A detective and her team investigate cold cases by time traveling back to gather evidence, but when she gets stuck in 1850 while looking into a murder pinned on an aristocratic patron, she must navigate a dangerous past to uncover the truth and save her son in the present. The blend of historical fiction, crime, time travel, and strong character development creates an engaging and unique narrative that keeps readers hooked until the surprising conclusion.

Reader Review Summary

"The Frozen People" is a brilliant new addition to Elly Griffiths' impressive body of work, combining her talent for gripping mysteries with an ingenious time travel twist. From the very first pages, readers are immediately drawn into the unique premise - a secret team of investigators who can travel through time to gather fresh evidence on decades or even centuries-old cold cases.

The true star is the indomitable Ali Dawson, the fierce and sassy protagonist who leaps off the page. At 50 years old with fire-engine red hair and a rebellious attitude, Ali defies stereotypes as a single mother juggling an intense career. Her wry voice and dauntless spirit make her immensely likable as she confronts the challenges of investigating a possible Victorian-era serial killer. Griffiths has crafted an authentically modern heroine who still feels perfectly suited for an historical adventure.

The novel shines in its rich depictions of the contrasts between the two timelines Ali inhabits - the smoggy, squalid atmosphere of 1850s London is vividly rendered through clever sensory details. The adjustments a contemporary woman must make are both comical in their inconveniences (tightlaced corsets, lack of modern plumbing) and deeply insightful about the restrictions placed on women of that era. These threads enhance the mystery at the heart of the story rather than distracting from it.

Griffiths' deftness is also evident in how seamlessly the time travel elements are integrated. Rather than bogging down the story with overly scientific explanations, she focuses on establishing a few straightforward rules and concepts to anchor the reader's belief in this imaginative conceit. The time travelers' goal to simply observe the past without altering it creates organic dramatic tension. And the existential mind-benders of potential paradoxes are deftly averted, keeping the story zipping along.

With its clever premise, rich atmosphere, and appealing heroine, "The Frozen People" is a stellar series launch. While neatly resolving the central mystery, Griffiths wisely leaves some tantalizing threads unresolved to be explored in future installments. Longtime fans of the author's work will be thrilled to discover an exciting new world, and this unique genre-blending tale is sure to delight Brand new readers as well. Ali Dawson is a tremendously refreshing and entertaining crime-solving partner to travel through time alongside.