The frozen river

A gripping historical mystery, inspired by the true life and diary of Martha Ballard, of a famous 18th-century midwife who defied the legal system and wrote her name in American history.

• Best celery of New York Times​
• Award Nominee Goodreads Choice 2024 as the best historical novel
• In the book club choices GOOD MORNING AMERICA
• Book of the Year in NATIONAL PUBLIC RADIO

Maine, 1789: When the Kennebec River freezes over and a man’s body is trapped in the ice, Martha Ballard is called in to examine it to determine the cause of death. As a midwife and healer, she records in her journal every birth and death, every crime and disaster that occurs in the closed community of Hallowell. Months earlier, Martha recorded the details of a rape that appears to have been committed by two of the town’s most respected men—one of whom has just been found dead. But when a doctor rules the death an accident, Martha is forced to conduct her own investigation.

For an entire winter, as the trial approaches, and whispers and prejudices grow, Martha stubbornly searches for the truth. Her diary, which implicates loved ones in the case, soon finds itself at the center of the scandal, and Martha is forced to choose sides.

This intelligent, multi-layered, and subversive novel based on true events stars an unsung heroine who refused to accept anything less than the triumph of justice, in a time when women were expected to keep their mouths shut.

The Frozen river It is a fascinating, powerful and tender story about a great woman who left an unparalleled legacy, and yet remains almost forgotten to this day.

They wrote about the book:

"Lohon, with her captivating narrative, presents the life of a true heroine." –People

"Exciting." –Irish Times

“[Lohon's] effortless, smooth prose takes the reader on a journey.” –USA Today

"The inspiring story of a woman who fought for justice..." –Publisher's Weekly

"Another imposing heroine." –The New York Times

"Those who love Claire Fraser of Outlander "They will enjoy Ariel Lawhon's Martha, who is brave and doesn't mince her words when she wants to protect the innocent... impressive." –The​ Washington Post

"Intrusive". –The New York Times Book Review

"Exciting... a mystery book that makes you think." –Weekend Edition, NPR