frozen girl of spirit lake

Small-town college. A treacherous blizzard ... a tragic accident. Or was it? The result will alter the town and nearby Native American reservation for years to come.

1955 in Eklund, Minnesota, nestled on the shores of Spirit Lake: College student, Barbara Gruen, is found frozen to death in a snowbank. Presumably, she lost her way in a blinding snowstorm while walking home from an off-campus party, resulting in a tragic accident. Or was it?

Nancy Borg, a college senior and friend of Barbara’s brother, is shaken by the news, particularly since Barbara was her friend’s sister. Eager to escape Eklund and her narrow-minded father, Nancy unexpectedly becomes entangled in the tragedy’s aftermath.

Roland Nightbird works at the college and lives on nearby Thunder Lake Chippewa Reservation. He unwittingly becomes linked to an investigation surrounding Barbara’s death and is victimized by the town’s underlying biases. Will Roland’s caring family and strong tribal lineage be enough for him to persevere?

Loreen Sandberg, social-climbing faculty wife, is connected to Barbara through family but too self-absorbed to openly grieve. Her deep-seated bigotry comes to light, threatening to destroy those around her.

This enduring, timely story shows how Eklund’s unspoken caste system and prejudices will forever alter families and the community alike. The diverse, engaging characters prove how love, kindness, and courage can overcome adversity.