David Baldacci's newest novel, Strangers in Time, is a compelling portrayal of life in London during the bombings of World War II. Set in 1944, the story follows 14-year-old Charlie Matters, who lives with his grandmother after the tragic wartime deaths of his parents and grandfather. Secretly dropping out of school, Charlie makes a living on the streets, resorting to petty theft and taking on grueling temporary jobs to help his grandmother survive day to day. One day, Charlie steals from a struggling bookseller but, overcome with guilt, returns the stolen money and items. This marks the beginning of his unlikely relationship with Ignacius Oliver, the bookstore owner, who is still grieving the loss of his wife. Meanwhile, Molly Wakefield, raised in luxury, is sent to live in the countryside by her parents, who want to keep her safe during the war. When Molly returns home, she finds only her nanny and absent parents. Determined to locate her father, Molly crosses paths with Charlie, and the two form a deep bond that grows into a genuine friendship over the following weeks and months. However, when mysterious men begin following Molly, they turn to Ignacius, who seems to be hiding secrets of his own. Against the haunting backdrop of the Nazi Blitz and its aftermath, Strangers in Time delivers an unforgettable story about the power of human

1944 London – after the blitz, but still suffering Germans bombing what is left of the city. Three unlikely characters end up being a salvation for each other. Charlie Matters is from a lower-class area of London and after losing both parents, the 14 yo is living with his grandmother. Wealthy Molly Wakefield has been sent to the country for her safety, but at 15 yo feels she should return to London after not hearing from her family for several months. Ignatius Oliver owns a bookstore though it was really his wife’s as math is his strength. All three are mourning as fate throws them together. Fabulous read! I could not put it down.

Strangers in Time


In the heavily bombed 1944 London of WWII, teenagers street kid Charlie, and upper-class Molly both lose their homes. They find shelter with bookseller Ignatius Oliver who is grieving his late wife. He and the two young people all have situations in their lives that put them at risk in addition to the bombs falling around them.

The story of this unlikely alliance makes for engrossing reading.

Not David Baldacci's usual style. I don't love historical fiction so wasn't a fan of this one but I had to read it because I normally love this author.

This book captured my attention right away with its interesting characters and various mysteries to solve. Charlie, a boy living through the extreme conditions of rationing and bombings in London, has a story that you want to know more about. When his actions interlace his tale with that of Ignatius Oliver, a bookseller, and Molly Wakefield, a wealthy teen just returned to London, we see each character develop. I particularly liked that despite the dreary setting (London during WWII) the companionship of the three main characters demonstrated human warmth and companionship.
I found this novel to be well-written, fast paced, and intriguing.

4/5 Stars
Strangers in Time by David Baldacci is not a thriller as I was expecting. He dives into historical fiction with a fascinating story set in wartime London. The novel follows the unlikely bond formed between two teenagers, Molly and Charlie, and a bookstore owner, Ignatius Oliver, as they navigate the struggles of World War II.

Baldacci does an excellent job capturing the atmosphere of London during the Blitz, portraying the harsh realities of war in a realistic way with themes of love and hope. The characters are well-developed, and their relationships feel genuine and unique, though at times the pacing felt slow, especially in the first half. The story builds gradually and overall was a bit predictable. The emotional depth and themes of resilience and friendship kept me engaged.

Overall, Strangers in Time is a heartfelt read, perfect for fans of historical fiction who enjoy character-driven stories with a touch of intrigue. While it’s not my usual read and I was expecting a thriller, Baldacci’s storytelling made it an enjoyable use of my time.

Molly and Charlie surely would never crossed paths had it not been for the ravages of
war. From completely different circumstances, seemingly with no one to care for them,
they formed what was to become a little family, with Ignatius Oliver, owner of a nearly
defunct bookstore.. As we wind our way through these young people discovering
that their families are either dead or missing, and learning they have lost contact
due to the constraints imposed by war, they are so fortunate to end up with
Mr Ignatius taking them in and through thick and thin (the sparse food which sounds
grim) and working together, sometimes with heart heavy secrets they each dealt
with, along with their circumstances, they are no longer alone.
The backdrop of central London to the coastal towns and hospitals where some
are housed and hidden, bring this story of the ravages of war, helplessness and
hope, loyalty and secrets, to a well written and satisfying conclusion.
No matter the genre or series, Mr Baldacci is never a miss. I enjoyed the
story, and the characters seems to be alive in the pages of the bookMy thanks to
Grand Central Publishing via NetGalley for the download
of the book for review purposes.

