The Frozen River 🌊

By Ariel Lawhon.

Set against the icy backdrop of 1789 Maine, The Frozen River is a masterful historical mystery that breathes life into a forgotten woman from American history.

Ariel Lawhon’s evocative storytelling introduces us to Martha Ballard, a real midwife and healer whose meticulous diary becomes a vital thread in a tale of justice, power, and survival.

When the body of a respected town figure is discovered entombed in the frozen Kennebec River, Martha is summoned to examine the cause of death. But this is no straightforward case.

Months earlier, she recorded details of an alleged rape involving the deceased and another powerful man. As suspicions swirl and the trial looms, Martha becomes a quiet force of reckoning in a society where women are expected to stay silent.

Martha’s voice is the heart of this book. Her sharp observations, unwavering sense of justice, and profound empathy make her a compelling lead. Lawhon has created a portrait of a woman both shaped by and quietly resisting the limitations of her time. I adored Martha’s tenacity; it’s the thread that binds the narrative and brings meaning to every page.

The writing is richly atmospheric, with descriptions of the frozen landscape and the small, scandal-ridden town dripping in tension. Lawhon’s pacing is deliberate, building a sense of dread that echoes the weight of the ice and the secrets beneath it. The historical detail is immersive without feeling heavy, and the emotional stakes remain grounded in the very real vulnerabilities of women in a patriarchal society.

What struck me most was how timely this story felt. Prejudice, misogyny, power imbalances, and the fight for justice remain urgent themes. Martha’s determination to speak the truth in a world determined to silence her feels both historical and modern.

The book’s courtroom scenes are particularly powerful, where the weight of evidence must battle the entrenched beliefs of the time.

This is not just a murder mystery. It’s a story about who gets to decide the truth, and the quiet revolution that happens when women refuse to be erased.

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.

Thank you to Rachel and the team at Swift Press for sending me a finished copy of the book! The book is out now and available to purchase.

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