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Strangers in Time
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Calamity of Souls comes David Baldacci’s newest novel, set in London in 1944, 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.
Fourteen-year-old Charlie Matters is up to no good, but for a very good reason. Without parents, peerage, or merit, ducking school but barred from actual work, 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 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.
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.
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 still reeling from a secret Imogen long kept from him while she was alive—something so shocking it resulted in her death, and his life being turned upside down.
As bombs continue to bear down on the city, Charlie, Molly, and Ignatius learn that while the perils of war rage on, their coming together and trusting one another may be the only way for them to survive.
Fourteen-year-old Charlie Matters is up to no good, but for a very good reason. Without parents, peerage, or merit, ducking school but barred from actual work, 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 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.
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.
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 still reeling from a secret Imogen long kept from him while she was alive—something so shocking it resulted in her death, and his life being turned upside down.
As bombs continue to bear down on the city, Charlie, Molly, and Ignatius learn that while the perils of war rage on, their coming together and trusting one another may be the only way for them to survive.
435 pages, Hardcover
First published April 15, 2025
7184 people are currently reading
51978 people want to read
About the author
David Baldacci
237 books122k followersDavid Baldacci has been writing since childhood, when his mother gave him a lined notebook in which to write down his stories. (Much later, when David thanked her for being the spark that ignited his writing career, she revealed that she’d given him the notebook to keep him quiet, "because every mom needs a break now and then.”)
David published his first novel, Absolute Power, in 1996; the feature film adaptation followed, with Clint Eastwood as its director and star. In total, David has published 52 novels for adults; all have been national and international bestsellers, and several have been adapted for film and television. David has also published seven novels for younger readers. His books are published in over 45 languages and in more than 80 countries, with over 200 million copies sold worldwide.
In addition to being a prolific writer, David is a devoted philanthropist, and his greatest efforts are dedicated to his family’s Wish You Well Foundation®. Established by David and his wife, Michelle, the Wish You Well Foundation supports family and adult literacy programs in the United States.
A lifelong Virginian, David is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Virginia School of Law.
David published his first novel, Absolute Power, in 1996; the feature film adaptation followed, with Clint Eastwood as its director and star. In total, David has published 52 novels for adults; all have been national and international bestsellers, and several have been adapted for film and television. David has also published seven novels for younger readers. His books are published in over 45 languages and in more than 80 countries, with over 200 million copies sold worldwide.
In addition to being a prolific writer, David is a devoted philanthropist, and his greatest efforts are dedicated to his family’s Wish You Well Foundation®. Established by David and his wife, Michelle, the Wish You Well Foundation supports family and adult literacy programs in the United States.
A lifelong Virginian, David is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Virginia School of Law.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,286 reviews
April 10, 2025
If you’re considering this novel my biggest advice is to try and get access to the audiobook. The narrators voice their characters throughout and I loved hearing all their voices pop up each time they spoke. The entire production was impressive.
It’s rare that a WWII novel feels unique to me, but this one had a different atmosphere. Amid destruction we witness an inspiring story of struggle, survival, and found family. The three main characters would have been unlikely to have crossed paths without the war wreaking havoc in London.
Charlie is almost fourteen, he’s been ditching school and barely scraping by with the only family he has left his dear old Gran. He spends his days doing any odd job he can for a bit of coin and isn’t above swiping something he needs from those who can afford to part with it. After all these ration books aren’t filling the bellies of the poor. Charlie’s conscience and desperation made me emotional. His spirit walked a line between fragility and strength. I wanted to hug him.
Molly was whisked away to the countryside before the Blitz for safety. Upon her return at age fifteen she expects to be greeted by her loving family, but returns home that’s empty save for her nanny. Molly’s fortitude was admirable. She began with more wealth and comfort than anyone and experienced tremendous loss. She looked for ways to make any situation work. Molly reminded me of the saying, “Nothing works until you do.”
Where are Molly’s parents?
Strange men begin following Molly everywhere.
Ignatius Oliver has a name that belongs in fiction! I love it!! It’s perfect that he runs a book shop. He harbors some secrets. The children find his shop to be a safe haven. He seems level headed, patient and diligently looks out for their best interests.
Suspicious men are seen leaving the book shop.
The children find unexplained oddities hidden in the shop.
There are some mysterious elements at play which were unexpected, but enjoyable.
This novel pulled me right into this time period. There were details I’ve never considered or read about before which I found interesting. (No spoilers 😉) A fantastic standalone!
4.5⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Hatchette Audio for providing a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
It’s rare that a WWII novel feels unique to me, but this one had a different atmosphere. Amid destruction we witness an inspiring story of struggle, survival, and found family. The three main characters would have been unlikely to have crossed paths without the war wreaking havoc in London.
Charlie is almost fourteen, he’s been ditching school and barely scraping by with the only family he has left his dear old Gran. He spends his days doing any odd job he can for a bit of coin and isn’t above swiping something he needs from those who can afford to part with it. After all these ration books aren’t filling the bellies of the poor. Charlie’s conscience and desperation made me emotional. His spirit walked a line between fragility and strength. I wanted to hug him.
Molly was whisked away to the countryside before the Blitz for safety. Upon her return at age fifteen she expects to be greeted by her loving family, but returns home that’s empty save for her nanny. Molly’s fortitude was admirable. She began with more wealth and comfort than anyone and experienced tremendous loss. She looked for ways to make any situation work. Molly reminded me of the saying, “Nothing works until you do.”
Where are Molly’s parents?
Strange men begin following Molly everywhere.
Ignatius Oliver has a name that belongs in fiction! I love it!! It’s perfect that he runs a book shop. He harbors some secrets. The children find his shop to be a safe haven. He seems level headed, patient and diligently looks out for their best interests.
Suspicious men are seen leaving the book shop.
The children find unexplained oddities hidden in the shop.
There are some mysterious elements at play which were unexpected, but enjoyable.
This novel pulled me right into this time period. There were details I’ve never considered or read about before which I found interesting. (No spoilers 😉) A fantastic standalone!
4.5⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Hatchette Audio for providing a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
April 3, 2025
This is my all time favorite novel by David Baldacci. This is very different from anything I’ve read by him. This story was both heartwarming and heartbreaking. As a listener, my emotions ran the full range. The narration was outstanding and the author narrated the Author’s note. The narration definitely added another layer to the book.
