Summary of The Frozen River

Step into the frozen stillness of 1789 Maine, where truth is as buried as the snow, and justice must thaw it out.

This companion audiobook offers a concise, powerful summary of Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon—a riveting historical novel inspired by real events and real people. Follow midwife Martha Ballard, a woman ahead of her time, as she uncovers dark secrets behind a brutal murder in a small American town. When two men are pulled from an icy river—one dead, one barely alive—Martha’s sharp mind and steady hands become the community’s last hope for truth.

With themes of justice, womanhood, power, and perseverance, Frozen River is both a chilling mystery and a bold portrait of early American life. This summary distills the most impactful moments, characters, and revelations from Lawhon’s novel to give you a compelling understanding of its core without losing the heart of the story.

Whether you're looking for a quick refresher, an introduction to the book before diving into the full version, or a thoughtful companion to reflect on key moments—this summary is crafted with you in mind.

Disclaimer: This is an unofficial, independently created summary of Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon. It is not affiliated with, authorized, approved, licensed, or endorsed by the author, publisher, or any other entity. To experience the full depth, beauty, and intricacy of the original novel, we strongly recommend reading the complete book.

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Release date

Audiobook: 3 June 2025