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STRANGERS IN TIME

Jul 30, 2025

Guest

David Baldacci

David Baldacci, a bestselling author with over 52 novels to his name, discusses his latest work, 'Strangers in Time,' set during WWII. He shares the inspiration behind his characters—a grieving bookseller and two war-scarred teens seeking hope amid chaos. Baldacci reflects on his journey from law to literature, emphasizing resilience and the challenges of writing. He also advocates for the importance of reading in fostering understanding and reveals details about the innovative audio production of his book, highlighting the emotional depth of storytelling.

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ANECDOTE

Pivot from Screenwriting to Novels

David Baldacci's screenplay for "Reverse Order" was passed on by Hollywood studios, leading him to write a novel instead.
This setback pivoted him from law and screenwriting to becoming a bestselling novelist.

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ANECDOTE

Finding the Right Agent

Baldacci sent seven query letters to agents, receiving interest from six of them.
He chose Aaron Priest who saw him as a career author, not just a one-book project.

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ANECDOTE

Film Adaptation Changes Explained

The Clint Eastwood-led film adaptation of Absolute Power changed the book's plot to keep Eastwood's character alive.
Baldacci was an executive producer but had limited influence on script changes.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

From Rejection to Resilience

03:22 • 17min

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Navigating Career Transitions and Creative Inspirations

20:46 • 6min

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Reading vs. Watching: Engaging with Stories

26:42 • 7min

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Celebrating Bookstores and Unveiling a New Pistol

33:15 • 3min

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Crafting 'Strangers in Time': A Multicast Audiobook Journey

36:04 • 22min

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Empowering Literacy: The Mission Behind the Wish You Well Foundation

'Absolute Power' is a gripping thriller about a seasoned burglar, Luther Whitney, who witnesses a shocking crime involving the President of the United States. Luther becomes entangled in a dangerous cover-up as he possesses evidence that could bring down the most powerful man in the world. As the Secret Service and White House officials try to silence him, Luther must outwit his pursuers and expose the truth. Baldacci's suspenseful narrative explores themes of power, corruption, and the struggle for justice. The novel keeps readers guessing as Luther uses his skills to navigate a web of deceit and ultimately seeks retribution for the crime he witnessed.

The 6:20 Man

David Baldacci

In 'The 620 Man', a covert operative known only as the 620 Man is drawn into a dangerous mission involving vast sums of dark money and global manipulation. With a unique set of skills and a mysterious past, the 620 Man must navigate a treacherous world of corruption, deceit, and power. The story explores themes of wealth inequality, international conspiracy, and the hidden forces shaping global events. As the 620 Man unravels the truth behind the illicit funds, he finds himself facing powerful enemies who will stop at nothing to protect their secrets. Baldacci weaves a complex and suspenseful narrative, blending action, intrigue, and social commentary.

One Good Deed

David Baldacci

In 'One Good Deed,' Aloysius Archer, a newly released ex-convict, finds himself entangled in a complex web of deceit and murder in 1949 California. Seeking a fresh start as a private investigator, Archer takes on a seemingly simple case that quickly spirals into something far more dangerous. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers hidden secrets, corrupt dealings, and a cast of characters with their own agendas. Archer must navigate a treacherous landscape filled with danger and deception. With its atmospheric setting, intricate plot, and compelling protagonist, 'One Good Deed' is a gripping crime novel that showcases Baldacci's talent for crafting suspenseful and engaging narratives.

A Calamity of Souls

David Baldacci

'A Calamity of Souls' delves into the turbulent world of 1968 as two lawyers, one white and one black, team up to defend a black man wrongly accused of murder in the racially charged South. The novel explores themes of justice, prejudice, and moral courage. It also shows the power of partnership and the fight for equal rights during a pivotal era in American history. As they navigate the complexities of the legal system and confront deep-seated racism, they form a bond that transcends the boundaries of race and social status. Baldacci's compelling narrative exposes the harsh realities of the time, while celebrating the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring pursuit of justice.

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• Mentioned in 16 episodes

The firm

John Grisham

The Firm follows Mitch McDeere, a top Harvard Law graduate, who is aggressively recruited by Bendini, Lambert & Locke, a small but highly lucrative law firm in Memphis. The firm offers him an irresistible package of benefits, including a high salary, a new BMW, payment of his law school loans, and a luxurious lifestyle. However, Mitch soon discovers that the firm is involved in illegal activities, particularly money laundering for the Mafia. As an FBI investigation unfolds, Mitch is pressured to cooperate while navigating a treacherous moral landscape, trying to protect his family and his own life. The novel is a gripping tale of ambition, morality, and the high-stakes world of legal and criminal intrigue.

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• Mentioned in 14 episodes

The Maltese Falcon

Dashiell Hammett

The Maltese Falcon, written by Dashiell Hammett, is a 1930 detective novel that follows the story of Sam Spade, a private detective in San Francisco. The plot begins when a mysterious woman, Miss Wonderly (later revealed as Brigid O'Shaughnessy), hires Spade and his partner Miles Archer to tail a man named Floyd Thursby. After Archer's murder, Spade becomes entangled in a web of deceit and violence involving a valuable 16th-century statuette known as the Maltese Falcon. Other key characters include Joel Cairo, an effeminate Levantine, and Casper Gutman, a fat and jovial but sinister figure, all of whom are searching for the falcon. The novel is known for its vivid characters, sustained tension, and influential style in the hard-boiled genre.

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• Mentioned in 2 episodes

Strangers in Time

David Baldacci

#7226

• Mentioned in 4 episodes

A TIME TO KILL

John Grisham

The novel tells the story of attorney Jake Brigance and his client, Carl Lee Hailey, whose ten-year-old daughter, Tonya, is raped by two white men. Carl Lee kills the rapists and is charged with capital murder. Jake Brigance, despite the dangers and racial tensions, defends Carl Lee in a trial that becomes a focal point for racial violence and community unrest. The story explores themes of inequality, intolerance, and retribution, set against the backdrop of a small town in Mississippi where ancestral racism remains strong.

The Jack Carr Book Club July 2025 selection is STRANGERS IN TIME by #1 New York Times bestselling author David Baldacci.

Set in London during the Second World War, STRANGERS IN TIME follows a grieving bookseller and two war-scarred teenagers as they navigate loss, danger, and unlikely kinship amid the chaos of war. What begins as a story of survival becomes a profound exploration of trust, found family, and the healing power of books.

David Baldacci is one of the most prolific writers of our time. His 52 novels have sold over 150 million copies worldwide. A former trial lawyer and lifelong Virginian, Baldacci is also the founder of the Wish You Well Foundation, which supports literacy and educational programs across the U.S.

This conversation explores the characters and inspirations behind STRANGERS IN TIME, and Baldacci’s journey from practicing law to becoming a literary powerhouse.

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