David Baldacci's "Strangers in Time" is a poignant World War II novel that intertwines the lives of three individuals against the backdrop of war torn London. The narrative follows 13-year-old Charlie Matters, 15-year-old Molly Jones, and the bookstore owner Ignatius Oliver as they navigate their world during war and uncover secrets that bring them together.

Baldacci's research brings that era to life, immersing readers in the sights and sounds of 1944 London. The characters are well developed; Charlie's resilience, Molly's determination, and Mr. Oliver's past add depth to the story. Their relationships highlight themes of survival, trust, and the healing power of family.

The novel's pacing is well done, balancing moments of intense action with character development. The transitions between different points of view provide an understanding of each character's motivations and struggles. Baldacci also offers a fresh perspective on the London Blitz, exploring its lesser-known details and presenting a narrative that stands out.

"Strangers in Time" is more than just a historical account; it's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the unexpected bonds that can form in times of adversity. It's a story that will resonate with readers long after they've turned the last page.
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Fourteen-year-old Charlie Matters is up to no good, but for a very good reason. Without parents, peerage, or merit, he steals what he needs, living day-to-day until he’s old enough to enlist to fight the Germans. After barely surviving the Blitz, Charlie knows there’s no telling when a falling bomb might end his life. Fifteen-year-old Molly Wakefield has just returned to a nearly unrecognizable London. One of millions of children to have been evacuated to the countryside Molly has been away from her home for nearly five years. Her return, however, is not the homecoming she’d hoped for as she’s confronted by a devastating reality: neither of her parents are there.

Without guardians and stability, Charlie and Molly find an unexpected ally and protector in Ignatius Oliver, and solace at his book shop, The Book Keep. Mourning the recent loss of his wife, Ignatius forms a kinship with both children, and in each other they rediscover the spirit of family each has lost. But Charlie’s escapades in the city have not gone unnoticed, and someone’s been following Molly since she returned to London. And Ignatius is harboring his own secrets, which could have terrible consequences for all of them.

There are a lot of mysteries in this, and a lot of heartbreak. It is, after all, set in wartime London. It's a door stopper at almost 450 pages, but the story is engaging all the way through. I really enjoyed the characters, especially Molly, and enjoyed watching the mysteries unravel. Enjoyable read! 4⭐

I received an advanced complimentary digital copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed are my own.

I was thrilled to receive the new David Baldacci book since I’m a long-time fan and adore his stories.

This one is different and difficult to get through the first quarter of the book.. Different as a WWII story, different as not his usual suspenseful drama, and different as I didn’t enjoy reading it at first so put it aside. Difficult with a choppy and less mature writing style, difficult with a Young Adult disposition, and difficult as yet another WWII story.

After visiting the magnificent WWII Museum in New Orleans, I picked the book up again and thankfully at ~100 pages in, the story picked up somewhat with the introduction of Molly. It slowly went uphill from there but not at all in the usual Baldacci way. Four stars for a decent story and for this talented, captivating writer who tried something else. Hopeful his usual style and action-packed thrillers return soon.

Thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC.

A stand out stand alone book by David Baldacci. This is not your expected book from the prolific, series author.
Set in war-torn London in 1945, Charlie and Molly are two young city dwellers, alone in the world, in need of a friend. They meet and form a bond with a local book shop owner.
David Baldacci writes an incredibly moving novel exploring their losses and victories at the end of WWII.
You will not get what you expect from your usual David Baldacci book. You will get so much more! A must-read.

Strangers in Time is set in London during World War 2. 3 strangers, Molly, Charlie, and Ignatius happen upon each other by chance and form an alliance as they all work to survive the war.
I thought this book was written so well. The author did a great job of making it so easy to read. It was a different perspective of the war than I’d read before and it was interesting to get new looks into all the jobs and things people did to survive. Overall a good read.

As always Baldacci’s characters were beautifully fleshed out and his settings were realistic. As with his other novels, I could feel what his characters were feeling and I could hear and smell the surrounding sounds and odors. The prose was exquisite and flowed easily.