I’ve enjoyed 100’s of books set during WWII and I believe this may be my all time favorite. We hear from the perspective of the three main characters, two teenagers and a widower starting in 1944 in London. The characters were well defined and easy for me to form an attachment. It was a unique, detailed story of these civilians during this time, it was researched and detailed. I found it to be fast paced and difficult to find a stopping point. I pray Mr. Baldacci will write more novels like this.
I was blessed with an ARC of the audio through NetGalley and the opinions expressed are my own. I enjoyed this novel so much I will revisit it again. Highly recommend.
I’ve enjoyed 100’s of books set during WWII and I believe this may be my all time favorite. We hear from the perspective of the three main characters, two teenagers and a widower starting in 1944 in London. The characters were well defined and easy for me to form an attachment. It was a unique, detailed story of these civilians during this time, it was researched and detailed. I found it to be fast paced and difficult to find a stopping point. I pray Mr. Baldacci will write more novels like this.
I was blessed with an ARC of the audio through NetGalley and the opinions expressed are my own. I enjoyed this novel so much I will revisit it again. Highly recommend.
May 11, 2025
Book: 4 stars! ⭐️
Audio: 5 stars! ⭐️
Huge thanks to Hachette Audio, Grand Central Publishing & NetGalley for the ALC! 💌
Premise first— it’s 1944, London is getting bombed to bits, and three strangers—two teens and one heartbroken bookseller—collide in a city that’s barely hanging on. There’s Charlie, scrappy and stubborn, surviving any way he can. Molly, freshly returned from the countryside with no family in sight. And Ignatius, the kind of man who gives off “bookstore dad with secrets” energy. Together, they form an odd little trio in the middle of war, mystery, and survival.
Now hear me out—this book? It’s not like other WWII stories.
It doesn’t shove trauma in your face for the sake of being dramatic. It feels personal. Quiet. Heavy in a way that sneaks up on you.
Charlie cracked my heart wide open.
He’s a kid doing what he has to do—stealing, skipping school, hustling—just to stay alive. But what got me was his moral compass. The kid’s not heartless. He’s just real. Life’s messed him up, and he’s still trying to do right by his gran. I wanted to protect him so bad.
Molly? She’s a soft girl with a hard shell.
Rich past, broken present. She’s back home expecting love, and finds… nothing. No parents, just memories. But she doesn’t crumble. She builds herself again. Her strength was quiet but sharp. Like she’d bleed for the people she loves but wouldn’t let you see her cry.
And Ignatius... the book man with a storm in his chest.
Grieving, guilt-ridden, but still standing. He runs a bookshop that becomes the safest place in a city constantly on fire. The way he cared for Molly and Charlie? Gentle. Protective. Honest. And yet—he's got layers. Secrets. Things that might just break the fragile family they’ve found.
Also, plot twist: it’s not just war stuff.
There’s legit suspense. Strange people following Molly. Shady things happening around the bookshop. Whispers of a truth Ignatius never saw coming. The tension builds slow, then hits hard. Like, what just happened?? kind of hard.
The found family vibes hit SO HARD.
It’s not just a trope—it’s the soul of the book. Three broken people finding comfort in each other when the world’s literally crumbling around them? That’s my kind of story.
And oh my god—the audiobook??
RUN, don’t walk.
Full cast, distinct voices, atmospheric as hell. It felt like living inside a film. From the alarms to the whispers, it’s rich and immersive in the best way.
This book doesn’t scream—it aches.
It lingers.
It asks what survival really means.
And how sometimes, family isn’t blood—it’s who holds your hand when the bombs fall.
Final thoughts?
This book is grounded, raw, and human.
Not every battle is fought with guns. Some are fought with kindness.
And this book proves it.
4 bold stars for the story
5 for that unforgettable audio
Add this to your TBR if you love: historical fiction, found family, subtle mystery, and stories that don’t sugarcoat pain but still find hope.
Audio: 5 stars! ⭐️
Huge thanks to Hachette Audio, Grand Central Publishing & NetGalley for the ALC! 💌
Premise first— it’s 1944, London is getting bombed to bits, and three strangers—two teens and one heartbroken bookseller—collide in a city that’s barely hanging on. There’s Charlie, scrappy and stubborn, surviving any way he can. Molly, freshly returned from the countryside with no family in sight. And Ignatius, the kind of man who gives off “bookstore dad with secrets” energy. Together, they form an odd little trio in the middle of war, mystery, and survival.
Now hear me out—this book? It’s not like other WWII stories.
It doesn’t shove trauma in your face for the sake of being dramatic. It feels personal. Quiet. Heavy in a way that sneaks up on you.
Charlie cracked my heart wide open.
He’s a kid doing what he has to do—stealing, skipping school, hustling—just to stay alive. But what got me was his moral compass. The kid’s not heartless. He’s just real. Life’s messed him up, and he’s still trying to do right by his gran. I wanted to protect him so bad.
Molly? She’s a soft girl with a hard shell.
Rich past, broken present. She’s back home expecting love, and finds… nothing. No parents, just memories. But she doesn’t crumble. She builds herself again. Her strength was quiet but sharp. Like she’d bleed for the people she loves but wouldn’t let you see her cry.
And Ignatius... the book man with a storm in his chest.
Grieving, guilt-ridden, but still standing. He runs a bookshop that becomes the safest place in a city constantly on fire. The way he cared for Molly and Charlie? Gentle. Protective. Honest. And yet—he's got layers. Secrets. Things that might just break the fragile family they’ve found.
Also, plot twist: it’s not just war stuff.
There’s legit suspense. Strange people following Molly. Shady things happening around the bookshop. Whispers of a truth Ignatius never saw coming. The tension builds slow, then hits hard. Like, what just happened?? kind of hard.
The found family vibes hit SO HARD.
It’s not just a trope—it’s the soul of the book. Three broken people finding comfort in each other when the world’s literally crumbling around them? That’s my kind of story.
And oh my god—the audiobook??
RUN, don’t walk.
Full cast, distinct voices, atmospheric as hell. It felt like living inside a film. From the alarms to the whispers, it’s rich and immersive in the best way.
This book doesn’t scream—it aches.
It lingers.
It asks what survival really means.
And how sometimes, family isn’t blood—it’s who holds your hand when the bombs fall.
Final thoughts?
This book is grounded, raw, and human.
Not every battle is fought with guns. Some are fought with kindness.
And this book proves it.
4 bold stars for the story
5 for that unforgettable audio
Add this to your TBR if you love: historical fiction, found family, subtle mystery, and stories that don’t sugarcoat pain but still find hope.
May 26, 2025
Usually a guaranteed four or five star author for me but this time I am sticking at three. Not that I disliked the book but I did not like it overmuch either!
