The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon book cover
🌶️ Clean

The Frozen River

432 pages 2023 Historical Fiction, Mystery 🌶️ Clean Standalone
Sort By Cravings is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

The Vibe

1789, Maine. Martha Ballard is a real historical midwife whose diary recorded every birth, death, and scandal in her community. When a body is found in the frozen Kennebec River, Martha becomes the only person willing to investigate. Based on a true story, this is historical mystery at its finest.

Spice Check

🌶️ Clean

Clean — historical mystery focus.

Content Heads-Up

Is This Book for You?

Skip if you dislike:

Ending: Satisfying
Pacing: Medium

What This Book Feels Like

Moods: Atmospheric Feminist Wintry Suspenseful

Tropes: Female Investigator Colonial Setting Midwife Detective Cold Case

If You Loved This, Try These

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Martha Ballard real?

Yes — based on a real midwife whose 27-year diary survived.

Is it a mystery?

Yes — a murder mystery anchored in historical fact.

Is it feminist?

Deeply — about a woman fighting to be heard in a patriarchal world.

Keep Exploring

Never Miss a Rec

Get weekly book recs sorted by exactly what you're craving.

The Frozen River Get on Amazon →