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.

Definitely Worth the Listen

Loved this book. The combination of Nora Roberts and Julia Whelan is perfect. I can't wait to listen to another! This was a credit well spent.

narrator is superb

I forgot it was one narrator. Julia did perfect! beautiful story! I'm sad it's over. May even listen again!

1st Nora Robert's book.

Absolutely loved it. Great story. Couldn't wait to listen to it every day while walking.

Great Performance

So beautifully believable despite the many characters. Very easy to follow. Loved the whole story

Great book

This book was the best one I’ve read this far, full of suspense and love.

- 4.5 stars -

This is the first book that I've read and listened to by this author and narrator. I thought it was very well written.
*Spoilers*

- Storyline -
I thought the storyline and plot was very interesting. From the summary, I had made a couple guesses about what the bad experience Elizabeth had went through that changed her life so drastically, and I will say all my guesses were completely wrong. I was taken by surprise by the events that happened to her and I never would have dreamed that that could happen to someone. But I think it just proves how good of an author Nora Roberts is with this book by throwing such a curveball of events that were completely unexpected.
I really liked both Elizabeth (aka, Abigail) and Brooks. They were funny, straightforward, extremely blunt and open about many things which I found to be rather surprising, and I liked how they grew individually and as a couple. I liked how it wasn't exactly instant love at first sight, but was very gradual with communicating what they were feeling and getting to know each other. I will say that at times, Abigail was almost robotic in the way she was portrayed. Which I don't mean in a bad way, it was just the thought that came to mind once or twice throughout the book. I think it had to do with how smart she is, how she wanted things done in a specific order, and with the overly polite way she talked at times that kind of gave that stiff, almost robotic feel to her character. I don't know why robot came to mind, but as I said I don't mean it in a bad way. I also feel like Brook warmed her and made her realise the human parts of herself, such as love and compassion.
I did like the side characters John and Terry and was sad with what happened to them. I admired their courage and wished things could have ended differently for them. I did kind of guess that something might happen to them or at least John after Abigail (Liz at the time) mentioned something about possible consequences for John and his family with John being a Marshal. But I don't know if she would have met Brooks if none of these events wouldn't have happened. I would like to think that if things had happened differently and if she still met Brooks, that both Terry and John would have been the only people she kept in touch with in her new life. It makes me kind of sad thinking about it though.
I didn't really care for Elizabeth's mother a whole lot (or at all) as a lot of the things she did and said were very strict, strange, and overbearing. She was a very cold and unfeeling character that was meant not to be liked. At times I felt she crossed the line to absolutely absurd with what she demanded of Elizabeth. I am glad that Elizabeth stood up to her mother and took actions for her own life.

- Narration -
This is the first time I've listened to Julia Whelan and I thought she did an amazing job. She portrayed Abigail and Brooks beautifully. She definitely heightened my enjoyment of the story with her narration.

Overall, I thought this was a really good book that I would recommend to other people to read and listen to.

Loved it. Kept me interested.

It was a unique story. No real mystery of who dunnit. But well written story to keep your attention. Loved the characters.

Excellent Witness Read

Loved everything about this book. I cried, I laughed and it ended well. For once a book that takes all the turns we keep hoping for. I loved this book and hope others who have a busy life can get lost in The Witness♡

Think you’re intelligent?

This book has it all. Intense, dramatic, love story, and incredible characters that come alive! I’ll mis them!

excellent book and well read

I loved it, it was engrossing with a good story line and engaging characters.Julia Whelan did an excellent job in presenting it as well. Kudos.