Truth to tell I found Strangers in Time too long and too packed with description of WW2 and what it was like to live in London at the time. It was less like setting a scene and more like lecturing his audience (me). The three major characters were interesting and I read to the end more because I wanted to know what happened to them than from the pleasure of reading.
So for me an okay book but far from any of my favourite Baldacci novels. I will watch in future I think and leave his forays into historical fiction off my reading list.
Truth to tell I found Strangers in Time too long and too packed with description of WW2 and what it was like to live in London at the time. It was less like setting a scene and more like lecturing his audience (me). The three major characters were interesting and I read to the end more because I wanted to know what happened to them than from the pleasure of reading.
So for me an okay book but far from any of my favourite Baldacci novels. I will watch in future I think and leave his forays into historical fiction off my reading list.
August 2, 2025
"We all need someone at certain times in our lives. It makes the inevitable pain lessened and the periods of happiness exalted.”
There is no doubt that war creates havoc and chaos on countries, communities, and more specifically on the people caught in the middle of one. It is painful and heart-wrenching when countries make war their focused decision in dealing with conflict. That is why, sometimes it is difficult to understand why these decisions to start and/or continue a war still occur, especially after the destruction created by WWII.
To find Baldacci in the middle of a WWII story, is not a common one for this author to tackle. As readers, we are typically introduced and immersed in his character series, like: Travis Devine – ex-special ops, or Amos Decker – the memory man, or Will Robie – former assassin, or King & Maxwell – private investigators who were former Secret Service agents, or Aloysius Archer – a private investigator, or Atlee Pine – FBI agent, or the Camel Club – seekers of justice; and, the like. These series feature well-fleshed out characters readers are motivated to follow. That is until Baldacci chooses to end their series, generally on a good note. Although, sometimes sad for us readers.
But I appreciate how Baldacci reinvents himself, through his characters and stories, like this one.
In some ways, this book might even be considered a YA novel, since the main two characters, Charlie and Molly are teens during WWII London.
Wandering through the war’s devastation, they find solace, friendship and security with bookshop owner Ignatius Oliver. But it doesn’t mean that it will be an easy journey for these three survivors.
There is so much to this story. Not because it is 433 pages, but because it is a genuinely absorbing and expertly researched historical fiction novel. We can feel the character’s emotions of being in and surviving a war, their loss and loneliness created by the wars impact, and the jolt that comes from separation of families. As well as, the meaning of creating a new one.
Baldacci’s characterizations of our 3 main appealing protagonists are beautifully created, well-developed and multi-layered. Even if I was hoping to see Charlie and Molly advance to adulthood, this did not appear to be the author’s intention for readers to experience. Still, I could appreciate what he was willing to share of them.
Baldacci is definitely, a master storyteller. And, within this narrative, he explores the power of friendship, grace and love while overcoming the harshness, horrors and cruelty of war. Baldacci’s supporting cast of characters emphasize superbly, the hatred and evil they may have become because of the war.
Surprisingly for me, I found myself wanting more from this story, even as I winced at the size of the book, each time I picked it up to read. Still, did it need to be that many pages? The ending could have been better, but the story still captivated with its intense, haunting, heart-felt, and engaging readability.
4.5 stars
There is no doubt that war creates havoc and chaos on countries, communities, and more specifically on the people caught in the middle of one. It is painful and heart-wrenching when countries make war their focused decision in dealing with conflict. That is why, sometimes it is difficult to understand why these decisions to start and/or continue a war still occur, especially after the destruction created by WWII.
To find Baldacci in the middle of a WWII story, is not a common one for this author to tackle. As readers, we are typically introduced and immersed in his character series, like: Travis Devine – ex-special ops, or Amos Decker – the memory man, or Will Robie – former assassin, or King & Maxwell – private investigators who were former Secret Service agents, or Aloysius Archer – a private investigator, or Atlee Pine – FBI agent, or the Camel Club – seekers of justice; and, the like. These series feature well-fleshed out characters readers are motivated to follow. That is until Baldacci chooses to end their series, generally on a good note. Although, sometimes sad for us readers.
But I appreciate how Baldacci reinvents himself, through his characters and stories, like this one.
In some ways, this book might even be considered a YA novel, since the main two characters, Charlie and Molly are teens during WWII London.
Wandering through the war’s devastation, they find solace, friendship and security with bookshop owner Ignatius Oliver. But it doesn’t mean that it will be an easy journey for these three survivors.
There is so much to this story. Not because it is 433 pages, but because it is a genuinely absorbing and expertly researched historical fiction novel. We can feel the character’s emotions of being in and surviving a war, their loss and loneliness created by the wars impact, and the jolt that comes from separation of families. As well as, the meaning of creating a new one.
Baldacci’s characterizations of our 3 main appealing protagonists are beautifully created, well-developed and multi-layered. Even if I was hoping to see Charlie and Molly advance to adulthood, this did not appear to be the author’s intention for readers to experience. Still, I could appreciate what he was willing to share of them.
Baldacci is definitely, a master storyteller. And, within this narrative, he explores the power of friendship, grace and love while overcoming the harshness, horrors and cruelty of war. Baldacci’s supporting cast of characters emphasize superbly, the hatred and evil they may have become because of the war.
Surprisingly for me, I found myself wanting more from this story, even as I winced at the size of the book, each time I picked it up to read. Still, did it need to be that many pages? The ending could have been better, but the story still captivated with its intense, haunting, heart-felt, and engaging readability.
4.5 stars
March 5, 2025
"We all need someone at certain times in our lives. It makes the inevitable pain lessened and the periods of happiness exalted."
In a departure from his previous novels, literary legend David Baldacci ventures into a story revolving around the London Blitzes of 1944. Against the backdrop of WWII German aircraft bombing London, Baldacci paints a story of the most unlikely people helping each other. Their bonds become unbreakable and transcend social class, age, and gender.
Molly is fifteen, comes from wealth, and is just returning from a five-year stay with a host family in the country. Charlie is a fourteen-year-old orphan who is living in poverty with his grandmother and doing whatever he can to help them survive. Ignatius is a bookstore owner who is grieving from the recent loss of his wife. Dire circumstances bring them together in an engrossing tale of friendship, war, resilience, and found family. Each of them is keeping secrets, which adds a compelling element. I highly recommend this historical mystery to fans of the genre.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Grand Central Publishing, and David Baldacci for an advance reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.
In a departure from his previous novels, literary legend David Baldacci ventures into a story revolving around the London Blitzes of 1944. Against the backdrop of WWII German aircraft bombing London, Baldacci paints a story of the most unlikely people helping each other. Their bonds become unbreakable and transcend social class, age, and gender.
