The Frozen River

Inspired by the life of Martha Ballard, a renowned 18th-century midwife who defied the legal system and wrote herself into history.

For fans of OUTLANDER and WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING

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 towns 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.

Over the course of one winter, as the trial nears, and whispers and prejudices mount, Martha doggedly pursues the truth. Her diary soon lands at the center of the scandal, implicating those she loves, and compelling Martha to decide where her own loyalties lie.

Clever, layered, and subversive, Ariel Lawhons newest offering introduces an unsung heroine who refused to accept anything less than justice at a time when women were considered best seen and not heard. The Frozen River is a thrilling, tense, and tender story about a remarkable woman who left an unparalleled legacy yet remains nearly forgotten to this day.

Brimming with courage, mystery, and heart, The Frozen River is the perfect curl-up-and-dive-in read for anyone who loves unforgettable heroines and atmospheric winter drama.

ThrillingIrish Times

Lawhon works storytelling magic with a real-life heroinePeople Magazine

The narrator of Ariel Lawhons The Frozen River is another stalwart heroineThe New York Times

Historical fiction at its best! 5 Star Reader Review

Readers love Ariel Lawhon

The HYPE IS REAL ... I was absolutely drawn into Marthas world, the harshness of the life, the struggle of women to have a voice, the mystery created. I loved this book so much! Its in my books of the year

I give this book ALL THE STARS … One of the BEST HISTORICAL FICTION THRILLER BOOKS that Ive read

Extremely ABSORBING and enjoyable read

RIVETING ... I would thoroughly recommend it to any historical fiction lovers, or those who enjoy stories based around strong women

This story is so POWERFUL, and its astonishing how relevant Marthas FIGHT FOR JUSTICE still feels today ... If youre looking for a rich, layered story about justice, resilience, and a woman who refused to be silenced, The Frozen River is A MUST-READ

Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction with STRONG FEMALE LEADS, intricate plotting, and a BEATING HEART OF JUSTICE. A BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN, quietly fierce book that will stay with you long after the final page

Its SECRETS kept me UTTERLY HOOKED