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.

Julia needs another narrator!

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

The audio version is exciting. However, there needed to be more narrators with such a huge cast. The most important decision would be the male hero. He sounds like a farmer stuck in a hale bin while his grand babies lay crying. He should have a strong, confident and young male voice.

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

She has a voice that melts.

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

the bench scene

Nora Roberts at her BEST!

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

It captures you, keeps you, makes you laugh and feel the story all the way.

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

None to compare - to date for me.

What about Julia Whelan’s performance did you like?

The way she brings the Southerners to light.
And lets you feel the love between Brooks and Abigale...I actually sighed out loud at the end. So refreshing!

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

Overcome the Past and create a Future

Any additional comments?

A worthy read, listen, 5x and probably 5x more.

Great story and wonderful narration

Any additional comments?

Nora Roberts can always be counted upon to craft stories that invests you emotionally into her characters, and this one is no exception. The main character in this story was a challenge to make that emotional connection with for obvious reasons, but you do learn to love, support and cheer for her. A multi-layered plot keeps you interested and satisfies you with the wrap up. A big cheer in there for Julia Whelan's narration... though her Arkansas twang is not quite authentic, she has a talented voice for keeping us straight on multiple character conversations. Well done.

Interesting characters

Which character – as performed by Julia Whelan – was your favorite?

Brooks - he came across as patient & straight forward.

Any additional comments?

A story where you know how it ends, just how it gets there is the mystery.

Good solid story

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

Normally I like crime fiction but I was facing a long road trip with no prospects so I decided to try one outside my norm. I enjoyed the plot and it kept me interested Strong, confident, capable herion is always a plus!

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

Maybe a Lisa Garner, I like her Sara Lipton series.

What about Julia Whelan’s performance did you like?

Excellent performance. There was enough diversity in the characters voices without any of them sounding silly or contrived.

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

There was but I'm not giving it away!

Any additional comments?

All around - not a bad way to pass a long road trip.

Wonderfully strong female character

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

I very much enjoyed the narration.

Who was your favorite character and why?

This book was full of very well-developed characters. Very relatable.

Which scene was your favorite?

The first few chapters really grabbed me and set the whole tone for the book.

Any additional comments?

Having very limited experience with listening to books, rather than reading them, I found this narrator very enjoyable, the best I've come across so far.

Another Hit for Nora Roberts

Would you listen to The Witness again? Why?

Yes. I liked the narrator and I loved the storyline. The plot was twisted so I'm sure if another listen I would get even more of the nuances around Elizabeth, Liz, Abigale and her adventures. Brooks is just too much and so patient. You just knew he would get his way in the end.

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

Yes. I was never sure if Abigale would relent and I certainly didn't expect the ending. Alls well that ends well BUT it was interesting right up to the land scene.

What about Julia Whelan’s performance did you like?

Yes. I liked Ms. Whelan's performance. She had just the right cadence for the southern accents and the Russian accents and all of them. It is amazing to me how these narrators can take on so many different sounds and keep them straight as they read.

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

Yes. But I feel that way about almost all of the books.

Any additional comments?

Just that I love Nora Roberts and am always amazed at how many different plots she comes up with. My favorite is when she writes as J.D. Robb....very different.

My First Nora Roberts

This was my first Nora Roberts book, and I bought it purely on what I had read in the reviews here on audible. Firstly, let me say how much I enjoyed it. It's a compelling story that pulls you in from the first page. I'm so glad I read it, and I will be adding it to my favourites. I always rate a book on how attached I get to the characters and how believable they are, and the author's skill at doing this in this story deserves a mention.
The only criticism I have of it is that I found the ending to be rushed and slightly anti-climactic after the build up of the plot throughout the entire book. I would have liked a more drawn out ending with more detail on what happened to some of the minor characters. The ending is satisfying, but I finished it feeling slightly robbed of a grand finale. Everything is wrapped up in the last half hour or so which was too quick. But if you have enough imagination of your own, you can finish it off for yourself - as I did. :o)
A great read, though.

Perfect

I loved it I could so relate to Liz in so many ways, it was in my opinion perfectly made any bad reviews were totally wrong. I cried, laugh,was happy and over joyed. And those are hard emotions to get out of me. Well worth any cost finish in one setting.

Captured by this story!

I could not wait each day for my next listen of The Witness. What a complex fascinating story, I had not even been aware of the Russian Mafia! I connected immediately with the main character and ached for her and all that transpired. I cheered for her strong spirit and independence. I was happy with the outcome of the story as well.