The Witness

Nora Roberts

Language: English

Publisher: Berkley

Published: Apr 17, 2012

Pages: 558

Description:

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.

From the Paperback edition.

**

From Booklist

Starred Review Elizabeth Fitch is tired of living her life by her mother’s strict rules. So the minute her mother leaves for a medical conference, Elizabeth is out the door and headed to the mall. One new wardrobe, one new BFF, and two new fake IDs later, Liz finds herself at Chicago’s hottest nightclub. But before the night is over, Liz will be a witness to murder, when Alex Gurevich, the nightclub owner, is eliminated by two of his business associates. Twelve years later, Liz, now living as Abigail Lowery, has built a new life for herself as a freelance computer-security programmer in Bickford, Arkansas. Abigail’s first and only priority is staying one step ahead of the Russian Mob, who has never stopped trying to get rid of the one living witness to Gurevich’s murder. The only problem is that Bickford’s new chief of police, Brooks Gleason, simply refuses to let her live in peace, and nothing Abigail says or does seems to convince him that she doesn’t need his help. When it comes to flawlessly fusing high-stakes suspense with red-hot romance, Roberts is unrivaled, and her latest addictively readable novel is guaranteed to jangle readers’ nerves and keep them enthralled long past bedtime. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: The Witness is romance-legend Roberts’ 200th published novel (her first was Irish Thoroughbred, 1981). Fifty-one of her books have held the number-one slot on the New York Times best-seller list, and it’s a sure bet The Witness will be number 52. --John Charles

Review

Acclaim for The Witness
Nora Roberts’s 200th Novel

“Roberts’ answer to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.”—*Kirkus Reviews *

“Roberts is unrivaled, and her latest addictively readable novel is guaranteed to jangle readers’ nerves and keep them enthralled long past bedtime.”—Booklist (starred review)

“Taut, riveting drama that’s guaranteed to keep the adrenaline flowing. Another memorable page-turner from Roberts’s consistently remarkable pen.”—*Library Journal *

“One of Roberts's cleverest heroines yet, this intricately dramatic book only confirms that Roberts is a master of the genre.”—*Publishers Weekly *

“Legendary.”—*Wall Street Journal *

“Nora Roberts has done it again, proving once more that she is reigns supreme.”—thenewstribune.com

“Nora Roberts has done it again, proving once more that she reigns supreme.”—The Evening Sun (Hanover, NH)

“Romantic suspense fans can’t go wrong with this terrific blend of looming danger and unusual courtship. A really great read!”—RT Book Reviews