The Frozen River: Ariel Lawhon’s Gripping Historical Mystery

National Bestseller, GMA Book Club Pick, and NPR Book of the Year, Ariel Lawhon’s The Frozen River is a spellbinding historical mystery that brings to life the untold story of Martha Ballard, an 18th-century midwife and healer whose courage and determination defied the societal norms of her time.

A Mystery Encased in Ice

Set in Maine, 1789, the novel opens with a chilling discovery: a man frozen in the Kennebec River, his body encased in ice. When Martha Ballard is called to examine the body, her investigation reveals troubling details that point toward murder. As a midwife and healer, Martha holds unique access to the secrets of her community, meticulously documenting births, deaths, crimes, and scandals in her diary.

Months earlier, Martha recorded testimony of an alleged rape involving two of the town’s most respected men—one of whom now lies dead in the ice. However, when a local physician dismisses her findings as an accident, Martha takes matters into her own hands, determined to uncover the truth.

A Woman Against the Odds

As whispers, prejudice, and scandal ripple through the town of Hallowell, Martha’s investigation places her in the crosshairs of the community’s elite. Her diary becomes both a weapon and a vulnerability, implicating those closest to her and forcing Martha to grapple with the cost of seeking justice.

Through one harsh winter, Martha persists, her bravery and intellect standing in sharp contrast to a time when women were expected to remain silent. The trial that unfolds reveals not only the town’s dark underbelly but also the limitations placed on women in a society dominated by men.

What Makes The Frozen River Unmissable

• A Remarkable Heroine: Martha Ballard is a real-life figure whose story has been largely overlooked. Lawhon masterfully brings her legacy to light, portraying her as a sharp, determined, and empathetic woman who refused to bow to societal constraints.
• Historical Intrigue: The novel’s richly detailed setting and layered mystery capture the tension and grit of post-Revolutionary America, immersing readers in a world of icy rivers, close-knit towns, and whispered secrets.
• Compelling Themes: At its heart, The Frozen River is a story about justice, resilience, and the power of one woman to stand against prejudice and corruption.

Praise for The Frozen River

"Fans of Outlander’s Claire Fraser will enjoy Lawhon’s Martha, who is brave and outspoken when it comes to protecting the innocent. . . impressive."—The Washington Post
"Once again, Lawhon works storytelling magic with a real-life heroine." —People Magazine

An Untold Story Brought to Life

Ariel Lawhon’s The Frozen River is more than just a mystery—it’s a tribute to a woman whose contributions to history deserve to be celebrated. Cleverly plotted and emotionally resonant, the novel delivers a tense and tender exploration of loyalty, justice, and the cost of defying societal expectations.

Find The Frozen River at White Rain Book House and uncover the story of a remarkable woman who left an indelible mark on history.