Strangers in Time Audiobook By David Baldacci cover art

Strangers in Time

A World War 2 Novel

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Strangers in Time

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

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Calamity of Souls comes a David Baldacci 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: 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.

©2025 David Baldacci (P)2025 Grand Central Publishing
England City War
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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

What listeners say about Strangers in Time

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Well written and performed.

This was very different from the other books I have read which were written by this author. I enjoyed the descriptions of England, having lived there years ago, as well as the plot and character development. A unique book which I highly recommend.

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excellent read

I loved the story, but hated the ending. I did expect it, though. An excellent story, wonderful character development, as all Baldacci's work is.

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Great story with a different perspective on the WW 2 saga.

Many good twists that keep you guessing. A very different group of characters with new stories to explore.

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Overall a good story.

This book was a little more predictable than others I have listened to by the author. Overall a very good story.

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Not what I expected from David Baldacci

I’m used to more action thriller from this author, but this World War II history story kept my attention. Just be aware it’s a whole different genre than you might expect.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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The. Honesty

Loved the characters seemed like I was transported to that time in space loved the escape

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