The Witness. Finished 7-22-14, rating 4.5/5, romantic suspense, pub.2012
Unabridged audio expertly performed by Julia Whelan. 16 hours, 30 minutes.
Daughter of a controlling mother, Elizabeth finally let loose one night, drinking at a nightclub and allowing a strange man’s seductive Russian accent lure her to a house on Lake Shore Drive. The events that followed changed her life forever.
Twelve years later, the woman known as Abigail Lowery lives on the outskirts of a small town in the Ozarks. A freelance programmer, she designs sophisticated security systems — and supplements her own security with a fierce dog and an assortment of firearms. She keeps to herself, saying little, revealing nothing. But Abigail’s reserve only intrigues police chief Brooks Gleason. Her logical mind, her secretive nature, and her unromantic viewpoints leave him fascinated but frustrated. He suspects that Abigail needs protection from something — and that her elaborate defenses hide a story that must be revealed.
from Goodreads
I am not a big Nora Roberts fan but have enjoyed her books from time to time, so when I saw Sheree’s review I knew I’d have to give this one a listen. Like Sheree, I have to give major props to narrator, Julia Whelan. She really did elevate the story. And, also like Sheree, I was riveted. I do think it could have been a tad shorter but that is my only minor complaint. This is a win from Roberts.
I fell in love with the very smart Elizabeth from the beginning. Her time as a teen was my absolute favorite part of the book. She was a smart girl who was controlled by a cold mother and one night she decided to live a little and act her (young) age. When the night ends in murder, the Russian mob, and a chase, Elizabeth ends up in the Witness Protection Program. Okay, I guess I do have another small squabble with the book. I don’t think Roberts portrayed this program accurately, but it’s fiction so that’s okay, I guess. This section of the novel had me on the edge of my seat, and surprisingly, a little teary. Not a reaction I’ve had from any previous Roberts work.
Fast forward a few years and Elizabeth is now Abigail and as much as she likes to remain invisible she catches the eye of small town police chief, Brooks Gleason. Brooks was everything she wasn’t- charming, laid back and surrounded by a loving family. Obviously, they hook up at some point (this is a romance after all) but what does that mean for Abigail’s anonymity? It’s worth the listen to find out!
I checked this out of the library.
Stacy's Books 
I haven’t read Nora Roberts in years — last book was Northern Lights which I really enjoyed, but this sounds like another good one.
Hope you are having a great week Stacy.
I think Northern Lights was the one I read by her that I really loved and that was forever ago!
YAY so glad you enjoyed it too … loved Elizabeth, but her mother I could have run over with a bus haha. I’ll have to check out what else Julia Whelan narrates, (besides The Collector) lovin’ her work!
Yes, the mother was a real piece of work! Thanks for your enthusiastic review – you were so right 🙂
Not read a Nora Roberts book yet. You’ve got me interested.
I wouldn’t want a steady diet of her but I have really enjoyed a few of her novels. Not so much the older romances though.
I read a review with Roberts in which she more or less said that she didn’t bother with much research or concern for accuracy because her books sold a gazillion copies anyway, so that kind of made me not want so much to try one of her books!
LOL! I believe it. The woman writes so many books there is no way she would have time for real research. On the other hand, her stories aren’t all that deep or detailed but they are so successful that I can see her not wanting to waste $ time with paltry research 😉
Nora Roberts is hit or miss for me too. I generally don’t read her books because I never know which are the good ones. I’ll make note of this title.
I’m the same way! It was only Sheree’s enthusiasm that convinced me 🙂
I don’t read a lot of Roberts because I only like some of hers, very hit or miss. But the ones I do are interesting and hold my attention. I have this one on my wishlist because I heard from others that it was worth the read. Thank you for the review; you just confirmed to me that this will be a probable winner.
She writes so many books that they can’t all be good, but there are a few I’ve really liked and the rest I’ve read (and it hasn’t been many) have just been so-so. Hope you enjoy it!
I haven’t read a book by Roberts in a while. This sounds good.
A solid book and I highly recommend the audio!
Nice to hear your thoughts on this. I checked this out a couple of times, but didn’t read it. Next time I think I will.
I’d try the audio!
This sounds like a good one, Stacy. I haven’t read much by Nora Roberts (only a handful of her J.D. Robb books, actually), but I’ve been curious about her other books. This sounds like one worth listening to, given your recommendation!