The Collector

By: Nora Roberts

Narrated by: Julia Whelan

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts comes a novel about a woman who needs nothing, a man who sees everything, and the web of deceit, greed and danger that brings them together - and could tear them apart...

When professional house-sitter Lila Emerson witnesses a murder/suicide from her current apartment-sitting job, life as she knows it takes a dramatic turn. Suddenly, the woman with no permanent ties finds herself almost wishing for one...

Artist Ashton Archer knows his brother isn’t capable of violence - against himself or others. He recruits Lila, the only eyewitness, to help him uncover what happened. Chalking up their intense attraction to the heat of the moment, Lila agrees to help Ash try to find out who murdered his brother and why. From the penthouses of Manhattan to grand Italian villas, their investigation draws them into a rarefied circle where priceless antiques are bought, sold, gambled away and stolen; where what you possess is who you are; and where what you desire becomes a deadly obsession...

©2014 Nora Roberts (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Roberts is performing at the top of her literary game…An addictive blend of sleek suspense and sophisticated romance that would make Hitchcock proud.”—Booklist (starred review)

“A pair of strong, commitment-averse protagonists, vividly drawn villains—a classy, stunningly beautiful, sociopathic assassin and a soulless recluse, in particular—an abundance of Fabergé egg history and a plot that keeps readers on edge add up to another classic for Roberts.”—Library Journal

“Sizzling suspense…Will keep readers riveted.”—Publishers Weekly

I didn't want to like it--but couldn't stop!

It grates on me to buy a book considered chic lit in some circles. Even Audible classified this as "romance". I like cerebral mysteries with good character and plot development.

Even though Roberts' women all echo the same stubborn independence, an abhorance for gold-digging, are the reluctant ones in the "perfect" love matches, and nearly always marry wealth, somehow she manages a good and unique plot line in each of the books I have read. Her characters are well-developed and sympathetic. And, she somehow conjures up good mysteries while brimming with often steamy sex.

So, I didn't want to like this, but it's an incredibly engaging story. It has suspense, introspection, artistic interpretation, and is just plain interesting.

The peeping house-sitter witnesses a murder, befriends the victim's brother (of course all out of kindness and empathy), and, although predictable, the rest is a fun and wild ride.

I don't understand how an author who pumps out so many books can come up with so many plots, in spite of the main strong female character remaining essentially the same. The narrator was quite good, and managed the male characters equally as well as the variety of female intonations.

It's definitely worth a credit, you won't regret the choice. And, it's really not just "chic lit".

Enjoyed both content and narration

I'm a big Nora Roberts fan and enjoyed this book greatly. I was not familiar with Julia Whelan's name, but will seek out her work now. She does male and female voices equally well, and has an easy voice to listen to.

Okay story, narrator didn't help

The characters' personalities drove a lot of the story, but they weren't fully developed. The main characters dealt with the same personal issues over and over again. The narrator didn't help, making the main character sound like she was a teenager, not an adult woman. The plot was okay, but not stellar.

A heartless Bitch!

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

Good story…romance, history, murder & lovable pets…this story held my attention.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The beautiful asian women, Jai. A heartless and ruthless b. She keeps you wondering where is she going to show up next.

Just as good the second time!

Read and then read again one of her best. The reader is very good, read it to see.

Riveting and enjoyable from the start.

Any story Julia Whelan narrates is masterful. Not sure if it's the great story or her voice. Keep them coming.

A good read

the story and plot were really quite good, but the voicing was sometimes less than adequate, and the story did slog a bit at points.

Narrator problematic

Good story,but the narration was "dry", emotionless. The male character was especially bad. Throughout the entire book he sounded bored, half asleep and indifferent, while the character was not depicted as such at all. Some parts were a real struggle for me because of that.

Great read

A little slow at first but a great book that held my interest until the end.

Awesome

Great book it keeps you guessing all through the book. Must read! Don't miss this one!