A story of secrets, betrayals, and unlikely friendships. It’s emotional and that keeps spinning-and keeps you guessing-right until the startling finish.

I went through the full gamut of emotions with this story.

Molly, Charlie & Ignatius endured such a massive amount of loss and hardship. More than anything this book represents the very real difficulties that so many went through during WWII - death of loved ones, starvation, loss of homes and general insecurity that felt endless.

I was entirely in the clutches of Baldacci's writing and wanted so badly for our characters to make it out, unscathed was too much to hope for of course. But in the midst of so much anguish they found each other, supported one another and created a family dynamic that was unbreakable. The human spirit and need for connection during tough times was really the fourth main character here.

Baldacci now has a new fan. But I will say one tiny criticism - we don't call them "ranches" here in Aus sir, they're farms or cattle stations ;)

Massive fan of the narration, duet style really added to the atmosphere and I applaud Stewart Crank, Alexandra Boulton, John Lee, Nicola F. Delgado, Matthew Lloyd Davies and Joe Pitts on a job well done.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this engrossing ALC.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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.

Thank you for the ARC of this book! The audiobook was wonderful with all of the characters having their own voices. I enjoyed that the story was told from multiple perspective and that it wasn’t your typical WW2 fiction. Parts of the book were predictable, but it was a wonderful read.

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this story. In part it felt non-fiction and really brought the war period to life. The narration was wonderfully done and whilst it was a long listen with a slow moving plot it was really interesting.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me access to this audiobook.

The book/audiobook was well written and well narrated. It is a historical fiction and does not have nearly the amount of action i have come to expect from David Baldacci. I much prefer his other titles but if you like historical fiction this may be for you, it was just not what I enjoy spending my time enjoying most. I felt there where points in the book that were slow and I had to step away and come back to it later to pick it back up when I was in the write mood to listen to this type of book.

A unique WWII story told in only the way Baldacci can tell it. It is not your typical read from him, yet it still holds on to the emotions and feeling that we have all come to love from Baldacci. He has a way of bringing you into the lives of his characters and makes them so real. Strangers in Time follows the lives of children dealing with the realities of life in the middle of a war. It’s not the “poor woe is me” type of novel. These children have the grit needed for survival. I highly recommend the audiobook version. The narrators brought the characters to life.

Thank You for an opportunity to listen to this book.

I like Baldacci’s formula books because I enjoy the adrenaline rush, but this one was a bit different—set during the Second World War and slightly outside his usual tropes. It wasn’t bad, just not one of the best World War 2 fiction books I’ve read. Not your typical Baldacci, but not bad either.

War is a heavy and complicated subject, and this audiobook resonated deeply with me, especially because war has taken so much from my own family. From the very beginning, the story pulled me in—not just because of its powerful themes, but because of the way the author masterfully weaves history and mystery together. I had no idea it was a historical mystery when I started listening, and discovering that layer added an entirely new level of intrigue and suspense.

The writing itself is beautifully crafted, with vivid descriptions and a tone that perfectly balances the sorrow and resilience that comes with such difficult times. It’s not an easy story to follow emotionally, but the depth and honesty in the narrative made it impossible to put down—or in my case, stop listening to. Every chapter revealed more pieces of the puzzle, keeping me engaged and eager to learn what would happen next.

What truly elevated the experience was the audiobook narration. The narrator brought every character to life with remarkable skill, capturing their unique voices and emotions in a way that felt authentic and deeply moving. From the quiet moments of reflection to the intense scenes of conflict, the performance added layers of meaning and made the story feel incredibly real.

This audiobook wasn’t just entertainment; it was a powerful reminder of the sacrifices and losses endured during war, and how those stories continue to shape families and histories. I’m profoundly grateful for this experience and would recommend it to anyone who appreciates storytelling that combines emotional depth, historical insight, and gripping mystery.

I really liked this book it was based on the nazi war and I loved the characters. I couldn’t stop listening to it

This was very different to other Baldacci books that I have read so I was unsure whether I would like it so I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed it so much.
The narration for this book was fantastic and really drew me into the story. I have read a lot of books set in WW2 but this was a really fresh and unique take on that time period. Would definitely recommend this on audio.