Molly is fifteen, comes from wealth, and is just returning from a five-year stay with a host family in the country. Charlie is a fourteen-year-old orphan who is living in poverty with his grandmother and doing whatever he can to help them survive. Ignatius is a bookstore owner who is grieving from the recent loss of his wife. Dire circumstances bring them together in an engrossing tale of friendship, war, resilience, and found family. Each of them is keeping secrets, which adds a compelling element. I highly recommend this historical mystery to fans of the genre.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Grand Central Publishing, and David Baldacci for an advance reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.
April 17, 2025
David Baldacci has been a favorite author for years!!! This novel is a departure from his usual suspense/legal thrillers which highlights his versatility to write across different genres.
The moment I discovered he was venturing into my favorite genre, historical fiction, I was all in! True to form, Baldacci brings his trademark talent for crafting gripping tales with deeply developed characters and intricate plots to this novel.
The story unfolds in wartime London during 1944, with the Nazi bombing campaign, famously known as The Blitz, serving as its backdrop.
Baldacci skillfully evokes the era's tension, intertwining the stories of three unlikely companions: Charlie, a clever 13-year-old making his way through the streets of the East End; Molly, a 15-year-old coming back to a city and home irreversibly altered by the war; and Ignatius, a sorrowful and enigmatic bookseller grieving the loss of his wife.
Their lives intertwine in unforeseen ways, forging a connection that brings hope amid the turmoil of the blitz. Together, they face the perils of wartime London, unearth hidden truths, and tackle obstacles that challenge their strength and faith in one another.
If you enjoy a deeply engaging, character-focused story that explores themes of resilience, human connection, and survival, this is a must-have for your reading list.
Audiobook lovers, get your headphones ready because this is a must listen!!
🎧The audiobook has a talented cast of narrators that include David Baldacci, Stewart Crank, Alexandra Boulton, John Lee, Nicola F. Delgado, Matthew Lloyd Davies, and Joe Pitts.
With a full cast, each character has a distinct voice making it very easy to follow along. The cast was able to convey the war-time atmosphere so vividly through their voices in a way that you were able to truly feel the emotions each character was feeling during their many hardships.....the performance really heightened my emotional connection to each character.
The moment I discovered he was venturing into my favorite genre, historical fiction, I was all in! True to form, Baldacci brings his trademark talent for crafting gripping tales with deeply developed characters and intricate plots to this novel.
The story unfolds in wartime London during 1944, with the Nazi bombing campaign, famously known as The Blitz, serving as its backdrop.
Baldacci skillfully evokes the era's tension, intertwining the stories of three unlikely companions: Charlie, a clever 13-year-old making his way through the streets of the East End; Molly, a 15-year-old coming back to a city and home irreversibly altered by the war; and Ignatius, a sorrowful and enigmatic bookseller grieving the loss of his wife.
Their lives intertwine in unforeseen ways, forging a connection that brings hope amid the turmoil of the blitz. Together, they face the perils of wartime London, unearth hidden truths, and tackle obstacles that challenge their strength and faith in one another.
If you enjoy a deeply engaging, character-focused story that explores themes of resilience, human connection, and survival, this is a must-have for your reading list.
Audiobook lovers, get your headphones ready because this is a must listen!!
🎧The audiobook has a talented cast of narrators that include David Baldacci, Stewart Crank, Alexandra Boulton, John Lee, Nicola F. Delgado, Matthew Lloyd Davies, and Joe Pitts.
With a full cast, each character has a distinct voice making it very easy to follow along. The cast was able to convey the war-time atmosphere so vividly through their voices in a way that you were able to truly feel the emotions each character was feeling during their many hardships.....the performance really heightened my emotional connection to each character.
May 29, 2025
Strangers in Time by David Baldacci is a historical fiction novel blends mystery and drama during WW2. The main character was likable, and the kind of person you want to follow through a story. I enjoyed how Baldacci weaved real history into the plot without making it feel like it. It added depth and made me think about how the past still echoes in our lives today. There were a few moments where the pacing felt a little rushed, and some twists I saw coming, but overall the story kept me hooked. I enjoyed the mix of suspense and emotion.
April 9, 2025
Wow, I loved this audiobook. David Baldacci can clearly put his pen to any genre and make it brilliant, but the narrators truly brought this book to life. Probably my favourite audiobook.
I was really pleased that the narrators had British voices as I feel American accents for the characters based in London war times would not have worked, so a great choice and brilliant voice artists.
A really interesting work of historic fiction with three main characters Charlie, Molly and Ignatius, who have come together through unexpected circumstances and would not normally have met. Lots of twists and turns, but ultimately a story of war, family, loss and survival that really gets you thinking.
A great book by Baldacci, who always writes a brilliant book, though usually thrillers, but this was equally if not more brilliant.
A big thanks to Hachette Audio/Grand Central Publishing, Netgalley for the advanced audio copy that I whizzed through as couldn't wait to find out what happened next.
I was really pleased that the narrators had British voices as I feel American accents for the characters based in London war times would not have worked, so a great choice and brilliant voice artists.
A really interesting work of historic fiction with three main characters Charlie, Molly and Ignatius, who have come together through unexpected circumstances and would not normally have met. Lots of twists and turns, but ultimately a story of war, family, loss and survival that really gets you thinking.
A great book by Baldacci, who always writes a brilliant book, though usually thrillers, but this was equally if not more brilliant.
A big thanks to Hachette Audio/Grand Central Publishing, Netgalley for the advanced audio copy that I whizzed through as couldn't wait to find out what happened next.
