The Frozen River

'These markings of ink and paper will one day be the only proof that I have existed in this world. That I lived and breathed'Maine, 1789: When the Kennebec River freezes, entombing a man in the ice, Martha Ballard is summoned to examine the body and determine cause of death. As a midwife and healer, she is privy to much of what goes on behind closed doors in Hallowell. Her diary is a record of every birth and death, crime and debacle that unfolds in the close-knit community. Months earlier, Martha documented the details of an alleged rape committed by two of the town's most respected gentlemen—one of whom has now been found dead in the ice. But when a local physician undermines her conclusion, declaring the death to be an accident, Martha is forced to investigate the shocking murder on her own.

‘Compelling . . .a most uncozy mystery that addresses the unbalanced power dynamics of men and women, rich and poor’ - NPR

‘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

‘The narrator of Ariel Lawhon’s The Frozen River is another stalwart heroine. . .detailed descriptions of the routines of village life give this narrative its intimate sense of connection -- and set [the narrator] up for a pivotal confrontation’ - The New York Times Book Review

‘A richly satisfying drama . . . A vivid, exciting page-turner from one of our most interesting authors of historical fiction’ - Kirkus, starred review

‘Outstanding. . . Martha is an extraordinary character. . . Lawhon’s first-rate tale should entrance readers passionate about early America and women’s history’ - Booklist, starred review

‘Atmospheric, unique and elegantly written, The Frozen River will satisfy mystery lovers and historical fiction enthusiasts alike’ - BookPage, starred review

‘The stirring story of one woman’s quest for justice. . . Lawhon combines modern prose with the immediacy of her source material, making for an accessible and textured narrative’ - Publishers Weekly