Unlike the other books of his that I’ve read, this one read like a YA book: short sentences, simplistic actions/solutions along with lots of repetition. However with 450 pages, I can’t justify its being designed as targeting a YA audience.

The theme seems to be the underlying goodness of people even in the depth of the squalor of WWII in London. It was very uplifting.

IMO the novel would have benefited from tightening the scenes, deleting all the repetitions and not waiting until the very end to throw all the answers to all the questions at the reader. But all in all an enjoyable read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early reader's copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Baldacci does it again! The subject matter was unlike the other Baldacci novels I’ve read and I’ve read so many books set in WWII that I couldn’t imagine a plot that would interest or surprise me. But knowing the great writer Baldacci is, I decided to give it a try. So glad I did, would have hated missing this read!
As always, the writing is well done, well balanced between world building, inner dialogue and dialogue. The writing seems effortless making the book easy to read and never losing pace.
Truly loved all the main characters. What a beautiful story set in war time of the resilience of spirit and creating family and love after loss.
Would make a great book club choice as there would be lots to dissect, debate and reminisce over.

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.

Unusual for a Baldacci book. The story takes place during WW2. I enjoyed the characters and even though it took longer to get into this book, it ultimately was very enjoyable. He is a great writer and I've read all his books. I recommend this story but remember to keep on going. It's worth it.

The book does start off slow, with a methodical pacing that may leave readers wondering where the plot is heading. However, as the layers unfold, the story picks up momentum and dives into some fascinating themes that keep you hooked despite the slow beginning.That said, one of the major tones in the book is undeniably heavy, and the overwhelming presence of death and loss can be quite depressing. Many of the characters go through intense emotional turmoil, If you’re okay with a somber tone and can stick with the pacing, it’s definitely worth reading.

Thanks to NetGalley for advanced copy

I believe this is the author's first attempt at historical fiction and I am not sure how successful it was. He clearly did a lot of research on World War II and its effects on the citizens of London. The story involves two young people who are mostly alone in the world and an older bookstore owner who is also relatively alone. The three come together in different ways that are sometimes believable and sometimes not. The end product just did not work for me but I think most people will like it so I will recommend it. Thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for providing an ARC.

This book is set in London during WWII. It is a story about the lives of people from different social circles who come together and become family. They are all equal in their fight for survival. This is not your usual Baldacci book but it is a compelling read that I couldn’t put down. I think it is one of the best books he has written. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

I think this is the first David Baldacci book that I've read. I quickly lost myself in the story, especially Charlie's parts. He and Molly suffered so much but I like how they became a found family with Mr. Oliver. The horrors of the Blitz and the daily hardships of rationing, economic struggles and loss really helped to ground the story in reality.

I think the one thing I didn't care for was the asylum stuff. It seemed a little too over the top for the story. A lot was going on plot-wise already with the mystery surrounding Mr. Oliver and his visitor, Charlie and the accident and whatever was going on with Molly's dad. It just felt like too much in the end. Overall however, I really liked the story and I appreciate how it highlighted the challenges faced by East Enders in comparison to the wealthier people of London. I like learning something new when I read historical fiction and I think the novel accomplished that.

Having never read a Baldacci title (I know) I didn’t know what to expect. As I read the book I kept thinking this would make a good movie or mini series. He captured well the deprivation that London went through during WWII which I think many in the US know or comprehend. The weak point for me was near the end where too many ends were tied up too quickly. The missing mother, the missing father (not giving anything away) and that I’m afraid detracted from the story line. Otherwise a solid and engaging read.

Thank you Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing for this ARC!

This was such a great book. I mean... David Baldacci always write great books so it's no surprise. This book was very different then his norm but it was such a good and thought provoking read. Although it was super sad, it also made you smile. I learned a whole log about WW2 as well. Especially the plight of the kids. So sad!!

I do wish that Charlie had his voice heard at the end instead of from the voice of Molly. But overall, I really enjoyed this.