April 21, 2025
the setup…
It’s 1944 London, the height of Germany’s bombing campaign and the city is under siege. Charlie Matters is fourteen-years old and lives in the East End with his grandmother, his only remaining relative. Unknown to her, he spends his days stealing things they need to survive instead of going to school. Molly Wakefield is fifteen years old and was sent to the countryside five years ago as part of Operation Pied Piper where she learned nursing skills. She returns to her home in Chelsea to find both her parents gone and her nanny the only one in residence. Ignatius Oliver is the owner of a book shop called The Book Keep and is an air warden. It was his late wife’s store and the still grieving widower lives above it, continuing to try and manage it in her image. Circumstances have these three cross paths that will forever change their lives and shape their futures.
the heart of the story…
It’s said that war is the great equalizer and Ignatius, Molly and Charlie certainly represent that ideology well. Molly not only comes from affluence, she’s been shielded from the ravages of the war until now. Ignatius has a comfortable life even in the throes of the war. Charlie and his grandmother barely get by, going to bed hungry most nights. Molly grew up overnight and despite her sheltered life, she’s got a fighting spirit. Charlie may be a thief but it’s only for survival and he has a strong moral code. Ignatius finds solace in helping these teenagers, giving him a new breath of life and them safety and shelter.
the narration…
I love a full cast narration and the six performers powerfully bring this story to life. Ignatius, Molly and Charlie were vividly portrayed, as well as the other secondary characters. It was wonderful storytelling.
the bottom line…
I wasn’t prepared to experience the war so profoundly, what it’s like to anticipate the next air raid, the terrifying moments when the alarms go off and the run to shelter. It was serendipitous how Ignatius, Charlie and Molly meet and eventually seek shelter together. There are moments of peril for all of them outside of the bombing and their survival depends on them looking out for each other. I’m not sure any of them would have survived without having met each other. This story will haunt me for a long time.
(Thanks to Hachette Audio, Grand Central Publishing and Libro.fm for my complimentary copies. All opinions are my own.)
It’s 1944 London, the height of Germany’s bombing campaign and the city is under siege. Charlie Matters is fourteen-years old and lives in the East End with his grandmother, his only remaining relative. Unknown to her, he spends his days stealing things they need to survive instead of going to school. Molly Wakefield is fifteen years old and was sent to the countryside five years ago as part of Operation Pied Piper where she learned nursing skills. She returns to her home in Chelsea to find both her parents gone and her nanny the only one in residence. Ignatius Oliver is the owner of a book shop called The Book Keep and is an air warden. It was his late wife’s store and the still grieving widower lives above it, continuing to try and manage it in her image. Circumstances have these three cross paths that will forever change their lives and shape their futures.
the heart of the story…
It’s said that war is the great equalizer and Ignatius, Molly and Charlie certainly represent that ideology well. Molly not only comes from affluence, she’s been shielded from the ravages of the war until now. Ignatius has a comfortable life even in the throes of the war. Charlie and his grandmother barely get by, going to bed hungry most nights. Molly grew up overnight and despite her sheltered life, she’s got a fighting spirit. Charlie may be a thief but it’s only for survival and he has a strong moral code. Ignatius finds solace in helping these teenagers, giving him a new breath of life and them safety and shelter.
the narration…
I love a full cast narration and the six performers powerfully bring this story to life. Ignatius, Molly and Charlie were vividly portrayed, as well as the other secondary characters. It was wonderful storytelling.
the bottom line…
I wasn’t prepared to experience the war so profoundly, what it’s like to anticipate the next air raid, the terrifying moments when the alarms go off and the run to shelter. It was serendipitous how Ignatius, Charlie and Molly meet and eventually seek shelter together. There are moments of peril for all of them outside of the bombing and their survival depends on them looking out for each other. I’m not sure any of them would have survived without having met each other. This story will haunt me for a long time.
(Thanks to Hachette Audio, Grand Central Publishing and Libro.fm for my complimentary copies. All opinions are my own.)
April 19, 2025
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.
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.
July 23, 2025
This is a well-written, entertaining, WWII historical fiction novel. It has three diverse, likable, protagonists, tragedy, heartbreak, loss, friendship, strength, resilience, and hope, with a powerful message that people are stronger when they stand together. I listened to the audiobook which was voiced by several talented narrators. The author's note, which was read by him, was interesting and inspiring. An added note that the car is amazing!
April 15, 2025
Gosh David Baldacci can write a story can’t he!! He has been one of my favourite crime writers for a long time and his historical fiction book last year, A Calamity of Souls, was my favourite book of the year. So when ai saw that he had written a story set in WWII London I just had to read it.
This was such a moving story, so many times I had tears in my eyes while listening to this tremendous cast of narrators. They really did bring Strangers in Time to life, along with the authors brilliant writing. I feel like I was walking the streets of London with these characters. Any story set during wartime is going to be emotional, and this one really does tug at the heartstrings.
It is a story of 3 people that are brought together by the war. 3 people from different backgrounds and places in society, that may not have met under normal conditions. Charlie lives with his gran in the East End, and they battle for every penny and morsel of food that they can get their hands on. Molly has just returned to her home in affluent Chelsea after being sent to the country for years to escape the war. And Ignatius is a widowed bookseller who has plenty of dark secrets of his own. The 3 form a friendship that gets stronger and stronger the more that is thrown at them.
This is a story of war, of family, of friendship, betrayal, survival and love. It is an eye opening look at the real people that the war affected. It shows the real courage of those who did what they had to do to survive and protect the people that they loved.
Thank you so much to Hachette Audio for my advanced audio copy to listen to. Out on April 15th.
This was such a moving story, so many times I had tears in my eyes while listening to this tremendous cast of narrators. They really did bring Strangers in Time to life, along with the authors brilliant writing. I feel like I was walking the streets of London with these characters. Any story set during wartime is going to be emotional, and this one really does tug at the heartstrings.
It is a story of 3 people that are brought together by the war. 3 people from different backgrounds and places in society, that may not have met under normal conditions. Charlie lives with his gran in the East End, and they battle for every penny and morsel of food that they can get their hands on. Molly has just returned to her home in affluent Chelsea after being sent to the country for years to escape the war. And Ignatius is a widowed bookseller who has plenty of dark secrets of his own. The 3 form a friendship that gets stronger and stronger the more that is thrown at them.
This is a story of war, of family, of friendship, betrayal, survival and love. It is an eye opening look at the real people that the war affected. It shows the real courage of those who did what they had to do to survive and protect the people that they loved.
Thank you so much to Hachette Audio for my advanced audio copy to listen to. Out on April 15th.
February 4, 2025
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.
April 16, 2025
I normally like this author and books set in WWII, but I'm giving this one up 40% into it. I find I'm really bored. I feel bad for the kids and all that they are going through, feel for the adults that try to hide so much from the kids to protect them, but it's not enough to keep going. This one just isn't for me.
April 29, 2025
Would have rated higher were it not so depressing.
April 24, 2025
So, let me get this straight. David Baldacci is so talented he shows up at his publisher and basically says, 'Here's a little ditty I had rattling in my head,' and hands them a manuscript for Strangers in Time. And it's great! How is that fair to the rest of us peons? If I had a tenth of his talent--in anything--well, I would suck less.
