spirit of the human heart amidst the chaos of war. Charlie and Molly find security and a sense of family in Ignatius and his bookshop, "The Book Keep," where they discover that books can provide an escape from the harsh realities of their world.

As they navigate the dangers of wartime London, they uncover familial secrets and face threats that test their newfound bond.

Baldacci's storytelling is poignant and thrilling, with a perfect balance of historical detail and emotional depth.

The characters are well-developed, and their journeys are both heart-wrenching and inspiring. This story explores themes of loss, hope, and the power of human connection, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in historical fiction and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

5 stars from this grateful reviewer, this is another amazing read from this blockbuster author.

Balducci turns his amazing writing prowess to a complete change of pace for him from his typical thrillers: a moving, resonant historical fiction novel about two teens trying to survive the German bombings of London towards the end of World War II. Balducci backs his book with intimate details of how the war gravely impacted so many different people, and how the bombs indiscriminately fell on both rich and poor. From huddling in dark dank crumbling subway bomb shelters, a scarcity of any food in addition to strict ration books, mayhem and crime in the streets as people desperately try to survive, soldiers and espionage, air wardens, caring for the deeply wounded by nurses and women volunteers…the day-to-day intensity of making it through war in London comes vividly to life.

Charlie Matters, age 16, has been raised in the poor slum section of London by his grandmother, after his dad dies on the front lines in France and his mom gets hit by a bomb. He and his gran are barely making ends meet. Charlie drops out of school and turns to both day labor of any kind he can find along with petty crime to help feed them. In the midst of robbing the till at a bookshop owned by Ignatius Oliver, who took it over after his wife died, Charlie has an attack of conscience and goes back the next day to return the money to the man who’s clearly struggling himself. This brings him into a complicated relationship with the bookshop owner, who ultimately sees the goodness and courage it took for Charlie to return the stolen items and draws them together in a increasingly protective bond.

Molly Wakefield, age 15, had been sent off to the London countryside along with thousands of other London children to adoptive families who took them in for pay. She loves her adoptive family, has had a great education, and learned exceptional nursing skills while working as a volunteer for the local hospital. But when her Dad stops sending funds to cover her expenses, Molly returns to London to find both him and her Mom missing from her wealthy home. Molly’s quest to find out what happened to them intersects with Charlie, and then with Ignatius.

Charlie, Molly and Ignatius form a tight trio of friendship and surrogate family, driven together by the despair and loneliness of war as well as the vulnerability of both teens who need both protection and a home base. The twisty plot keeps you reading avidly along, and what emerges is hope in the resiliency of the children as post-war survivors. Balducci’s war time London stays with you powerfully.

Thanks to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced reader’s copy.

I haven't read Baldacci in quite some time so a new genre from this author was intriguing. Overall I found it rather dull and finally gave up at 90% read. Thanks to NetGalley for the advance ecopy.

Charlie Matters and Molly Wakefield are two young children (14 and 15 years old) alone in London during the blitz of WWII. Charlie is an East Ender, used to getting by using his will and his scavenging to survive. Molly, just returned from being sent away to the country, comes back to find both her mother and her father gone. Her mother in a Sanitarium and her father has disappeared. Still she has her nanny and her home - until one night she does not. Charlie and Molly are from two ends of the world but yet they are drawn together to survive and with the help and caring of Ignatius Oliver, the proprietor of The Book Keep they become a team and a "family". I loved this book and I am not usually a fan of historical novels, but David Baldacci did once again what he always does - endearing you to his characters and seeing their strength and their flaws. The man continues to have that golden touch and this is another book not to be missed. Thank you so much to NetGalley,, Grand Central Publishing and David Baldacci for the opportunity to lose myself in this amazing novel.