THE FROZEN RIVER

The Frozen River is a captivating historical mystery set in 1789 Maine, where a man is entombed in the ice by the Kennebec River. Martha Ballard, a renowned 18th-century midwife, defies the legal system and writes herself into American history. Her diary, which records births, deaths, crimes, and debacles, is a record of the community’s life. When a local physician contradicts her conclusion, Martha investigates the murder on her own. As the trial nears, Martha’s diary becomes the center of the scandal, implicating those she loves and forcing her to decide where her loyalties lie. Ariel Lawhon’s novel introduces an unsung heroine who refused to accept anything less than justice during a time when women were considered best seen and not heard.