⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Strangers in Time is a refreshing change of pace for David Baldacci—and an absolute triumph. Best known for his pulse-pounding thrillers, Baldacci trades high-tech espionage for wartime Europe, and the result is a deeply human, emotionally rich novel that’s hard to put down.
Set during World War II, this story isn’t just about battles and strategy. It’s about people—flawed, brave, complicated people—thrown into impossible circumstances. Baldacci’s gift for plotting is still here, but this time he leans hard into character. The relationships feel real, the dialogue is sharp, and the stakes are personal in all the right ways.
He doesn’t just recreate the era—he brings it to life with skill and subtlety. The historical detail is vivid, but never heavy-handed. What stands out most is the humanity. The characters are complex and relatable, shaped by war, loss, and hope. His research into mental illness is especially strong, adding layers that feel honest and necessary, not just dramatic.
For fans of WWII fiction, this is a must-read. And for longtime Baldacci readers, it’s proof that even after dozens of books, he’s still full of surprises. I loved it. Oh, and the audio narration is fabulous.
** Thanks to Grand Central Publishing and Hachette Audio for comps of the eBook and audiobook. The opinions are my own.