At sixteen years old, Elizabeth Fitch is tired of her mother controlling every facet of her life. She's followed her mother's schedules, ate the meals designed by her mother's nutritionist, worn the clothes bought by her mother's personal shopper and excelled in the academic programs outlined by her mother to become a surgeon, just like her mother. The last straw for Elizabeth is when her plans for a promised three-week break from her mother's meticulous agenda are changed. Furious that her mother took her choice away again by getting her admitted into a summer program instead of her getting the break she desperately needs, Elizabeth rebels. Unfortunately, her first attempt at rebellion ends with blood and death.

Twelve years later, Elizabeth is living as Abigail Lowery in a small Arkansas town tucked into the Ozarks. She has kept to herself in order to protect her secrets, but has still drawn the suspicions of Police Chief Brooks Gleason. Brooks is bound and determined to discover what she's hiding. Can she resist the growing attraction between them as Brooks starts pushing himself into her life? Can he resist the impulse to dig into her past or will he open a can of worms that put's both of their lives in danger?

The Witness is an incredible, fast-paced adventure with detailed characters and vivid scenery. Elizabeth/Abigail is an easy character to like and had me rooting for her from the first page. She's an extremely strong, determined, passionate woman who sticks to her guns and does what she believes is right, despite knowing that by doing so will make her life more difficult. She quickly passes up the easy road and follows her heart to get the justice that's needed. Brooks Gleason is a man who believes in doing what's right and following the rules, but the compelling, sizzling hot attraction between him and Abigail makes him question the rules of right and wrong.

Once again, author Nora Roberts has penned a scintillating tale with genuine, believable characters, emotional intensity and enough suspense to keep you immersed from beginning to end. Fans of Ms. Roberts and fans of contemporary romantic suspense are sure be pleased with The Witness.

Reviewed by: Tammy