Frozen River, The

THE BESTSELLING SENSATION BASED ON A TRUE STORY OF COURAGEOUS MARTHA BALLARD In the cold of night, she tends to the women. In the light of day, she delivers them justice. 'Thrilling' Irish Times 'Lawhon works storytelling magic with a real-life heroine' People Magazine 'The narrator of Ariel Lawhon's The Frozen River is another stalwart heroine' The New York Times 'Historical fiction at its best!' 5 Star Reader Review 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. 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 Readers love Ariel Lawhon 'The HYPE IS REAL ... I was absolutely drawn into Martha's world, the harshness of the life, the struggle of women to have a voice, the mystery created. I loved this book so much! It's in my books of the year' '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 it's astonishing how relevant Martha's FIGHT FOR JUSTICE still feels today ... If you're looking for a rich, layered story about justice, resilience, and a woman who refused to be silenced, The Frozen River is A MUST-READ' Review: '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 'Will have readers on the edge of their seats ... Lawhon's clever and elegantly crafted novel puts a spotlight on a genuine heroine who fought for justice and for women' - Sunday Post 'From the striking opening scene describing the frozen body to the thrilling showdown and delivery of justice - in several forms - months later, this dramatic narrative powers along as sure and strong as the Kennebec itself ... Through fiction, Lawhon celebrates and honours a memorable, and very real, woman' - Irish Times Author Biography: ARIEL LAWHON is a critically acclaimed, New York Times bestselling author of historical fiction. Her books have been translated into numerous languages. She lives in the rolling hills outside Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband and four sons.