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 will read this one again!

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

The story itself.

What other book might you compare The Witness to and why?

Maybe Shades of Twilight, by Linda Howard. Both books have a heroine who has been through a traumatic past incident and both emerged as strong and capable women.

What about Julia Whelan’s performance did you like?

She did the different voices well and never sounded like she was just reading.

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

No.

Any additional comments?

She kept me guessing all the way to the end. I hate to figure out the bad guy half way through the book and this one I hadn't.

Enjoyable

What did you love best about The Witness?

The story line was one that for the most part was actually believable. Also it was not packed with over the top violence, gore and over the top 'shoot-em up' scenes that I no longer want to put up with.

Would you recommend The Witness to your friends? Why or why not?

I would because it has some nice romance and normal stuff mixed in.

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

She has a very calm voice - east to listen to. Very precise articulation - takes pride in her profession.

Any additional comments?

The heroine was a great superhero kind of character - every man's dream. But she was not really believable. I had to overlook that plus I had to overlook boyfriend/cop Brooks who was every woman's dream but again - hardly typical of what most men are really like (unfortunately).

Very intense thriller that you can't put down.

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

I was hooked and completely consumed by the story. It is a romance and very credible thriller with a great twist at the end.

What did you like best about this story?

Fast paced and interesting.

Any additional comments?

This was my introduction to Nora Roberts and it was in my opinion, the best stand alone book she has written. I then discovered her "In Death" series under her nom de plume, JD Robb, and was completely smitten.

The best of Nora Roberts

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

It had great narration and a bit of mystery, thriller, cybercrime, and of course romance. All in all a great read.

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

The 17 year old's run from the violent expolosion was thrilling.

What about Julia Whelan’s performance did you like?

Her male voice was very sexy and distinquishible from the female lead.

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

The ending was very satisfying.

Any additional comments?

I"m not usually a huge Nora Roberts fan, but this story was intriguing so I gave it try. The narration was great and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

GREAT!!

This was yet another wonderful book by Nora Roberts. I grew really attached to the character and didn't want to leave her.

A surprisingly good read!

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

Yes, the narrator was very good. I used to read Nora Roberts when I was younger and wanted romance and good vs. evil (not to say I don't, but let's just say I was a much younger girl then) and I hadn't read Ms. Roberts' books in over 20 years. I bought it on sale and was surprised that it was so good at that price. But not to be misleading, after an initial bit of drama, it was all romance! But the hero characters were very likable.

What did you like best about this story?

Without giving it away, the ending. I had thought of something close but didn't guess it and that was another surprise. And the dog, of course, Bert!

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

No, I had never listened to her books before but I definitely enjoyed her. Thanks for reminding me of her name; I'll be more on the lookout for her now.

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

I don't want to give it away but I loved all the banter. And finally when a meeting of the minds took place!

Any additional comments?

Like I said, a surprisingly good read. It was entertaining, more for the female gender, and I was finished with the book before I knew it. I like a little more drama now but I remember that all Nora Roberts' books were good when I read them.

One of Nora's most interesting

Great story, very intense and refreshing. Exciting from the first moment. Kept my interest throughout.

Wow what a great easy listen!

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

I would definatley recommend this book. This was my first Nora Roberts book. That being said I have herd this is a top notch of hers, so I am worried the rest wont stack up. I like when the technology and themes are up to date. The charecters were so easy to like and dislike. Like others have said this does have just the right amount of romance and suspense. I love the romance, but not so much that the story is not good without a love scene.

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

The plet was great, havent quiet read one like it yet. Kept me guessing at all the right times. I have to really get hooked into a book in the first chapter or I just cannot bared to listen. So this had to be suspenseful from the begining to the end to keep me listening. My kids did not like me much during the reading of this book, they did not get the attention-the book did, stayed up all night just to finish this book.

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

This is not the first book I have herd her do and she is so good at acting. She has a great tone with men and women, i have loved all the books she has done and willl be looking her up to see what other books she ha done.....This is saying a lot because I am partial to men readers.

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

Traumatic, suspenseful romance.

Any additional comments?

I searched for 4 hours before deciding to read. This book, as soon as I herd the narrator I made up my mind! So glad I did.

Awesome!!!

There is absolutely nothing about this book that I didn't love. Best I have read all year.

Great listen

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

i did not want to stop listening to this story, it kept me wanting to listen