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 loved every bit of it, narrator was excellent!

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

Absolutely, the story was great, it was an easy/fun read. I'd even listen to it again.

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

Hmmm, I think when the years changed. The story flashes forward some years and it's really interesting to see the character & how she's changed as well. Very well written and well read.

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

Oh so much, I really enjoyed it. She gave just enough to each character that you had a better feel for them, as opposed to just having read it. I feel like she read it aloud exactly as I would have read it to myself, so that was nice. Sometimes narrators put too much into it, Julia did just perfectly.

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

oh gosh I have no idea….sorry

Any additional comments?

great book, easy read but keeps you interested. AND I listen to my books while running/walking…ONLY while running and walking, so I got lots of good exercise during this one cause I couldn't "put the book down" :)

Mystery, humor and love

Always like listening to Nora Roberts books because I can get the mystery along with the romantic live story together!! This one was particularly good in the way the characters were developed each with a unique personality the narrator did a great job showing. A little twist in the ending made this a wonderful listen to accompany housework, sewing or cooking.

Great for fans of the TV show "Bones" characters

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

I would definitely recommend this to a friend. I loved the characters and the writing was superb. Although I picked this up thinking it was a mystery/suspense novel, it was absolutely a romance with suspense on the side. Still, I really enjoyed the book. Although I rarely watch it, the leading character Elizabeth reminds me a lot of the female lead in the TV show "Bones"--highly intelligent, yet awkward in social situations. Not my favorite character but I loved the male lead character, Brooks, so much that I just might have to re-read this one--and I am NOT a re-reader.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the writing. The characters were really well defined and there was humor sprinkled throughout the story. I really liked how the author used the characters' own speech, like the various southern idioms coming from the locals in Bickford, to develop the characters throughout the story.

The narrator did a great job with the voices, by the way. A bad narrator can ruin a perfectly good audiobook, and this one did a great job with all the southern accents--even if they aren't Ozark mountains accents. :)

Which scene was your favorite?

I couldn't pick a favorite scene, however, I did enjoy Abigail's first few encounters with Brooks.

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

No. This wasn't a tear-jerker, thank goodness.

Any additional comments?

Read it--you won't regret it!

One of the best from one of the best⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I cannot express adequately how much I enjoyed this story. The characters were so real. I believe that the excellent writing and the beautiful narration by Ms Whelan make for an amazing team!!!

Thank you yet again, Ms Roberts. I honestly haven't a clue how one brain could produce soooo much art.

Wonderful!

Great story! Loved the characters, loved the details, loved the writing style, and loved the performance!

Great story by distracting performance

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

I have not read the print version so I cannot compare the two.

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

The plot was deep and kept you interested.

What three words best describe Julia Whelan’s voice?

Julia has a great narration voice but it becomes distracting when she tries to change it for each character. She does not do male voices well.

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

I remember everything

I really loved this book easy to follow and clear

I liked it so much I could hardly stop listening till the end.the narration was also very clear and easy to listen to

Didn't want to put it down.

This book kept me in suspense, didn't want to put it down. Good book.

Great listen!

My first Nora Roberts book and what a great surprise! Purchased on sale and so glad I did! Maybe a few parts to the story line where you really had to stretch your faith that it would all be possible, but it was well worth the listen. Julia Whelan did a superb job with the narration and managed to give each character a very distinct voice and personality. Not all narrators have this skill developed as well as Julia. I will definitely select more Nora Roberts in the future and Julia Whelan narrations as well! Would love to see this one developed into a film...

Great Book

Loved it enjoyed the storyteller. Such a good mystery. a great one. High recommend to anyone