The Frozen People Summary, Characters and Themes
The Frozen People by Elly Griffiths is a science fiction novel that blends the intriguing concepts of time travel, mystery, and family secrets. The story revolves around Ali Dawson, a 50-year-old police officer who works in the Cold Case Unit in London.
Ali’s team uses experimental time-travel technology to investigate unsolved cases, allowing them to observe the past without altering it. The narrative takes readers through a thrilling investigation involving Isaac Templeton, a politician whose ancestor may have been involved in a series of murders in 1850s London. Ali’s role in this case escalates as she confronts mysterious figures from the past, time travel’s inherent risks, and family ties that threaten her mission.
Summary
Ali Dawson, a 50-year-old police officer in London, works in the Cold Case Unit, where she helps solve old cases using a time-travel technology developed by her colleague, Jones, a physicist. The unit allows them to travel into the past, gathering evidence from historical events without altering the timeline.
Ali, who has been through three marriages and has a son, Finn, lives a seemingly ordinary life but finds herself pulled into extraordinary circumstances due to her job.
Ali’s role becomes more complex when she’s asked to investigate the case of Isaac Templeton, a Member of Parliament, who seeks the unit’s help to prove that his ancestor, Cain Templeton, was not guilty of a series of murders in the 1850s. The case involves a secret society known as “The Collectors,” a group of men supposedly linked to Cain who were rumored to kill women as part of their initiation.
Skeptical about the case, Ali agrees to investigate and travels back in time to 1850s London to gather evidence that could clear Cain’s name.
As she prepares for her time-travel mission, Ali learns about the Templeton Collection, a set of artifacts connected to Cain Templeton, including items rumored to be cursed. She visits Queen Mary University of London and meets her former tutor, Elizabeth Henderson, to learn more about the history surrounding the murders.
Ali gets fitted for period clothing to blend in with the 1850s, but she remains uneasy about the mission. Despite her discomfort, she knows the importance of her role in the investigation and moves forward.
Ali’s journey to 1850s London proves to be challenging. She struggles with the cold weather, the cumbersome Victorian attire, and the unfamiliarity of the time period.
As she searches for the spot she needs to mark for her return, Ali encounters Cain Templeton, who appears detached and indifferent about the murder of a woman named Ettie Moran. Cain claims that Ettie’s death was the work of an artist named Thomas Creek, but he doesn’t seem overly concerned.
This lack of emotion raises Ali’s suspicions. Cain’s behavior and the circumstances surrounding the murder seem to suggest that he is hiding something.
After spending time at the crime scene and questioning Cain, Ali tries to return to the designated “ingress point” where she can travel back to her own time. However, she finds herself stuck in 1850s London, unable to return.
As time goes on, she grows frustrated and worried about being trapped in the past. In the present, Finn becomes increasingly concerned about his mother’s disappearance.
He learns that Ali’s disappearance is connected to Isaac Templeton and the time-travel project, and he is determined to find out what happened to her.
While Ali struggles to find a way back, Finn uncovers troubling details about Isaac’s murder. Isaac, a high-profile politician, has been found dead, and Finn is questioned by detectives about his possible involvement.
He feels increasingly guilty, especially after learning that his DNA might be linked to the crime scene. Isaac’s wife, Miranda, is also questioned, and Finn becomes more anxious about the situation.
The police suspect that Isaac’s murder might have been politically motivated, but Finn remains adamant that he is not involved.
Ali, meanwhile, continues to investigate the connection between the murder of Ettie and Cain Templeton. She discovers that the Templeton Collection contains several items tied to death and violence, including a skull with a nail driven into its forehead.
Ali also uncovers clues suggesting that Isaac’s family may be connected to the mysterious events surrounding Cain and the secret society of “The Collectors.” As the investigation deepens, Ali realizes that her time-travel mission might be linked to the murder of Isaac, and she struggles to piece together how the two events are connected.
In her efforts to return to the present, Ali faces numerous obstacles. She begins to suspect that Cain may have deeper motives, and she questions whether her actions in the past could be influencing her future.