This book is definitely not the usual read by Baldacci. Set in London during World War II the book is a story about the unlikely friendship between a man and two children who all experienced loss during the war. Sometimes the story seemed to drag but was all in all a fairly good book. If you like WW II historical fiction from a human interest standpoint you may like this book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

David Baldacci has been on a roll lately, delivering one compelling novel after another, and Strangers in Time is no exception. A standalone historical fiction mystery set during the Nazi Blitz in London, this book marks a shift from Baldacci's typical thrillers to a slower-paced but equally gripping story.

As a librarian, I found the book's central setting—a cozy bookshop that becomes a refuge during turbulent times—particularly poignant. The story weaves themes of resilience, hope, and the power of found family into a richly atmospheric narrative. Much like A Calamity of Souls, the pacing here is measured, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the characters and their struggles.

Baldacci’s talent for crafting memorable characters shines through, making it easy to connect with their journeys. The mix of historical context, mystery, and emotional depth makes Strangers in Time another spectacular addition to Baldacci's repertoire. It’s a story that will linger long after you turn the final page. Fans of historical fiction and mysteries alike are in for a treat!

Plot summary: It's getting closer to the end of WW2, but London is still being constantly bombed. Charlie is navigating tweenhood and loss as an East Ender. Molly is going back home after spending years in the countryside. And Oliver is dealing with grief while running his bookshop.

What I liked: The characters are well-drawn and likeable. The setting gives a heartbreaking view into what it must have been like to live through the London bombings.

What I didn't like: I really did not connect with this story at all. I am definitely an outlier here, and I have never read this author, but I think his fans will probably like this.

It started out slow, and there wasn't much plot until around 30%. Just Charlie figuring things out, and a gradual introduction to the other main characters. The rest of the story was entirely predictable and unrealistic. Molly was 15, but everyone spoke to her as if they accepted her as an adult. At the end, there were several annoying info dumps.

It was also super depressing. Too many people die. I'm all for bad things happening in a book; they create tension and tug emotionally. But usually they lead to hope or some kind of satisfying resolution. Here, bad things lead to more bad things.

This is more like 2.75 for me.

Thank you to NetGalley, Grand Central Publishing, and David Baldacci for the opportunity to review an advanced copy.

This novel is very different from previous series I have read by Baldacci. It takes place in London during WWII. Three very different characters are thrown together in order to survive the horrors of war. The book gives the readers a real sense of the struggles and sacrifices average and below average citizens endured. It was a real eye opener. Good read that I enjoyed.

David Baldacci’s stand alone books have all been good. I’ve enjoyed them more than his series. “Strangers in Time” is an excellent stand alone work of historical fiction. His descriptions of WWII London were vivid and I was pulled into the lives of the three main characters. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

This book certainly exceeded expectations for me. I love a good historical fiction novel, even if that's not what I normally turn to David Baldacci for! Mr. Baldacci hit it out of the park though - this story gave me a new perspective about how WWII was for those in London. I enjoyed the character development, even if I would've liked to have seen more of a substantive, deeper (as much as a 14 & 16 can) relationship form between Charlie and Molly. Some of the plot twists were a little predictable but I think that was the intention and it didn't take away from the story at all. I really liked how Molly and Charlie came from two totally different backgrounds, but through war, end up in VERY similar circumstances. This story will draw you in from the beginning and it is well worth your time to read.

Thanks to Net Galley and Grand Central Publishing for this ARC. #StrangersinTime #NetGalley

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I have been a huge fan of the author across his many series and standalones, but last year's Calamity of Souls and this book are quite different from the others I have enjoyed. This historical fiction story set in WW2 England explores the fragility of life, mental health and the potential impacts that unforeseen relationships can have in your life. This was another thought provoking novel, and I thought it really stands out. In some ways and perhaps its because of the setting, but I found this book to be almost Dickensian. What a story teller! 5 stars!

