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.

Junk Food for the mind

Nora Roberts fans will enjoy this audio. While it was far from original or in any way great literature, it kept my interest and was a quick and entertaining listen. The plot was rather unbelievable but that is Ms. Roberts forte. You must suspend reality while listening to her books. I enjoy listening while I walk or exercise and it helps to pass the time. It's entertainment without substance! Sometimes you just need "junk food literature".

Awesome!!!!

I have been reading Nora Roberts for years, and will even re-read some of her books. This is one of the better one's that she has wrote. I liked the reader as well. She was great. I just finished this and it was very hard to put it down. I kept staying up way past my bed time to continue listening. Thanks Nora for another good one, I will enjoy re-reading.

Tracey

4 ½ stars. I smiled many times.

At the end my feeling was: not a wow, but very fulfilling.

I’ve read 13 books by Nora Roberts. I was averaging 3 ½ stars for her books written in the 1990s. But then I gave 4 ½ stars to Angels Fall (2006) and now to this (published 2012). Is she getting better? I’m surprised. Too many authors seem to tire out or write repeats of the same stuff after a while. Not Ms. Roberts. Maybe I’ve been picking the wrong books to read. But now, I’m going to look for more.

The best part was “the characters.” I was sooo drawn to Liz/Abigail. A favorite trope for me is a smart woman, who overcomes odds, and is not a helpless victim. I loved her vulnerabilities and her strengths. I liked reading about her, thinking about her, and listening to her. I pictured the author losing herself in the character Liz, to come up with such fitting dialogue. Brooks was so fun. He was oblivious to her walls. He just kept pursuing her, chipping away at her walls.

This story has wonderful relationship development. It has good guys doing smart things to outwit bad guys. Bad guys do smart things too. I like that the author did not use stupidity. Instead the author had a character’s personality with weaknesses cause conflict, not just doing something stupid.

The narrator Julia Whelan was very good.

Genre: romantic suspense

What a great read!

What did you love best about The Witness?

The depth of the character Abigail

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

The plot was excellent in the way there was several stories entwined.

What about Julia Whelan???s performance did you like?

Julia had a wonderful grasp of each character and it showed in her creation of each unique voice

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

The part where Brooks shot Elizabeth

Any additional comments?

I have read Nora Roberts for years but this book, I feel is one of her best. he character of Elizabeth/Abigail was so complicated and so loveable you can't help but want to adopt her.

Wonderful!!

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

This audiobooks ranks in the top tier of audiobooks I have listened to over the years. I planned to listen to this book over several days and finished it in one day because I could the storyline and performance were outstanding.

What did you like best about this story?

The characterizations of Elizabeth/Abigail. She seems so real.

Which scene was your favorite?

The scene in which Abigail decided to tell the chief of police her story. He was so patient and very human.

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

I laughed out loud at the scene when the chief surprised Abigail when she was asleep on the sofa and she awoke and punched him. Their entire conversation afterwards was so funny.

Any additional comments?

This was my first time listening too an audiobook narrated by Julia Whelan and was a little reticent because I LOVE Ann Flosnik. Julia was fantastic and I look forward to hearing more of her.

Much Better Than Expected

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

I'm not a huge Nora Roberts fan as much of her stuff blends together for me. This was an interesting story. Glad it didn't go down the road I thought it might.

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

It really did and like I said, glad it went down a different road than the one I expected.

Which scene was your favorite?

I really felt I could "see" her home nestled in the woods. Tough to say one scene. I liked the protagonist, Abigail.

Any additional comments?

Fun listen

suspenseful all the way!

This was a great book! The story and the narrator were both top rate. The Russian mob is not what one thinks as described in this book. Worth reading...more than a love story....more than a mystery!

LISTEN!!

What did you love best about The Witness?

Always the happy ending!!

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

Not the edge but I was sitting upright.

Which scene was your favorite?

All with her devoted dog!!

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

YES!!

Loved this book

What did you love best about The Witness?

I have listened to this book three times and love it more each time. I want a grandson named Brooks. Love him!

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

Very similar to the female character in Chesapeake Blue, socially inept, but smart.

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

I have not listened to Julia Whelan before, but loved her subtle Southern accent. I am southern and hate it when the accent is overdone.

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

I have listened to the book over and over because I love it so much.

Any additional comments?

I have enjoyed the freedom that audible gives me. I can do my hosuework and still "read" at the same time. I love audible!

A Must Listen!!!

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

Sunny the Mom was so endearing!!!!! This narrator is my absolute favorite! I find myself choosing books simply because she is the narrator!!!

Any additional comments?

Such a great book and performance! Loved the characters and could picture and actually feel each moment!!!!!