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The Frozen River: A GMA Book Club Pick: A Novel

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NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • GMA BOOK CLUB PICK • AN NPR BOOK OF THE YEAR • From the New York Times bestselling author of I Was Anastasia and Code Name Hélène comes a gripping historical mystery inspired by the life and diary of Martha Ballard, a renowned 18th-century midwife who defied the legal system and wrote herself into American history. "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 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. 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 Lawhon’s 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. Read more

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Vintage


Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 5, 2024


Language ‏ : ‎ English


Print length ‏ : ‎ 448 pages


ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0593312074


ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 70


Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 9.6 ounces


Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.11 x 0.91 x 7.91 inches


Best Sellers Rank: #41 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #1 in Women Sleuths (Books) #3 in Historical Fiction (Books) #9 in Women's Literature & Fiction


#1 in Women Sleuths (Books):


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Top Amazon Reviews

    • Wonderful novel from a writer I hadn't heard of before
I had never heard of Ariel Lawhon before but I'll definitely keep her on my radar now. Martha was a great protagonist: smart, witty, driven and had no problem inserting herself into any situation (though, there were a few times where I had to suspend disbelief). On top of that, many of the characters felt distinctive. A few women did blend in a bit but that had more to do with the time period, as most were homemakers and wives. This isn't a murder mystery full of twists where you're trying to play detective. Instead, it's interesting because of Martha's dogged ability to keep searching for answers, despite her role as a woman being a detriment at the time. I found the writing snappy and would pick up the book, even if I only had a few minutes. It's very enjoyable and I'd recommend to any who like books with strong female leads. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2025 by Amazon Customer
    • Lovely historical fiction
I just finished “The Frozen River”. Overall rating: 4/5 This was a historical novel set in colonial Massachusetts. It follows a midwife, in first person, as she details, her life and the happenings of the town. The main drama and plot of the novel is a rape case, which is a capital punishment during this time. Martha, the midwife that the novel follows, writes numerous journal entries detialing her days. Each section has a few chapets thatt flashback to when Martha Is younger and shows her back story. This book was extremely engaging and interesting. After reading the book, I read the author’s note and many other articles online to see the amazing true historical details of the novel, people, and trial. I believe that the author captured this historical even in a captivating and authentic manner. I was left wanting just a little more about some of Martha’s children and Rebecca. Note** this book talks about rape, and sometimes in detail. It is easy to skip over those parts without missing out on any details of the plot. Chapter length: short Pace: fast Perspective: first person (FMC) Genres: historical fiction, murder mystery, court drama, [minority] romance Plot: 5/5 Writing style: 4/5 Characters: 5/5 Historical authenticity: 5/5 Introspection: 3/5 Spice: 0/5 Poetic writing: 2/5 ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on April 3, 2025 by Liz
    • 4 stars for The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
Historical fiction isn’t usually my go-to, but I could not put this one down! This story blends history, fiction, and mystery so well. Inspired by the real-life diaries of Martha Ballard, an 18th-century midwife, the book follows her as she uncovers the truth behind a man found frozen in the Kennebec River. I was completely drawn in by Martha’s strength and conviction—she’s a woman who isn’t afraid to speak up for what’s right, even in a time when that was unheard of. Her fierce dedication to her patients and her refusal to be silenced made her such a compelling character. The mystery kept me engaged, and there were so many emotional moments that really tugged at my heart. It’s powerful, atmospheric, and a beautiful tribute to an often-overlooked historical figure. Highly recommend, even if historical fiction isn’t typically your thing! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2025 by Kim C.
    • Part history and part mystery.
I love historical fiction and this book did not disappoint. It is the fictional tale of a real midwife in Maine during the latter part of the 18th century. (Martha Ballard, Google her). Lawhon weaves a tale that includes both factual and fictional elements. The story is well written and gives one a glimpse of life (especially for women) during this time. It is part mystery and part history. And I was often looking up additional information of that time, as well as definitions of some words and phrases common back then. And that's what I like: a story that prompts me to get thinking and ask questions. I definitely will be reading more from Ms. Lawhon. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2025 by L & B
    • Best Read of 2025 So Far!
The Frozen River is a beautifully written, chillingly atmospheric historical mystery that completely captivated me from beginning to end. Ariel Lawhon masterfully blends real historical figures and events with a gripping murder investigation, creating a rich, immersive world that feels both intimate and expansive. At the heart of the novel is Martha Ballard, a midwife in 18th-century Maine, whose voice is one of quiet strength, wisdom, and determination. Her meticulous observations, dedication to justice, and sharp intellect make her a compelling protagonist. I loved how Lawhon brought her diary entries and historical life to vivid reality, giving voice to a woman who might otherwise have remained a footnote in history. The icy, brutal winter setting adds an extra layer of tension to the already taut mystery. The pacing is perfect, with every chapter deepening the intrigue and revealing more layers of both the crime and the complex social dynamics of the time—especially around justice, gender, and power. If you enjoy historical fiction with strong female leads, rich period detail, and a touch of mystery, The Frozen River is not to be missed. It’s a stunning portrait of resilience, truth, and the cost of doing what’s right in a world that often punishes those who try. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2025 by C.Peter Albertson
    • Midwife and sleuth
This is an interesting read based on the life of a midwife in Colonial America. While I enjoyed it, it's definitely a "woman's " book and not without flaws. The main character Martha seemed a little too 21st century. Using a first person point of view kept the narrative moving forward but at times I felt events were predictable. Still, it was enjoyable. I didn't feel I had wasted my time. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2025 by Kathleen Chamberlin

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