Great writing but just not my cup of tea.
Molly and Charlie meet up.in war wracked London, both parent less. They find refuge
and a somewhat semblance of a family life, for a while, when Oliver, the owner of a bookstore, takes them in as his own. He clothes them and feeds them and tells the authorities they are his wards.
The background of war torn London, food rationing and desperate days makes for a dark read even
with some light moments thrown in for good measure.
The plight of homeless and lost children during war filled days is always a difficult read.
Baldacci does a fine job with great character building and a plot that moves readily along but I just could not lose myself in the story.
I had to work on staying interested and for me, that's not a good read.
Sorry.

David Baldacci can do it all. This historical fiction story is one of the best I’ve ever read. A coming of age story of three people brought together during a deadly period of time. The character work was great you really feel a connection to the characters and this story is just really powerful. A must read.

David Baldacci has always been a “must read” author for me, and while it took a bit longer to hook me, once it did, it did not disappoint. Thank you David Baldacci and NetGalley for the privilege to read this advanced copy of Strangers in Time.

Both heart-wrenching and uplifting, Strangers in Time explores the devastating realities of war, the enduring strength of the human spirit, and the unexpected bonds of friendship forged in the most unlikely circumstances. David Baldacci has crafted a painful, yet beautiful story set in WWII England that will wreck and inspire you in equal measure.

It’s 1944 in England. Charlie Matters is a fourteen-year-old kid from London’s East End who has no parents, dropped out of school, steals to make ends meet and has no prospects for a better life. Molly Wakefield is a child of privilege coming up on her 16th birthday, who has just returned to her London home after spending the last 5 years safely tucked away in the countryside, only to find her parents are missing. Ignatius Oliver is an educated man, the widower owner of a book shop and volunteer air raid warden, helping to keep people safe during German bombing runs over the city. These three strangers are each dealing with heavy loss in their lives, but when they find each other and form an unexpected friendship, their lives all change for the better. However, they each have secrets and a past that might catch up to them at any time. And the only way for them to survive is to trust one another, face some hard truths and take things one day at a time.

This book is an emotional roller coaster, filled with a constant barrage of gut punches that you would expect to knock out these characters. But they keep getting back up and forging ahead. Showing how resilient and strong people can be when being strong is their only choice. And despite the ugliness of the world around them, they refuse to dwell in a state of bitterness and instead choose hope and seek to make new human connections that give their lives meaning. It’s a beautiful and inspirational thing to witness, especially since it would be easier to yell at the sky about how unfair life is and give up. But they don’t. They dust themselves off, acknowledge the pain and then find the best path forward. Which happens to involve transforming the serendipity of these strangers meeting and turning it into the foundation of a new family.

This is another home run novel by the great David Baldacci. And I’m loving the direction he has taken his writing. From last year’s brilliant A Calamity of Souls to this year’s fantastic Strangers in Time, his books are deep diving into history, exploring the human spirit and forcing readers to contemplate the lives we lead. Entertaining, emotional and thought-provoking stories? Sign me up every time!

I was intrigued by the prospect of David Baldacci’s foray into the genre of historical fiction as that ones of my loves. The story and the message are wonderful, but I was disappointed in the writing. I didn’t find it inspiring at all. I must admit that I had not previously read anything by Baldacci and I’m guessing that those that have read his books will not see any issues at all. There were no sentences or phrases that I wanted to reread for the pure joy of the language. Actually, I speed read quite a bit, glossing over many parts. However, I doubt that my opinions here will have any negative impact on Mr. Baldacci’s wild popularity.

Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this pre publication. I’m sorry if this is not what you wanted to hear.

As always David Baldacci knows how to write a book. This book in based in London in the time period of World War II. The way that this book is written allows you to immerse yourself in the story and have a connection to it. This book is written so well and was such a good read. Would most definitely recommend this book to those who love books set in World War II and any other book by David Baldacci!