• The Witness

  • By: Nora Roberts
  • Narrated by: Julia Whelan
  • Length: 16 hrs and 19 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (32,885 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
  • 5 Stars
    22,521
  • 4 Stars
    7,251
  • 3 Stars
    2,202
  • 2 Stars
    557
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Performance
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    22,026
  • 4 Stars
    5,587
  • 3 Stars
    1,360
  • 2 Stars
    288
  • 1 Stars
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Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    20,067
  • 4 Stars
    6,312
  • 3 Stars
    2,114
  • 2 Stars
    514
  • 1 Stars
    350

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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

My favorite NR book

A coming of age story where Liz/Abigail first attempt at rebellion ended badly with life changing consequences. I love the way Brooks describes Abigail's mother, couldn't have said it better. what a cold hearted bitch. The effect Liz upbringing had on her personality was fascinating. Brooks on the other hand was the perfect fit for her. The way he chips away at Abigail's insecurities and just love her for her was simply adorable. He's tough when she needs it soft when she does and everything in between. Julia Whelan narration was perfection. Couldn't have chosen a better person to bring the characters to life. If you're a fan of Nora then get this book I promise you will not be disappointed!

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

Good Yarn!

What did you love best about The Witness?

fast flowing story line.

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

Not really

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

We are driving while we listen

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

Action, suspense and romance

Any additional comments?

Enjoy Nora Roberts books

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1 person found this helpful

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

Very good

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

Not only would I recommend this book to a friend, I would recommend it to everyone. I enjoyed this story very much.

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

The story didn't keep me on the edge of the seat, but was very well written and flowed nicely. There wasn't a lot of extra dialog about what everyone was wearing.

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

I really liked the narration by Julia Whelan. She did an excellent job.

Any additional comments?

If you want a good listen, not a ton of characters that confuse the listener, or extra dialog then listen to this one. I believe this is my favorite Nora Roberts book by far. Its well worth the credit I spent. I usually listen to my books multiple times, and this one is on my list.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Loved this book!!

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

Yes because I liked to hear the inflection in the words.

What did you like best about this story?

The main characters

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

The life behind the words.

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

No

Any additional comments?

This is my first Nora Roberts book. I loved it. I will be trying more of her stories.

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

Narration makes an ok book much better

I cut my romance teeth on Nora Roberts, but recently her books have only been so-so - but I was seeing good reviews of this one on Goodreads, so I took the plunge and got the audiobook. I can say that Julia Whelan's narration took what was an ok book and made it a great read.

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

Loved, Loved, Loved this book!!!

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

At the very top. Loved the story, Abigaile, Brooks, Bert and all the characters.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The main characters. Made for each other. She who did not believe in fate met her match in him who lived his life believing in fate.

What about Julia Whelan’s performance did you like?

Fantastic. Her narrative brought the characters to life with all the nuances of sorrow, happiness, vulnerability, hope and desire for love. She gave life to each of the characters in this book, especially Abigaile and Brooks!

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

When Abigaile realizes that she can have the life she had only thought was possible!

Any additional comments?

One of Ms. Robert's best books. I am in awe of her and have great admiration for her prodigious talent!!!! Keep them coming, please!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Love Love

If you could sum up The Witness in three words, what would they be?

My ears stayed glued to the book. I just wish it had more spice to the romance parts but all and all, I enjoyed it.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful strong female character

A 5 star book to me is one I listen to over and over again. I finished The Witness tonight and I am already looking forward to listening to it again soon.

So many of the strong female characters in today’s romances are crude, mouthy, and loud. While I often enjoy them, too, Abigail managed to show she was incredibly strong but she did it with style, sophistication and quiet determination.

I am not normally a Nora Roberts fan, but this book brought me a lot of joy. I listened while we moved and it even made carrying box after box enjoyable.

When you finish a book and you feel like you are a better person for having read it, you know you read a great book. That is how I felt when I finished this one. Well done, Nora Roberts!! Well done Julia Whelan, too!! It was a complete delight.

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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

Very intriguing, well written and well delivered

the story line is exciting and interesting. Not sure if what will happen next or who to trust
enjoyed listening.

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

Great Listen

Very entertaining. Characters were well developed and the premise unusual. Would recommend to a friend.

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