• The Witness

  • By: Nora Roberts
  • Narrated by: Julia Whelan
  • Length: 16 hrs and 19 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (32,813 ratings)

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The Witness  By  cover art

The Witness

By: Nora Roberts
Narrated by: Julia Whelan
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Publisher's summary

In her stunning 200th novel, #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts proves why no one is better when it comes to flawlessly fusing high-stakes suspense with red-hot romance" (Booklist, starred review).

Daughter of a cold, controlling mother and an anonymous donor, studious, obedient Elizabeth Fitch finally let loose one night, drinking too much at a nightclub and allowing a strange man’s seductive Russian accent to lure her to a house on Lake Shore Drive.

Twelve years later, the woman now known as Abigail Lowery lives alone on the outskirts of a small town in the Ozarks. A freelance security systems designer, her own protection is supplemented by a fierce dog and an assortment of firearms. She keeps to herself, saying little, revealing nothing. Unfortunately, that seems to be the quickest way to get attention in a tiny southern town.

The mystery of Abigail Lowery and her sharp mind, secretive nature and unromantic viewpoint intrigues local police chief Brooks Gleason, on both a personal and professional level. And while he suspects that Abigail needs protection from something, Gleason is accustomed to two-bit troublemakers, not the powerful and dangerous men who are about to have him in their sights.

And Abigail Lowery, who has built a life based on security and self-control, is at risk of losing both.

©2012 by Nora Roberts. (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

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What listeners say about The Witness

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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    22,464
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    7,239
  • 3 Stars
    2,199
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Performance
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Story
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    20,010
  • 4 Stars
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  • 3 Stars
    2,113
  • 2 Stars
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  • 1 Stars
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great read!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. It was exciting and fun to read.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes. Unexpected twists and turns made it exciting and I was entranced from beginning to end.

What about Julia Whelan’s performance did you like?

Excellent.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Any additional comments?

Strong fabulous main character.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

exciting suspenseful with just enough love int

Where does The Witness rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Pretty high on my list -- characters are interesting. - good mystery

Who was your favorite character and why?

Brooks Gleason- you are well into the story when you meet him.

What about Julia Whelan’s performance did you like?

Yes -

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I wanted to listen at every free moment until ti was done.

Any additional comments?

A girl in trouble with the threat of danger and romance, great story, likable characters, suspense -- what more could you want.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Couldn't stop listening!

Loved this book. Great story, well narrated, gripping story line. Highly recommend. I didnt want the book to end.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Enjoyable

What did you love best about The Witness?

The story line was one that for the most part was actually believable. Also it was not packed with over the top violence, gore and over the top 'shoot-em up' scenes that I no longer want to put up with.

Would you recommend The Witness to your friends? Why or why not?

I would because it has some nice romance and normal stuff mixed in.

What does Julia Whelan bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She has a very calm voice - east to listen to. Very precise articulation - takes pride in her profession.

Any additional comments?

The heroine was a great superhero kind of character - every man's dream. But she was not really believable. I had to overlook that plus I had to overlook boyfriend/cop Brooks who was every woman's dream but again - hardly typical of what most men are really like (unfortunately).

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A 'Make you feel good' story. Write on, Nora!

Would you consider the audio edition of The Witness to be better than the print version?

Only purchashed the audio. The narator was wonderful. I'm sure the book is as well.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Witness?

That there is always "another" chance waiting out there, if you'll just reach out and take a step.

What about Julia Whelan’s performance did you like?

She was great. I lived and worked near Bickford and actually visited once. You don't want to go there without at least $500.00 to spend. Wonderful art in so many mediums.Julia's voices were very apt, even the male voices. She surprised me, pleasantly..That layed back southern charm was peformed just right. Since I'm a left coaster but worked as a consultant in and around the south, she managed the Arkansas "kick back" (what we deemed each southern city's mentality as well as the depth of accent, where ever we found ourselves) with seemingly graceful ease.I hope she narates more of Nora's Novels. She's exceptional.There were only a couple of "read ahead" emotional responses that were not done as spoken, but overall.. would love to hear more of Julia's works.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

As I've listened to it several times... does that count as a yes?

Any additional comments?

I love reading but as I am losing my hearing, I'm trying to take advantage of audibles before it's too late. No one should discard audibles, thinking that "they're just not the same". In some respects it's true. Nora is such a fine writer, whether written or audible, she will still pull you into the story because she requires your imagination as well as her own. She never overwrites and you find yourself being "gripped, pulled in" and so much more.That is the magic of Nora Roberts. You become a part of it, like it or not. I absolutely love her futuristic series under the name of J.D. Robb. The "in death" series. Wow... I'm only up to 24 but have also listened to the latest in the series.. no confusion there. No matter where you choose to start you'll grasp the "layout" fairly quickly. The complexity of the storylines blow me away at times and I'm a programmer. The "in death" series is an ever increasing font of additional characters that grow continually and are challenged, each in their own special way. They are family and Nora/J.D. obviously knows "Family". Whether it's Nora or J.D. you should enjoy the read. So addictable and I am happy to say... there is no cure!!
Opalwind

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

I loved this book!

I've read and enjoyed many books by Nora Roberts, but this one is my favorite so far. I found the story fascinating and very satisfying. I especially loved the main characters, and the way Elizabeth evolved and how she was able to do the things she did.

The narrator was great.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Won't rebel again!

Would you listen to The Witness again? Why?

Yes. It is an interesting story plot you don't see coming.

What other book might you compare The Witness to and why?

Rachel Meade stories, because she also has interesting characters in her books.

What does Julia Whelan bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I liked the emotion she brought to the characters which made them come alive.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Are you really safe?

Any additional comments?

I was very surprised at the twists and turns found in this book. I love books that aren't predictable.

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

Couldn't buy the story

What was most disappointing about Nora Roberts’s story?

Flynn's Amy Dunne doesn't have to state about the IQ of 210 or repeatedly say "I'm very smart" and yet any readers still believe it. And honestly, Liz/Abigale's skills on blend-in and what it takes on the run are just BS. Finally, NR needs to do more home works on her next technical descriptions. Please at least read the seri Stealing the Network started in 2003 and ended in 2007 (that means they're also outdated) from Syngress Publishing.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Not usually a fan of Nora Roberts books

Would you listen to The Witness again? Why?

But this book was great! Entertaining without being sappy. Great storyline and characters and the performance was very good.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

The best of Nora Roberts

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

It had great narration and a bit of mystery, thriller, cybercrime, and of course romance. All in all a great read.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Witness?

The 17 year old's run from the violent expolosion was thrilling.

What about Julia Whelan’s performance did you like?

Her male voice was very sexy and distinquishible from the female lead.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The ending was very satisfying.

Any additional comments?

I"m not usually a huge Nora Roberts fan, but this story was intriguing so I gave it try. The narration was great and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

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