Strangers in Time transports you to 1944 London during the Blitz: the desperation, fear, and inevitability are palpable. How can someone who wasn't alive during this period make it so tangible? Baldacci illustrates the horrors of war and its indiscriminate nature, showcasing compassion and love through the experiences of a bookshop owner and two teenagers.
Thank you, Grand Central Publishing for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Strangers in Time.
Strangers in Time transports you to 1944 London during the Blitz: the desperation, fear, and inevitability are palpable. How can someone who wasn't alive during this period make it so tangible? Baldacci illustrates the horrors of war and its indiscriminate nature, showcasing compassion and love through the experiences of a bookshop owner and two teenagers.
Thank you, Grand Central Publishing for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Strangers in Time.
August 5, 2025
"But this was their story. Three people standing together against all the world could hurl at them."
4.5⭐
This is a heartfelt and tender book that touches on the ugliness of war. Set in London in 1944, during WWII, it centers around the wartime existence and the experiences of three lonely and lost people; 13-year-old Charlie Matters from the East End, 15-year-old Molly Wakefield from Chelsea, and Ignatius Oliver a bookstore owner with a troubled past and many secrets. These three characters have lost a lot during the war, and they come to depend on one another to get through some of the hardest times that people had to face.
I came to care about the young people in this book like I felt about the youths in This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger or the kids in The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles. Their strength of character shines through the pages. Charlie has the ingenuity and perseverance of Oliver Twist, while Molly has the fortitude and resilience of many movie heroines.
There is a lot of death, destruction, and burials in this story. That was a fact of life during that time.
However, this is ultimately a story about strength, bravery, friendship, and courage. It is quite different from other books by this author, but it is extremely well done.
I highly recommend this book to historical fiction fans with a soft heart and thick skin.
4.5⭐
This is a heartfelt and tender book that touches on the ugliness of war. Set in London in 1944, during WWII, it centers around the wartime existence and the experiences of three lonely and lost people; 13-year-old Charlie Matters from the East End, 15-year-old Molly Wakefield from Chelsea, and Ignatius Oliver a bookstore owner with a troubled past and many secrets. These three characters have lost a lot during the war, and they come to depend on one another to get through some of the hardest times that people had to face.
I came to care about the young people in this book like I felt about the youths in This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger or the kids in The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles. Their strength of character shines through the pages. Charlie has the ingenuity and perseverance of Oliver Twist, while Molly has the fortitude and resilience of many movie heroines.
There is a lot of death, destruction, and burials in this story. That was a fact of life during that time.
However, this is ultimately a story about strength, bravery, friendship, and courage. It is quite different from other books by this author, but it is extremely well done.
I highly recommend this book to historical fiction fans with a soft heart and thick skin.
May 8, 2025
A great fan of David Baldacci’s work, I was excited to see this standalone novel set in London in the latter time of the war. A widowed shop owner has some keen skills and when he befriends two teenagers, their friendship helps push them through the darkest days across Europe. Baldacci delivers a captivating story that many will likely enjoy.
Charlie Matters may only been fourteen, but he’s had a lifetime of mischief. Without parents and an ailing grandmother, he’s come to ditch school and fills his days stealing to stay one step ahead of the law. It’s wartime in Europe and everyone is on edge, worried about their next meal and what will come of the Allies do not defeat Hitler and the Axis. After the Blitz nearly kills him, Charlie must decide how to survive.
Molly Wakefield has a much different, but still worrisome, view of London. As her family is well-off she was evacuated at the start of the war and has been apart from then for five years. Molly is back and trying to locate her kin, as well as make sense of her locale. She and Charlie run into one another, discovering some of their similarities. It is only when they locate a widower bookshop owner that Charlie and Molly may have found an anchor to keep them from drifting away. Ignatious Oliver has an exciting past that he tried to share with the teens.
Befriending Charlie and Molly, Ignacius tries to protect them as best he can. He stands up for Molly, who tried to get a job to earn some money. He’s also keen to turn a blind eye and protect Charlie from the law, who are searching for him regarding a criminal act. These three must stick together to ensure their safety until the war ends. As bombing continues, no one is sure when that might be, creating stronger bonds with each passing day. David Baldacci delivers a stunning piece of writing that differs from much of his other work and is sure to hook the reader from the outset.
David Baldacci’s work usually moves in the realm of police procedurals or investigative thrillers. However, this piece taps into history and a more emotional narrative than one might expect. Still, the narrative clips along and keeps the reader wondering as the story gains much momentum. The characters provide a stunning flavouring of the story, whose setting and time period are enough to offer substantial connection for many. Plot points deliver great storytelling and serve to surprise the reader effective as things twist in ways few might expect. Baldacci proves his versatility and has impressed me once more.
Kudos, Mr. Baldacci, for a great story that kept me entertained throughout.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Charlie Matters may only been fourteen, but he’s had a lifetime of mischief. Without parents and an ailing grandmother, he’s come to ditch school and fills his days stealing to stay one step ahead of the law. It’s wartime in Europe and everyone is on edge, worried about their next meal and what will come of the Allies do not defeat Hitler and the Axis. After the Blitz nearly kills him, Charlie must decide how to survive.
Molly Wakefield has a much different, but still worrisome, view of London. As her family is well-off she was evacuated at the start of the war and has been apart from then for five years. Molly is back and trying to locate her kin, as well as make sense of her locale. She and Charlie run into one another, discovering some of their similarities. It is only when they locate a widower bookshop owner that Charlie and Molly may have found an anchor to keep them from drifting away. Ignatious Oliver has an exciting past that he tried to share with the teens.
Befriending Charlie and Molly, Ignacius tries to protect them as best he can. He stands up for Molly, who tried to get a job to earn some money. He’s also keen to turn a blind eye and protect Charlie from the law, who are searching for him regarding a criminal act. These three must stick together to ensure their safety until the war ends. As bombing continues, no one is sure when that might be, creating stronger bonds with each passing day. David Baldacci delivers a stunning piece of writing that differs from much of his other work and is sure to hook the reader from the outset.
David Baldacci’s work usually moves in the realm of police procedurals or investigative thrillers. However, this piece taps into history and a more emotional narrative than one might expect. Still, the narrative clips along and keeps the reader wondering as the story gains much momentum. The characters provide a stunning flavouring of the story, whose setting and time period are enough to offer substantial connection for many. Plot points deliver great storytelling and serve to surprise the reader effective as things twist in ways few might expect. Baldacci proves his versatility and has impressed me once more.
