The Frozen River

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon transports readers back to the winter of 1789, in the small, tightly-knit community of Hallowell, Maine. When the lifeless body of a prominent local gentleman is discovered frozen in the Kennebec River, the townspeople are shaken to their core. The responsibility of examining the body falls to Martha Ballard, the town's respected midwife and healer, who is known for her keen insights and guarded secrets. But as Martha delves deeper into the mystery of the man’s death, she discovers troubling ties to a previously documented crime in her meticulous diary—a violent assault committed by the very man now encased in ice.

Martha's diary is more than a simple record of the town’s births, deaths, and daily events; it is a silent guardian of secrets too dangerous to vocalise. As she navigates the murky waters of guilt and innocence, Martha becomes convinced that the death and the assault are interconnected. Despite pressure from certain members of the community to close both cases discreetly, she refuses to turn a blind eye, driven by a relentless pursuit of justice and moral integrity.

Throughout the harsh winter, Martha faces mounting suspicion and prejudice, all while her diary becomes the epicentre of controversy that threatens to upend her family and fracture the community. As whispers grow louder and tensions rise, Martha stands firm, determined to shed light on the truth, even if it means standing alone against a tide of opposition.

The Frozen River is a masterfully woven historical mystery that paints a vivid portrait of an unsung heroine whose strength and compassion light the way in a time of great darkness. Ariel Lawhon’s storytelling, rich in atmospheric detail and emotional depth, brings the 18th century to life, offering readers not just a tale of suspense, but a touching homage to a woman who championed justice when it was a rarity for her gender.

"A gripping mystery, a touching love story, and a fascinating account of the life and times of women ... Brilliantly atmospheric, with characters who leap off the page, a beautifully rendered landscape and an icy tension that pulls you through each chapter."
Hannah Richell, bestselling author of The Search Party

"The Frozen River is so vivid, so textured and multi-layered that I felt I'd opened a door and entered post-revolutionary America ... This novel was unlike anything I'd read before, and it left me awe-struck."
Lauren Belfer, New York Times bestselling author