The Witness

By: Nora Roberts

Narrated by: Julia Whelan

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.

Ms. Roberts is back in her top form

I've been disappointed by the trilogies that Ms. Roberts has been producing, so this was a welcome change. At first I cringed for the young girl who is the main character because she's so lost and makes such awful mistakes with terrible results. Later I began to admire her ability to cope with difficulties and her determination in overcoming what seems to be insurmountable problems.
As in her best novels, Nora Roberts involves you deeply with characters well crafted and sympathetic. Romance is there, but not sloppy, sentimental romance.
I'd recommend 'reading' this book. It's worth the cost and one worth returning to later. I will.

On Being a Teenager

The one time Abigail balks and decides to be a normal teenager her actions leads her to a life changing tragedy.
With her genius IQ, she is able to escape from everyone and build a life for herself, despite being pursued for years. She isn't able to trust anyone because someone in the FBI is on the take.
Things do come to a head but the ending is so surprising. I love Nora Roberts stories, but this one is simply inspiring.

FANTASTIC BOOK! A must have!

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

An unexpected surprise! I purchased this book on sale and had no idea it would be this good! Would read it over and over again!

Fabulous

I loved the story and wish it was longer! Would recommend to all readers! Enjoy!

I want more like this

I really enjoyed this book. It delivered everything I want from a work of non-fiction that I've purchased to engage and entertain me (rather than "elevate" or "challenge".)

The characters had depth, genuine humanity and complexity sufficient to make you give a darn about what's happening. The plot is interesting and sufficiently dense to keep the reader from getting bored. But it's not so complex and dense that it's exhausting to follow. While not exactly light-hearted, the story also has humor, which I appreciate. Books with no sense of humor can be tough to take.

I consider it a high compliment to say that, when the book was done, I wished I could find out what happens to the characters.

The performance was well done. The narrator had a distinct voice for each character and was able to read emotion into the words very well, without over-acting (which I find annoying and distracting.) Other readers could take a lesson from Julia Whelan.

This is only my second Nora Roberts and I didn't like the first one, but this book has persuaded me to go in search of more of her work when I'm in the mood for a good story. I'd sure like to find more like "The Witness."