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.

I want more like this

I really enjoyed this book. It delivered everything I want from a work of non-fiction that I've purchased to engage and entertain me (rather than "elevate" or "challenge".)

The characters had depth, genuine humanity and complexity sufficient to make you give a darn about what's happening. The plot is interesting and sufficiently dense to keep the reader from getting bored. But it's not so complex and dense that it's exhausting to follow. While not exactly light-hearted, the story also has humor, which I appreciate. Books with no sense of humor can be tough to take.

I consider it a high compliment to say that, when the book was done, I wished I could find out what happens to the characters.

The performance was well done. The narrator had a distinct voice for each character and was able to read emotion into the words very well, without over-acting (which I find annoying and distracting.) Other readers could take a lesson from Julia Whelan.

This is only my second Nora Roberts and I didn't like the first one, but this book has persuaded me to go in search of more of her work when I'm in the mood for a good story. I'd sure like to find more like "The Witness."

Excellent listen

Julia Whelan brings the characters alive! I have listened to this book 4 times and will most likely listen again!
I am a big fan of all Nora Roberts books but the reading can make it really outstanding!

Mystery, romance, mystery.

I love mystery novels and this is kind of a mystery/romance combination that works well because the characters are vividly drawn and attract your attention immediately. It's a fine plot, or series of interconnected plots, and the narration is excellent. As a man, I'm not big on romance novels but this love interest is well done and compelling. I say give it a listen and I think you'll enjoy it a lot.

Entertaining and thought provoking fun! Great!

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

In the top 10%. I don't usually listen to Nora Roberts, but truly enjoyed this book.

Who was your favorite character and why?

If you can relate to the lovable "Sheldon" character in the Big Bang Theory you will have much insight into Liz, with the notable exception that Liz breaks out of character.

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

Never heard the narrator before, but well done

Stayed interested

I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between the two main characters. The story overall was interesting but not this authors best. I enjoyed the narrators voice.

Wow! Nora Roberts at her best!!

What did you love best about The Witness?

I've always liked Ms Roberts writing, but this story is fantastic!

What did you like best about this story?

The characters are so real it's almost as if I've interacted with them.

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

I've never listened to Julia's voice before but she is an excellent narrator. It's easy to differentiate the characters. I will definetly look for other books narrated by Julia.

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

Both

Any additional comments?

Loved it! Couldn't stop listening to the story.

Perfect Nora Roberts

I know I can count on Nora Roberts to provide an engaging read, and did enjoy this one.

Best Nora Robts audiobook, IMO!

Where does The Witness [Brilliance Audio Edition] rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This book is among the best that I've listened to. And it's not just narrator Whelan. The plot and the writing are outstanding, and the best of any Robts' book that I've listened/read. And I'm including some of her best "In Death'' books as well. Love the sophisticated, surprise ending. One of Roberts' best..

What did you like best about this story?

The characters are well-developed, and not entirely predictable. Granted, Police Chief Brooks Gleason may be too good to be true, as far as his patience as he pursues Abigail. But it's a great story nonetheless. And Abigail is a TERRIFIC character, multi-faceted and deservedly paranoid and anxious, as well as just gosh-darn brilliant.

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

Whelan brings emotion and a uniqueness to each character. I am VERY picky about my narrators. And she is PERFECT for this book. I sometimes cringe at some narrators who are too young for their characters (such as poor decisions for recent Kathy Reichs' books when publisher/author switched from Rosenblat for Temperance Brennen, who is in her 40s and deserves a weathered voice, not a high-pitched one like some of the newer narrators in that series.) Whelan is perfect for The Witness. And her voice range for the various characters is very impressive.

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

This book moved me like few have done. Liz/Abigail is a survivor, and just one terrific character. I'm surprised this book hasn't been made into a movie..But they'd probably ruin it.

Great read

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

Depends on when and where you want to read

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

Have not finished

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

Very proper speech and clear read

Quite Entertaining...

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

Yes, I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a long colorful story that keeps you engaged through 16 hours of listening, without getting bored.

What did you like best about this story?

I especially liked how this girl finally found who she was and was able to single handedly bring down a huge conglomerate of an enemy. She learned how to overcome such a huge fear in her life and how to love.

What about Julia Whelan’s performance did you like?

The reader was excellent; giving each character a reality I could relate to. The main characher was a little wispy at times, but was able to come out with guns blazing when it mattered. I loved Brooks family and how realistic they all were.

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

I hated to put the book down and carried it all over the house with me as I worked.

Any additional comments?

This was a most enjoyable book.