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.

I really hate doing this to a Netgalley book, but I have to give this book only two stars. I really wanted to like this book, but it just didn’t work for me. The pacing was painfully slow, and I found myself constantly waiting for something—anything—to happen. The premise had potential, but the story dragged and failed to hold my attention. Unfortunately, it felt more like a chore for me. I started it three times. Got to 65% and just decided it is just not for me.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to listen to this book for my honest review.

*received for free from netgalley for honest review* I love world war 2 era books and this was another great, tho sad, read. would recommend and buy

I love this story and the authors writing style. This is my first introduction to this author's writing and it didn't disappoint. The story was original and the details in the writing were so vivid that it was so easy to imagine myself in the story.

I haven't read any of Baldacci's thriller novels but I always enjoy a good WWII story and this one was layered, had lots of emotional depth and kept me reading. It was suspenseful but emotional in the best way. Great on audio and recommended for fans of authors like Jeffery Archer or books like All the light we cannot see. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review.

🎧 ALC / ARC Review 🎧

Very grateful to @grandcentralpub for the ARC and to @hachetteaudio for the ALC. I rotated between both.

Strangers In Time by @davidbaldacciauthor
- Publisher - Grand Central Publishing 🎧 @hachetteaudio
- 🎧 Narrated 🎧- David Baldacci; Stewart Crank; Alexandra Boulton; John Lee; Nicola F. Delgado ; Matthew Lloyd Davies; Joe Pitts

When an audio production is into action with a Baldacci novel, you’re getting a full cast! I just love when they bring the story to life.

It’s 1944 in London. War has taken lives, leaving others abandoned. But when two friends unite again, they find a special bookshop, The Book Keep. A book a day keeps the bom.bs away. The three of them form a special bond. This is a historical war fiction/ coming-of-age. I can’t imagine trying to survive during those times. It’s heartbreaking and healing. I recommend this one for you Historical Fiction lovers!.
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This isn't your usual Baldacci. Strangers in Time trades high-octane thrills for a quieter, more emotional story—and honestly, it works. Set during WWII, the book follows Charlie and Molly, two teens navigating loss and survival in a bombed-out London, and Ignatius, a grieving bookseller who unexpectedly brings them together.

Thanks to a whole cast of narrators (including Baldacci himself), the audiobook feels more like an audio drama, and it's better for it. The performances add depth to a story already filled with strong characters.

Despite all the trauma and grief, it's not a heavy listen. It's surprisingly hopeful, with characters you can't help but cheer for. If you're in the mood for something different from Baldacci—slower, more personal—this one's worth a listen, especially on audio.

Thank you to NetGalley, Hachette Audio, and Grand Central Publishing for an advanced reader's copy; all opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Strangers in Time; by David Baldacci and narrated by David Baldacci; Stewart Crank; Alexandra Boulton; John Lee; Nicola F. Delgado; Matthew Lloyd Davies; and Joe Pitts was an excellent audiobook especially as I have not listened to a audiobook by this author. This was a book that took my breath away. Set in London in 1944, it is about a bereaved book shop owner and two teenagers scarred by the second world war, and the healing and hope they find in one another.

Charlie Matters 14 years old and he is up to no good, but for a very good reason. He is without parents, peerage, or merit, no one to show him what is right from wrong! and he is ducking school but he is barred from any actual work. So, he steals what he needs, and he is 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.

Molly Wakefield is 15 years old and has just returned to a nearly unrecognisable London. One of millions of people to have been evacuated to the countryside via “Operation Pied Piper,” Molly has been away from her parents—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: both her parents are gone.

Now, 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, where A book a day keeps the bombs away. Mourning the recent loss of his wife, Ignatius forms a kinship with both children, and in each other—over the course of the greatest armed conflict the world had ever seen, they rediscover the spirit of family each has lost.

I can't recommend this audiobook enough. . . . it was beautifully written and all the narrators were excellent. I loved it.

As a long-time fan of David Baldacci, I have quite enjoyed his ventures into historical fiction. This latest book is perfect! The readers were very easy and pleasant to listen to and the story flowed very smoothly. I think that this was practically perfect in every way. I'm looking forward to another listen.