Strangers in Time

A World War 2 Novel

By: David Baldacci

Narrated by: David Baldacci, Stewart Crank, Alexandra Boulton, John Lee, Nicola F. Delgado, Matthew Lloyd Davies, Joe Pitts

Read by a multi-cast of award-winning narrators including AudioFile Golden Voice John Lee (reader of Ken Follett’s Pillars of the Earth), Strangers in Time is a novel of healing and hope about a bereaved book shop owner and two teenagers scarred by the second world war – David Baldacci as you’ve never heard him before. Features an audio-exclusive foreword read by David Baldacci.

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: neither of her parents are there, only her old nanny, Mrs. Pride.

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 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.

“A group of acclaimed narrators delivers an absorbing performance of David Baldacci's new novel. In 1944 London, well-born 15-year-old Molly, 14-year-old Charlie from London's East Side, and Ignatius Oliver, a bereaved bookshop owner, are flung together to forge a found family in the midst of war. While the writing suggests a young adult novel, the complex story will certainly engage adult listeners. Stewart Crank's Charlie shines as a plucky boy who finds joy wherever. Alexandra Boulton's Molly is a sweet-voiced mix of kindhearted and imperious. John Lee's somewhat theatrical delivery captures the mysterious Ignatius. Nicola F. Delgado, Matthew Lloyd Davies, and Joe Pitts perform remarkable cameos of the other characters. And Baldacci pulls everything together in his well-read delivery of an interesting author's note.” © Audiofile 2025, Portland, Maine

©2025 David Baldacci (P)2025 Grand Central Publishing

Critic reviews

“David Baldacci’s foray into historical fiction is a meticulously precise account of what it was like to live through the Blitz in London—a visceral reminder that war not only levels social classes, but creates the most unlikely and indefatigable bonds between unlikely souls.”—Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"Oliver Twist meets the Blitz when powerhouse author David Baldacci turns his pen from thrillers to historical fiction. Two brave and capable teenagers find themselves thrown together in the rubble and chaos of WWI-era London: fifteen-year-old Molly, sent away from her Mayfair home to escape the German bombings and returned to find both her parents inexplicably missing; and fourteen-year-old Charlie, an East End orphan barely surviving as a petty thief. Charlie and Molly find shelter with mysterious bookshop owner Mr. Oliver, but he has secrets of his own that will come home to roost with deadly consequences. Baldacci beautifully explores the dark side lurking under the London Blitz's romanticized image—Strangers in Time is a beautiful read that will linger long in the memory."—Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Briar Club

"#1 New York Times bestselling author David Baldacci takes on World War II with the touching Strangers in Time, a character-driven tale of three disparate souls whose paths unexpectedly intertwine during the last year of the Second World War. Baldacci's meticulous research is evident in his deep sense of place and time, and bomb-shattered London comes richly alive on the page under his capable pen. Through his own Wish You Well Foundation, which supports literacy, Baldacci has long celebrated the way books can change lives, and in Strangers in Time, it is indeed a bookshop—the lovingly chaotic The Book Keep—that brings together 13-year-old Charlie, 15-year-old Molly, and recently widowed bookstore owner Ignatius Oliver, all of whom are alone and adrift. As German V-1 and V-2 rockets wreak havoc on the city, the three forge a new family, the existence of which is soon threatened by deadly secrets that simmer beneath the surface. Absorbing and deeply researched, Strangers in Time is a celebration of the books that change us, the families we choose, and the capacity we all have to rise from the ashes and find our way home."—Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Daughter

A Gem

Best book I’ve listened to in a while. Filled with emotion and atmosphere the London blitz comes alive. Wonderful characters. Wonderful story.

Well-Sculpted Characters; Slightly Strained

The characters are exceptionally well fleshed out and believable. The historical setting seems authentic based on non fiction I have read about the period. This is one of the very few audio books that was really enhanced by exceptionally well chosen multiple narrators. I thoroughly enjoyed the arc of the plot and the pacing but Mr. Baldacci gave us just a few too many improbable coincidences to move the story along. Contrary to some of the earlier reviews, I thought the ending was entirely consistent with the story. BTW - I think this is much better than Calamity of Souls and would love to see more historical fiction from Mr. Baldacci.

How different this was from David’s other books.

I love Charlie & Molly! I was in tears as the end touched my heart deeply.

great story

I thoroughly enjoy this story. although different from what I expected, it was simply a great story that kept me actively engaged in my mind

Great book for various ages.

As usual for Baldacci, story is great. You don’t know how it’s going to end until you get there. Enjoyed the narration, too.

How amazing was this story

The author has done great research to take the reader into the events of London 1944. What the people living during that time had to endure was horrific . The three characters who found each other and supported each other was truly remarkable and special. A beautiful story I will not forget. The narrators were splendid.

Gripping and poignant

I loved this book. It's Baldacci at his best, gripping, heartbreaking, and poignant. Some unexpected twists and turns.

Baldacci is a master story teller.

What a wonderfully woven story to show how love can prevail during terrible times of war.

Heart, wrenching, and entertaining.

As usual, this author puts for great work and I continue to purchase them as quickly as they arrive in the marketplace. The reading of the story makes a great bedtime enjoyment. I have turned it on at 30 minutes and felt peaceful asleep ensue. Not because it was boring because it was soothing.

well done

It was different than the series, however flowed well as always left me thinking. I continue to be a fan.