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.

Loved It!

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

The print book would have been great on its own but the expression and accents by the performer made it even better. I couldn't put it down.

What did you like best about this story?

Everything. I can't pick just one thing.

What about Julia Whelan’s performance did you like?

She did an excellent job with the accents.

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

I laughed out loud several times.

What a great cast of characters!

Would you listen to The Witness again? Why?

Yes. Ms Whelan's narration is very easy to listen to. And the story moves along at a good pace. Plus, not only were the characters endearing, but the narration complimented them, brought them to life.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I do a lot of travelling for my job, and so I listen to audio books to pass the time. Instead of wishing the miles away, I always looked to getting back into the car so that I could listen to more.

Any additional comments?

Well thought out plot with few slow spots. Loved the contrast of Abigail's highly organized, extremely logical genius and socially awkward character and with the laidback, take-it-as-it-comes Brooks. What a great pairing! Plus I found Julia Whelan's narrative an excellent match to Nora Roberts story. Very enjoyable.

love the story,not a predictible one.

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

of course, I already did.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Liz.

Which character – as performed by Julia Whelan – was your favorite?

Abigail

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

for me it was from the beginning, very touching story.

Any additional comments?

keep giving us stories like that.

Thrilling

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

This Nora Roberts book was riveting. I wanted to listen to it ALL the time. It was interesting and exciting and kept me engaged right to the end.

Great Read! Definitely worth the credit

I would absolutely recommend this book. The first few chapters are very exciting and shoots you into the very protected world of a suburban teen with photographic memory, who breaks free of her parental shackles one and her planned path to unexpectedly encounter a world of organized crime. Sounds good right?

Outside of the first few chapters where she grows up and moves to the small southern town is where is gets more slow paced for me. Even the male lead that she eventually meets and connects with is alot on the easier and relaxed side for the pace I thought established earlier is the book. But the story line is still very good, there is a strong connection between the characters and great narrator who pulls you into the head of our leading lady. I don't think that this book was as hot and steamy as it should have been, but I don't really expect that from Nora Roberts, as it is not her style.

I'd give this book a 4.5 out of 5, I highly recommend that you spend that long awaited credit on this one.

Love love love

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

Top ten favorite!

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

When Brooks was finding guns all over the house...made me laugh out loud!

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

I have not heard her narrate before but I enjoyed her very much.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I couldn't put my ipod down, it was driving my husband crazy!

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed the book, liked the narrator, and LOVE the author!!

LOVED IT

I enjoyed listening to Julia Whelan on this story. And loved the way the story moved from character to character. Hope to see it in film one day!

Wonderful Story

The Narrator was great and made the characters real. Story line captured your interest immediately. The Heroine (Liz/Abigail) was realistic and strong while being vulnerable. Highly recommended.

Nora grabs you from the first pages.

There is Russian Mafia, a woman with guns, a big dog, computer hacking and a romantic thriller. Nora did not leave much out. Not giving much away because that is the way the book starts.

The book shows how a person can make up their mind to be responsible for themselves and also do everything in their power to make sure others are held responsible for their actions. Love the strength of the human spirit.

There have been comments that the female lead is portrayed like the "Bones" female star. Her thinking is robotic and clinical. Yes, to a degree that is true. She is like “Bones” in her thinking but I think it is a carry through from what our lead character learned from her cold mother. (Personally, however, I like “Bones”.)

I did wish that the book had not ended on such a fast note. I felt that too much was wrapped up too quickly at the end. That is why I can’t give it five stars but would give it 4.5.

As a side, I saw a post that completely gave away the ending of the book. I shouldn't even say "gave away" because that might mean they hinted at it and I figured it out - and that would be alright. But no, they flat out said what happened in the end. I seriously couldn't believe it. What a SPOILER. These are supposed to be REVIEWS not synopsis. It is so upsetting when people do that.

Incredible Listen

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

Julia Whelan did a fantastic job with narrating this story. I loved how she was able to convey the social awkwardness of the main character. I have listened to this book several times, and love it.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the overall story and the twists and turns

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Most definitely. The story is gripping .