This is one of Baldacci's best, but not typical of his usual. Strangers In Time is a work of historical fiction, set in London during World War II. Two teenagers from the most different backgrounds imaginable become friends, along with another unlikely, a past middle age bookshop owner. Their worlds collide during the bombings of London. The young man loses his only family, a grandmother. The wealthy young lady returns to her family mansion but finds disturbing news about her missing parents and experiences the horrific bombing raids of her hometown. The bookshop owner has some secrets of his own. The worlds of all three collide with many twists and turns in the plot. Well-developed and interesting characters are surrounded by a plot set in one of the most disturbing of times. A well-written story that will grab your attention. Thanks to #NetGalley#DavidBaldacci#StrangersinTime for the opportunity to read this book by a favorite author.

Charlie Matters lost his parents early in life. Now he is a fourteen year old living with his grandmother in London during the bombing by the Germans in WWII. They are barely scraping by, even with Charlie stealing what he needs. Molly Wakefield is a fifteen year old returning from the countryside where she was sent by her parents to protect her from the war. She returns to her nice home to a rather quiet homecoming - only her old nanny Is there - neither of her parents are there. There is also Ignatius Oliver - a widower who runs a book shop. This is a story of the three characters meeting, leaning on one another, helping each other survive during a terrible time. It’s about creating a family in spite of losing your real one. I thought all of the characters were well written. This book was very different from other Baldacci books that I’ve read. It is much more of a historical fiction than his typical mystery thrillers. It started just a bit slow, but once it got going I got very invested in finding out what was going to happen to everyone. There are some mysteries along the way - what happened to Molly’s parents - what happened to Mr. Oliver’s wife and what is he up to with his meeting and exchanging papers with someone late at night? I give the book 4.5 stars out of 5.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for this digital ARC in exchange for my honest review. The book will be published on April 15, 2025.

Review of Strangers in Time by David Baldacci – 4.5/5 Stars

David Baldacci has done it again with Strangers in Time, a gripping historical thriller set in London during World War II. As a fan of both historical fiction and Baldacci's intense storytelling, this book exceeded my expectations and kept me completely captivated from start to finish.

The novel follows three central characters, each with their own complex pasts and motivations, as they navigate the chaos of wartime London. I loved how Baldacci captured the atmosphere of the time—the tension, the uncertainty, and the quiet resilience of everyday people trying to survive the horrors of war. The way he brought London to life, from the air raids to the resilience of the civilians, made me feel like I was there, experiencing it all alongside the characters.

The characters themselves were wonderfully fleshed out, with distinct personalities and emotional depth. I particularly appreciated how Baldacci explored the personal struggles they faced during such a tumultuous period, from loss to fear to hope. The emotional stakes were incredibly high, which made every decision feel consequential. And while the plot revolves around a central mystery, it’s the relationships between the characters that truly make the book shine.

The suspense is classic Baldacci—tight, fast-paced, and full of unexpected twists. There were several moments where I literally couldn’t turn the pages fast enough, and even though I had an inkling of where things were heading, Baldacci still managed to surprise me. The way he weaves together personal and historical events is masterful, keeping you on your toes the entire time.

The only reason I’m not giving it a full 5 stars is that there were a few moments where the pacing slowed down, and some of the action sequences felt a bit repetitive. But honestly, those were minor hiccups in an otherwise fantastic read.

If you're a fan of historical thrillers or just love a good story set during World War II, Strangers in Time is a must-read. It’s a beautiful, intense, and thought-provoking book that’ll stay with you long after you turn the last page

A big thank you to Grand Central Publishing for providing me with an ARC via NetGalley.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 stars

David Baldacci has written yet another compelling book. This one takes place in war time England where persons from different stations of life cross paths and their lives intertwine.
A wonderful tale all should explore and enjoy.
I encourage you to explore this on your own.
As always hope there are more novels on the way. I have never missed one and know each will take care of my gift giving at all occasions.

Wow, this was my first book by this author and I would for sure read more. What a ride! I enjoy the suspense and the pacing throughout.