From the author of Code Name Hélène, comes a new novel based on the true story of a fearless midwife determined to find justice. In 1789, Martha Ballard is asked to determine the cause of death of a man found buried in the ice. As a local midwife, Martha knows all the town's secrets, including that this man was one of the men accused of a heinous rape four months ago. As the rape trial nears, Martha believes the two cases are connected and her detailed diary ends up as pivotal evidence that might tear the whole town, and her family, apart.

A delightful historical mystery featuring a strong heroine, The Frozen River is an excellent choice for any book club. Lawhon helps you feel not only the powerlessness and inequality women faced at the time, especially in the court of law. Sadly, the rape trial was an actual event which was even more horrific in reality than in the novel. Yet, Martha's capable and compassionate work as a midwife and as as a wife and mother was inspiring and informative.