Kudos, Mr. Baldacci, for a great story that kept me entertained throughout.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
April 6, 2025
I have been a fan of Mr. Baldacci for a while but this book just didn't do it for me. When I got an advanced copy of this book I thought that it would be a little like the other books that I have read but that was not the case with this one. In fact it was a historical fiction read that was set during World War II time when three strangers come together from three different walks of life. The trio are each working to overcome their own tragedies from the war. They are all hiding something from one another while still showing their humanity during this difficult time. In other words, three strangers dealing with a lot of sad stuff in their lives at a very slow pace in this book - the opposite of what I have come to expect from Mr. Baldacci's other work. Overall, this was a sad yet slow moving read set during a difficult time in history for these characters and not what I was expecting. In the end it just was not the book for me.
June 1, 2025
To be fair this is closer to 3.5!
This is my first Baldacci read and from other GR reviews this appears to be a step out of his usual genre. I have no way to base this off of his other works and there are a lot to explore.
The setting, London, during WW2. Two young people collide when there world is torn apart by all the horrors that war brings. A few twists, although none were particularly surprising or new. The story itself was a bit YA to me and although it was well put together, I thought it was a bit predictable. I also found it quite long, I think it could have been shortened. When a book is over 400 pages I expect some depth and there really was none.
I love historical fiction. This was pleasant, not memorable. I do feel there are way better HF books out there. I did hear from some GR friends that this is excellent on Audio, if that is your jam.
This is my first Baldacci read and from other GR reviews this appears to be a step out of his usual genre. I have no way to base this off of his other works and there are a lot to explore.
The setting, London, during WW2. Two young people collide when there world is torn apart by all the horrors that war brings. A few twists, although none were particularly surprising or new. The story itself was a bit YA to me and although it was well put together, I thought it was a bit predictable. I also found it quite long, I think it could have been shortened. When a book is over 400 pages I expect some depth and there really was none.
I love historical fiction. This was pleasant, not memorable. I do feel there are way better HF books out there. I did hear from some GR friends that this is excellent on Audio, if that is your jam.
May 9, 2025
4.5 Excellent historical fiction. I love the young characters in this novel and the entire plot.
August 19, 2025
I am not sure how one book about the atrocities of WW II can be more sad than others, but I found this story particularly and relentlessly depressing. I don't know how people held it together in Europe during this war, but as the story depicts, they at times, did not. Could not. This story is about how this war affected people of different ages, occupations, and classes and still found the words to tie in how folks took advantage of each other while citizens of the same country. The suspicion of neighbors and acquaintances was as anxiety provoking as the bombs dropped night after night. War is horrible and people can be hell. Still, there are those who stick together and support each other, even as strangers. A very contradictory thing, is war. I just wish I didn't feel so sad after reading this one.
April 14, 2025
*3.5 stars. In his latest work of historical fiction, David Baldacci takes us back to WWII and war-torn London, where three strangers from completely different walks of life come together to help each other survive these frightening and uncertain times. Charlie Matters is a poor kid from the East End while Molly Wakefield is a rich girl from Chelsea but both find themselves homeless and alone. They are befriended by Ignatius Oliver, a widower and the owner of a small bookstore named The Book Keep. The bond that forms between the three of them is unusual and heart-warming.
I loved these characters but most of all, I was blown away by how brilliantly Baldacci describes their war-time experiences. You are living it in these pages. You are terrorized by nightly bombing raids and the destruction of all you've known; you are starving; you are cold; you are desperate, but somehow you don't give up, you don't lose all humanity. Instead, you bond with those good people you find who offer comfort, hope, and friendship. Quite an enthralling WWII novel from start to finish.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this new novel via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
I loved these characters but most of all, I was blown away by how brilliantly Baldacci describes their war-time experiences. You are living it in these pages. You are terrorized by nightly bombing raids and the destruction of all you've known; you are starving; you are cold; you are desperate, but somehow you don't give up, you don't lose all humanity. Instead, you bond with those good people you find who offer comfort, hope, and friendship. Quite an enthralling WWII novel from start to finish.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this new novel via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
April 17, 2025
Too slow, too boring, trying to hard to be “all the light you cannot see”
June 30, 2025
(3.75 stars)
David Baldacci has another standalone novel (great for people who don’t like to get invested in series). This one takes place in 1944 London, in the midst of World War Two. It featured three main characters: Charlie, an almost-14-year-old from the bombed-out East End, living with his grandmother in very dire conditions; Molly, a 15-year-old whose well-to-do family sent her out of London five years earlier, but who has now returned to find London and her family very much changed; and Ignatius Oliver, a widower who runs a bookshop. Through various circumstances, they meet and over the course of the book become like family, amid the horrors of wartime bombing.
I don’t read a lot of World War Two books these days, but since it was David Baldacci, I gave it a whirl, and I’m glad I did. I enjoyed all three main characters and empathized with what they had and were going through. I thought the ending was wrapped up a bit too nicely, but that’s a minor quibble.
I had access to both the print/ebook version and the audio version, and when that happens, I normally bounce back and forth between the two, depending on circumstances. However, in this instance, the audiobook was so wonderful that I basically listened to the entire book. There’s a full-cast consisting of Stewart Crank, Alexandra Boulton, John Lee, Nicola F. Delgado, Matthew Lloyd Davies, and Joe Pitts. I have no idea who voiced which characters, but they all combined to bring the story to life beautifully. Baldacci reads an interesting Author’s Note at the end of the audiobook, which is something I always enjoy. Because of the quality of the audiobook, I rated this a bit higher than I might have otherwise.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a review copy of this book and to Hachette Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to a review copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
David Baldacci has another standalone novel (great for people who don’t like to get invested in series). This one takes place in 1944 London, in the midst of World War Two. It featured three main characters: Charlie, an almost-14-year-old from the bombed-out East End, living with his grandmother in very dire conditions; Molly, a 15-year-old whose well-to-do family sent her out of London five years earlier, but who has now returned to find London and her family very much changed; and Ignatius Oliver, a widower who runs a bookshop. Through various circumstances, they meet and over the course of the book become like family, amid the horrors of wartime bombing.
I don’t read a lot of World War Two books these days, but since it was David Baldacci, I gave it a whirl, and I’m glad I did. I enjoyed all three main characters and empathized with what they had and were going through. I thought the ending was wrapped up a bit too nicely, but that’s a minor quibble.
