The Collector

By: Nora Roberts

Narrated by: Julia Whelan

Length: 15 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

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

Loved It!

I loved everything about this book. I wanted to BE Lila. I wanted to be in LOVE with Ash. Heck, for the duration of the book - I had my wish!

Loved everything about this book. 💜 And the narrator was phenomenal. Great job!

Couldn't Stop Listening

I absolutely loved this book. I only wish it didn't end so abruptly. I felt like the end left you hanging a little bit and I wish there was an epilogue or something giving you a glance at Lila and Ashton's life after the fact

Great story with awesome narration.

Wow, I loved this story. There is mystery and murdering assassins, love and hate, and sorrow and joy. I could really relate to the characters. I highly recommend.

predictable but good

enjoyable easy read, no big surprises, likable characters, pretty locations, fun story with a little intrigue and a little romance

I could listen to Julia Whelan read the phone book

What did you like best about The Collector? What did you like least?

These weren't Nora Roberts' best characters. I really enjoyed The Witness and this was not quite that good - neither the story or the characters, but Julia Whelan's voice made it worth finishing.

good, not great

I don't believe it is as good as her more current works. This one was slow to get off the mark, some due to the so-so voice changes by the narrator.

Not her greatest work

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

No, it went on and on and on.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

It was okay.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

The narration was fine.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

NO

Any additional comments?

Disappointing.

awesome

book is anazing. i am a new reader to her books and i loved this one. can't wait to read more.

Never a disappointment

Never a dull moment. Every book I’ve read and listened to keeps me guessing on how is all this going to be put all together. In this book I was waiting and waiting for them to incorporate Trench-coat man to be part of the killings a bad guy but to my surprise it wasn’t. This book kept me on the edge of my seat and guessing who wants the egg enough to kill for it. And what will Ash and Lila do .. will they be a couple of course they have to be a couple but what I’d like Lila’s story the main character gets killed off then what? When I wasn’t reading the book I was listening to it in my car, at home, wherever I could. I’d put earphones in just so I wouldn’t bother everyone else while listening to the book. I love Nora Roberts stories in between reading and listening I stop to think where does she get the inspiration to write these kind of stories I would love to be in her head. The way she thinks. I recommend everyone to read this book or listen to it or both.

Good thriller, terrific narration

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

suspenseful, intriguing, fast-paced

What did you like best about this story?

Kept my attention, witty dialogue, interesting characters

What about Julia Whelan’s performance did you like?

Ms. Whelan is a phenomenal narrator. She has an incredible ability to do all the voices with such distinction that there is never any question which character is speaking. She brings out all their personalities so clearly. And her skill at men's voices is amazing. I seek out her narrations; she makes any book a pleasure to listen to.

Any additional comments?

I'm not a romance reader but I will read any of Nora Roberts' suspense stand-alones. Always a good read (or listen in this case).