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.

Wow! I loved it!

I have read maybe one other Nora Robert's novels, but after this I know I have been really missing out! Great characters, great story, great details. I was grabbed from the start and was able to let go of my breath at the very end--in between, well I couldn't have been more entertained!
Julia was a fabulous reader and I will definitely listen to a book read by her again!!

Listened To IT Twice

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

It was up there with 50 Shades and I rank it #10

Who was your favorite character and why?

Abigail Lowery aka Liz and Brooke. I love how he won her love and trust. LOVE LOVE LOVE this book.

Which scene was your favorite?

Her last day with John

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

When Brooke convinced her to stop running from her past

Any additional comments?

I love Nora Roberts from Boonsboro Inn stories to The Witness. I must admit that The Witness suprised me, and it was action packed from the very beginning. I love this book.

Beguiling romance dressed as a thriller

After the typical opening of a young adult romance, the story moves into the brutal consequences of a 16-year old girl being in the wrong place at the wrong time. This sets the scene for the core story, which starts 12 years later.

For most of the book, Ms. Roberts provides a graceful, witty story of growing love between a fearful women with an Asperger's-like character and a gentle, confident man. Over this romance hovers the dark shadow of potential discovery and subsequent violence. This tension gives the book its unique character. I don't read romance novels, but knowing that the unfinished story of the book's start needs resolution, I stayed with it.

Resolution occurred, but it avoided cliché, so I got to the end realising that the journey was more fun than the story finished. Consequently I listened to it all again, and again.

Very good narration and good story line

I've never been a big Nora Roberts fan but this book has changed my mind. It kept my attention and was entertaining. The narrator did a really good job, too... One of the best narrations I've heard on Audible.

Oh My Gosh!

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

I cannot objectively say as I haven't read the book. But, given that, I would say yes, because I may not have gotten past the first few pages.

What did you like best about this story?

My favorite part was when Elizabeth actually asserts herself to her mother. I am a parent and don't necessarily go along with kids that disrespect their parents, but Elizabeth's mother was so controlling that she was just begging for her daughter to reach out for something else in life.

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

Elizabeth her character grows so much.

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

Yes!

Any additional comments?

This is a fast paced book and my mind did not wander while I listened to it.

Hated it to End

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

Shocking! Romantic! Suspense!

This was my first audio book on my Kindle Fire. I decided at the last minute to purchase it, as I was going on a trip alone. Within the first few minutes of the book I was hooked. The book lasted longer than my trip, so I continued listening during my morning walks. Just finished this morning, and hated for it to end. Great Book! :o)

What did you like best about this story?

Nora Roberts kept you interested with her different characters, and life like situations.

What about Julia Whelan’s performance did you like?

The narrator made the book with her changing of her accents, and voices. She was great!

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

I found myself shaking my head in a few spots not believing what was happening, and then other times laughing out loud.

Any additional comments?

If you don't want to buy the audiobook ... I am sure reading it would be just as entertaining.

Pleasantly surprised.

Would you listen to The Witness again? Why?

Maybe in a few years. I don't usually reread novels.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Abigail was an intriguing heroine, brilliant but naive. Brooks was the perfect knight in shining armor.

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

I think she was amazing with all the characters and probably made the book more enjoyable for listening.

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

It was just a pleasant listening experience.

Any additional comments?

I'm not a huge Nora Roberts fan, but sometimes enjoy the Lifetime movies. Generally I like more hard boiled mysteries (Harlan Coben, Dennis Lehane etc.) I read the reviews on this one so I thought I'd give it a try. I was truly surprised at how much I enjoyed this story.

GREAT BOOK! Credit well spent!

This book was so well written! We get to follow the heroine's life from teen to adult and what a journey it was! She was such a strong, amazing person. She really came to life in my mind. I LOVED this book- I will probably read it again.
I am not familiar with Nora Roberts work but I have already done a search to find my next book by her.

Excellent! I couldn't wait to listen to more!

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

The narrator was terrific. She made this great story even better.

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

The most memorable moment for me was when Elizabeth escaped from the safe house only to watch it blow up moments later. I literally gasped out loud.

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

Of course Abigail/Elizabeth was my favorite character. The wonderful thing about the narrator was that she was able to differentiate her voices for all the characters so at times it felt like multiple actors reading the dialog. The first book I listened to was a terrible disappointment and I thought maybe Audible wasn't for me but they let me return that book and I'm so glad I did. What a totally different experience this was. I'm sad the book is finished!

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

I had a very strong reaction when the two dirty marshals ruined Elizabeth's birthday. Without ruining the story for anyone, I cried at this point and had to remind myself that it was a romance novel so it would turn out ok in the end.

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