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enchantedtaleswithdacey 's review for:
The Frozen River
by Ariel Lawhon
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
I don’t typically read historical fiction, but Frozen River completely surprised me — in the best way. From the first few chapters, I was drawn in by both the unique storytelling style and the quietly compelling mystery at its heart.
What really stood out to me was the structure. The way the book reveals glimpses of the Martha Ballard'd life — weaving the past and present together — kept me engaged and curious. It gave the story a layered feel, making it about more than just solving a crime. You get a sense of who she is, what she’s lived through, and how those experiences shape every decision she makes.
As for the mystery itself, I wasn’t sure how the premise would carry an entire novel, but I was pleasantly surprised. The pacing was steady, the tension built naturally, and the resolution felt earned.
Overall, Frozen River was a refreshingly original read. It's a great pick for readers who love character-driven stories with a hint of suspense — even if, like me, you don't usually reach for historical fiction.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Miscarriage, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Medical content, Pregnancy