The Frozen River

This historical mystery is based on the life and diary of Martha Ballard, an actual 18th century midwife who delivered over a thousand babies in her career and never once lost a mother in childbirth. As midwife, Martha keeps careful written records of every birth she attends, as well as many of the community’s happenings. When she cares for a woman following a sexual assault, she records the details in her diary and resolves to do what she can to see justice served. Four months later, a body is found in the frozen river, and there’s reason to believe the two crimes are connected. The existence of Martha’s diary makes her a key witness in the upcoming trial, placing her at the center of the biggest scandal the small community has ever seen. This book is a MOOD: tender, violent, and utterly gripping.