• The Witness

  • By: Nora Roberts
  • Narrated by: Julia Whelan
  • Length: 16 hrs and 19 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (32,814 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
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    22,465
  • 4 Stars
    7,239
  • 3 Stars
    2,199
  • 2 Stars
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Performance
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Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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    20,011
  • 4 Stars
    6,304
  • 3 Stars
    2,113
  • 2 Stars
    512
  • 1 Stars
    349

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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

best Nora Roberts ever!

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

Plot was good and kept me very interested throughout.

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

I loved her portrayal of each of the characters.

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

I would have like to, but unfortunately could not. I did enjoy it very much!

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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

Best Nora Roberts Ever!

I have read quite a few of Nora Roberts' books and this is by far her best! I thought it would have a predictable pattern and ending but I was wrong. I was sorry it came to an end.

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

Good Book, Very Intertaining! Recommend.

This was my first Nora Roberts book & I only listened because my sister was logged into my account when she ordered it (she said by mistake), so i thought I would give a listen. I REALLY enjoyed it, the storyline was intriguing, the narration was good, it was a good book that i finished in no time because i wanted to see what was going to happen next! I only had one complain, too much cursing - it didn't really enhance the character or the story and several times i turned it off while in the car with my 11yr old son. But it was a good book! I Recommend it and will order another book or two from the author.

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

Kept me interested!

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

Layered. Fresh. Recommended.

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

She handles the Russian and southern accents well, and brings life to the multitude of characters.

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

great storyline!

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

ompelling, complex, believable

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

When Liz decided she could have a "regular life" .

What about Julia Whelan’s performance did you like?

Loved Julia Whelan.

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

Brooks' personality was perfect for Liz, Elizabeth..... I mean, Abagail.

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

name changing

Would you listen to The Witness again? Why?

yes, in the future.

What did you like best about this story?

the way Liz hack into everybody's business.

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

information

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

no, I drive and listen.

Any additional comments?

good performance by the narrater

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

Touching,Brilliant and captivating

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

# 1 so far,Nora Roberts is hard to beat

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

When Elisabeth took her mothers car and went to the mall.

Which scene was your favorite?

When she turned 17

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

Suspense,action at every turn!

Any additional comments?

It was very hard to stop listening to the book,so many emotions to sort through,I didn't want to put it down.

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1 person found this helpful

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

Very Good

I really enjoyed this audiobook. Julia Whelan does an excellent job of narrating this audiobook bringing all the characters to life. This is the first Nora Roberts book I havce heard, but it certainly won't be the last.

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

I loved this book!

Would you listen to The Witness again? Why?

Yes I would listen to The Witness again. It was entertaining and very well read by the narrator.

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

The plot kept me on the edge of my seat because Nora Roberts does a great job of making you feel for the characters in this book. I couldn't wait to see what would happen next!

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

Julia did a great job of pronouncing all those foreign names. Reading this myself would not have gone so smoothly for me. I would have gotten hung up on those names but the story just flowed along the way the narrator read.

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

YES!

Any additional comments?

This would be a great movie!

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

First and last Nora Roberts I will ever read

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

Perhaps someone who enjoys modern Harlequin romance type novels.

What was most disappointing about Nora Roberts’s story?

The story was so unbelievable while at the same time being trite and predictable. Every character felt like a maudlin stereotype. In the many years that I have been listening to audiobooks, there's never been another one that has me talking to myself as frequently. "Oh, come on. Really?" "This is beyond awful."

Would you listen to another book narrated by Julia Whelan?

Perhaps; hard to separate the content from the narrator, though. And, some of the dialogue, attempting various accents, borders on comical.

What character would you cut from The Witness?

Both of the main characters are unbelievable--and Elizabeth/Abigail/Liz is completely unsympathetic. Hard to believe that in light of the story line, but all I worried about is hoping her dog lived until the end. Sadly, I do not know whether that happens. I gave up halfway through the book.

Any additional comments?

If this is considered a GREAT Nora Roberts novel (as the reviews seem to indicate is the case), it is the last time I will attempt one of her books. I understand that there will be an audience for this type of book, but I am not part of it.

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