Daughter of a cold, controlling mother and an anonymous donor, studious, obedient Elizabeth 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. The events that followed changed her life forever.
Twelve years later, the woman now known as Abigail Lowery lives alone on the outskirts of a small town in the Ozarks. A freelance programmer, she works at home designing sophisticated security systems. Her own security 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 intrigues local police chief Brooks Gleason, on both a personal and a professional level. Her sharp, logical mind, her secretive nature, her unromantic viewpoints leave him fascinated but frustrated. He suspects that Abigail needs protection from something, even if he doesn’t know what — and that her elaborate defenses hide a story that must be revealed.
Accustomed to two-bit troublemakers, Gleason is about to walk into the sights of very powerful and dangerous men. And Abigail Lowery, who has built a life based on security and self-control, is at risk of losing both.
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Nora Roberts was not playing around with The Witness - she really hit it out of the park with her 200th novel. It's true that I usually like her books, there are more of her releases on my shelves than probably anyone else, but I think this story is definitely going into the 'favorites' category. It's just got so many of the characteristics that stick with you:
-A strong, intriguing heroine
-An honest and protective hero, one who's determined to get the girl
-Small town setting with the required quirky characters
-Fast paced action and a devilishly handsome bad guy
When I look at that least it just screams 'WHAT ELSE COULD YOU POSSIBLY ASK FOR?!' From start to finish I loved Abigail and her determination to not only protect herself and her lifestyle, but also do what's right - Brooks confused the hell out of her and their romance was sweet and hilarious. It's hard to combat that 'good ol' boy' charm when you can't even figure out how to say no to a date you didn't realize was a date in the first place.
The other thing I loved about this book was just how well the suspense plotline was intertwined with the romance. Instead of incorporating unnecessary confrontations or shoot outs Roberts focuses on the small steps, the ones that sometimes feel insignificant, to get the bad guy and it allows Abigail to shine as an incredible heroine - and Brooks as an amazing hero.
Highly recommended.
Overall Feeling - A+
Series - None