I had access to both the print/ebook version and the audio version, and when that happens, I normally bounce back and forth between the two, depending on circumstances. However, in this instance, the audiobook was so wonderful that I basically listened to the entire book. There’s a full-cast consisting of Stewart Crank, Alexandra Boulton, John Lee, Nicola F. Delgado, Matthew Lloyd Davies, and Joe Pitts. I have no idea who voiced which characters, but they all combined to bring the story to life beautifully. Baldacci reads an interesting Author’s Note at the end of the audiobook, which is something I always enjoy. Because of the quality of the audiobook, I rated this a bit higher than I might have otherwise.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a review copy of this book and to Hachette Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to a review copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
April 19, 2025
I've read many of David Baldacci's novels and they were all of the thriller/mystery type, so this was a totally different read for me - though just as fast-paced and absorbing as his others. This book it more historical fiction set in London near the end of World War II. I loved it!
Description:
Fourteen-year-old Charlie Matters is up to no good, but for a very good reason. Without parents, peerage, or merit, ducking school but barred from actual work, 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 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.
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.
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 still reeling from a secret Imogen long kept from him while she was alive—something so shocking it resulted in her death, and his life being turned upside down.
As bombs continue to bear down on the city, Charlie, Molly, and Ignatius learn that while the perils of war rage on, their coming together and trusting one another may be the only way for them to survive.
My Thoughts:
Baldacci brought the bombings that occurred in London to life and the scenes were terrifying and scary. The characters he brought together - Ignatius Oliver (the bookstore owner), Charlie Matters (14 year old) and Molly Wakefield (16 year old) met under terrible conditions but came together and cared for each other. Charlie had suffered terrible losses and was grieving. Molly was finding her way in nursing war victims. The way they came together and helped each other was heart-warming. The story-telling is superb in this book and the plot was fast-moving and compelling. The times were difficult and uncertain. This was an emotional read and it really makes you grateful for peaceful times.
Thanks to Grand Central Publishing through Netgalley for an advance copy.
Description:
Fourteen-year-old Charlie Matters is up to no good, but for a very good reason. Without parents, peerage, or merit, ducking school but barred from actual work, 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 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.
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.
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 still reeling from a secret Imogen long kept from him while she was alive—something so shocking it resulted in her death, and his life being turned upside down.
As bombs continue to bear down on the city, Charlie, Molly, and Ignatius learn that while the perils of war rage on, their coming together and trusting one another may be the only way for them to survive.
My Thoughts:
Baldacci brought the bombings that occurred in London to life and the scenes were terrifying and scary. The characters he brought together - Ignatius Oliver (the bookstore owner), Charlie Matters (14 year old) and Molly Wakefield (16 year old) met under terrible conditions but came together and cared for each other. Charlie had suffered terrible losses and was grieving. Molly was finding her way in nursing war victims. The way they came together and helped each other was heart-warming. The story-telling is superb in this book and the plot was fast-moving and compelling. The times were difficult and uncertain. This was an emotional read and it really makes you grateful for peaceful times.
Thanks to Grand Central Publishing through Netgalley for an advance copy.
June 24, 2025
Oliver, Molly, and Charlie stood numbly by as the dead woman's body was placed into an ambulance and taken away. It would be determined later that nearly a hundred people were killed during this raid, five hundred more injured, and more than a hundred homes and buildings destroyed, many of them in the posh areas of Chelsea, Knightsbridge, and Mayfair. (PG 231)
Appreciated a different type of WWII story. I’m so glad it was a story of people and empathy and compassion with their own circumstances, not the usual narrative. With all this political fatigue going on at the moment I'm so glad it wasn't a Holocaust WWII story. I don't have the patience at the moment for this. It was England, two kids without parents, and a kind man that comes to their rescue and just being selfless humans, war is so inhumane. I didn't care for the ending either, it felt unnecessary for me but I know readers like to know, Where are they now?
This was my first Baldacci and maybe I should have saved it for another time but was gifted to me so I wanted to be polite & thank the person.
Appreciated a different type of WWII story. I’m so glad it was a story of people and empathy and compassion with their own circumstances, not the usual narrative. With all this political fatigue going on at the moment I'm so glad it wasn't a Holocaust WWII story. I don't have the patience at the moment for this. It was England, two kids without parents, and a kind man that comes to their rescue and just being selfless humans, war is so inhumane. I didn't care for the ending either, it felt unnecessary for me but I know readers like to know, Where are they now?
This was my first Baldacci and maybe I should have saved it for another time but was gifted to me so I wanted to be polite & thank the person.
January 1, 2025
Fifteen year old Molly Wakefield returns to war torn London from evacuation in the country in the middle of WWII to find her mother and father no longer in their prosperous home. Fourteen year old Charlie is making his way through the devastation of his home city without parents or schooling.Widower Ignatious Oliver operates a failing bookshop while serving as an air raid warden. This unlikely trio meet and become fast friends, supporting each other as the life that Molly and Charlie once knew is blown away. Add to that the fact that someone seems to be following Molly as she tries to learn what happened to her parents, Charlie is running from the law, and Oliver may be involved in some nefarious war activities.
I really liked this story.I could not put the book down, curious to see what would happen next to this trio. I am not a huge fan of some of Baldacci’s contemporary series that often strain credulity; I enjoy his standalone books so much more. His recent Calamity of Souls I thought was one of his best.
Beautifully written, with characters that truly come to life, Balducci paints a desolate picture of life during the London attacks in this latest addition to his body of work. Yet, there is hope. The resiliency of and the bond among the three gives them dignity and is heartening despite all the horror. I really appreciated the denouement to see what transpired in these characters’ lives after the war. This is a tale that will remain with me for a long time.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #GrandCentralPublishing for the DRC.
I really liked this story.I could not put the book down, curious to see what would happen next to this trio. I am not a huge fan of some of Baldacci’s contemporary series that often strain credulity; I enjoy his standalone books so much more. His recent Calamity of Souls I thought was one of his best.
Beautifully written, with characters that truly come to life, Balducci paints a desolate picture of life during the London attacks in this latest addition to his body of work. Yet, there is hope. The resiliency of and the bond among the three gives them dignity and is heartening despite all the horror. I really appreciated the denouement to see what transpired in these characters’ lives after the war. This is a tale that will remain with me for a long time.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #GrandCentralPublishing for the DRC.
May 3, 2025
It pains me to say this, as a long time huge fan of David Baldacci’s writing, but this book was dire. It’s like he’s read a load of facts about the Blitz and then churned them out like it’s written by AI. It’s boringly slow, wooden and dull, the characters are cliched and the story is weak and holds no mystery or interest. Truly awful and I couldn’t wait to finish it. I wish I hadn’t wasted my money on it and I hope he returns to the genre he writes best. He is not a modern day Dickens, however much he’d like to be. What a disappointment and time waste.
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