The Witness

By: Nora Roberts

Narrated by: Julia Whelan

Length: 16 hrs and 19 mins

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.

Loved the suspense story, hated the love story!!!

I picked this book because I really liked the other comments and it seemed like a book I would enjoy. I have never read anything of Nora Roberts before.
I was pleasantly surprised the first few chapters. But the love story between the main character and Brooks became EXTREMELY annoying and cheesy after a while. The descriptions of their love making were lame and never ending.

I listened to audio books while I run on the treadmill in winter to pass the boredom but seriously I really wanted to stop the treadmill and just skip over those lame love interactions. It's worse than a Harlequin romance book.

The other story line is quite good but I do think the best part of the book is the beginning.
The end is not a surprise.

Exhilarating

What made the experience of listening to The Witness the most enjoyable?

Wondering if the bad guys were going to find her.

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

Well, she had to provide her own protection and she was clever at that. But, with today's technology, it was easy to presume the bad guys would catch up with her sooner or later.

Have you listened to any of Julia Whelan’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

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

Yes.

Any additional comments?

I've read a few of Nora Roberts books. She has not let me down when it comes to a very good read.

The Witness

This book varies from Nora Roberts norm in a very good way. It shows you what a versatile writer she is. Highly recommend!

Great characters and story

What made the experience of listening to The Witness the most enjoyable?

The story line played out in a manner that kept my interest. I often wanted to keep listening to hear what happened next even though I was at my destination and needed to get out of the car. The true test of an intriguing story!

What did you like best about this story?

The character development was well thought out. The way characters reacted to situations and developed throughout the story seemed realistic, especially given the plot twists.

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

Her voice was clear but sometimes the accent of the Russian characters put me off. They often sounded more like cartoon characters. I think it could have been better without the attempt at Russian accents for those characters. Otherwise she did a great job at narrating the book.

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

It was a very lengthy book so one sitting would have been tough. But I did look forward to my commute to work so I could hear the next installment of the book, which says a lot.

Any additional comments?

I really enjoy Nora Roberts books and this one did not disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed it and even felt a little sad when it came to an end. Thank you!

The Witness - very well done.

What did you love best about The Witness?

The inter-relationships

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

Montana Sky

What about Julia Whelan’s performance did you like?

Differentiation between characters

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Some laughing...some crying

Any additional comments?

Always enjoy Nora's books. This was a bit of a differenct scenario....I liked it.

The Witness

What did you like about this audiobook?

While this book is not my favorite, it was a very well told .

What did you find wrong about the narrator's performance?

I thought Miss Whelan was very good, if not a bit too stiff in her interpretation of the main character, but I believe that is due more to the material in general. I'm sorry about this because she is one of the better readers I have heard to date.

I highly recommend this book

This book pulled me in from the very beginning. I really loved this book. I had it on my wishlist for quite awhile before buying it and I am so glad I did. The narrator in this book is wonderful... and in my opinion made the book even better.

Suspense

Loved the book. It was hard to put down. I didn’t want it to end.

Fantastic story except......

Would you listen to The Witness [Brilliance Audio Edition] again? Why?

Definitely

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

Off and on...some parts weren't like that but were still great.

What about Julia Whelan’s performance did you like?

Excellent, as usual.

Any additional comments?

Personal preference for me....too much descriptive sex. This is true of all this author's books, at least the ones I've read or heard. I just fast forward, because I enjoy her stories. I love the authors who are so brilliant at letting me know what's happening, without describing it step by step. Again, personal preference.

Great Narrator

What made the experience of listening to The Witness the most enjoyable?

The story, mostly. But the narrator did a great job with the dialogue.

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

I had already read it in the print, but the first time I read it, yes -- wondering if Abigail would make it and how.

What about Julia Whelan’s performance did you like?

I liked her voice for Julie and Abigail, the latter which might read somewhat cold and clinical but Julia Whelan gave her great emotional depth.

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

The first time the characters said I love you.