As the mystery surrounding Cain and Isaac’s family unfolds, Ali uncovers more secrets about the Templeton Collection and its potential ties to time travel. Meanwhile, Finn’s investigation into his mother’s disappearance leads him to uncover even more disturbing details about Isaac’s life and the people involved in the time-travel project.
Eventually, Ali learns that Isaac had planned to reveal the truth about time travel before his death, further complicating the investigation. As Ali and Finn dig deeper, they uncover a conspiracy involving Jones, the head of the time-travel project, who is revealed to have orchestrated much of the deception surrounding Isaac’s murder and Ali’s disappearance.
Jones’s actions and the manipulation of Finn’s situation become clear, and Ali is left to confront the darker side of the time-travel project.
In the end, Ali and Finn must navigate the tangled web of deception and time travel, with the shocking revelation that the events surrounding Isaac’s murder are far more complicated than they first appeared. With the future uncertain, Ali faces the difficult task of uncovering the truth and clearing her name and her son’s, all while questioning the true purpose and consequences of the time-travel technology.
Characters
Ali Dawson
Ali Dawson is a complex and resilient character, working as a police officer in the Cold Case Unit in London, where her team utilizes time-travel technology to solve old mysteries. At 50, Ali’s personal life has been marked by the ups and downs of three marriages and the raising of her son, Finn.
Her professional life, while grounded in the practical task of investigating cold cases, is dominated by the high-stakes involvement with time travel. Her character exhibits a sharp sense of duty and skepticism, particularly when faced with the ethical dilemmas presented by the use of time travel for personal motives, such as Isaac Templeton’s quest to clear his ancestor’s name.
Ali’s analytical and cautious nature becomes especially evident as she navigates the complexities of the Victorian era during her mission in the 1850s. Struggling with the discomfort of Victorian clothing, the harsh environment, and the weight of the mysteries surrounding her, Ali is nevertheless determined to solve the case at hand.
Her role as both a mother and an investigator deeply influences her actions, especially as she becomes increasingly embroiled in uncovering truths about Isaac Templeton’s family and the dangers of time travel. Her unwavering commitment to clearing her son’s name, despite overwhelming evidence against him, is another testament to her strong sense of justice.
Finn Kennedy
Finn Kennedy is introduced as Ali Dawson’s son, who, despite his professional success as a special advisor to Isaac Templeton, is thrust into a turbulent and dangerous situation when Isaac is murdered. Finn’s character is defined by his internal turmoil and emotional vulnerability, particularly after his involvement in the case escalates and he becomes a prime suspect.
The overwhelming pressure of being questioned by the police, coupled with the suspicion surrounding Isaac’s death, causes Finn to question his own place in the mystery. While Finn is initially portrayed as a man with a promising career, the complexities of his personal life, including his relationship with his mother and his ties to Isaac, add depth to his character.
He struggles with his own guilt, despite his innocence, and the discovery that his mother has gone missing in the past only adds to his sense of helplessness. Finn’s search for the truth is fraught with uncertainty, and his growing fear that Isaac’s death may be connected to the time-travel project heightens his sense of unease.
As the investigation deepens, Finn becomes more determined to uncover the truth, despite the dangers surrounding him and the increasingly sinister forces at play.
Isaac Templeton
Isaac Templeton is a high-profile politician and a key figure in the mystery surrounding his family’s past and his eventual death. At the outset of the book, Isaac’s character is portrayed as a man trying to redeem his ancestor’s reputation, seeking the help of Ali Dawson’s time-travel team to prove his great-great-grandfather, Cain Templeton, innocent of the murder accusations levied against him.
Isaac’s ambition to clear his ancestor’s name is complicated by the influence of the mysterious Templeton family history, which involves secret societies, violence, and questionable activities. Isaac’s aloofness and sense of detachment make it difficult for others to understand his true motivations, particularly in relation to the time-travel project.
His relationship with Finn, as both a political mentor and an employer, adds a personal layer to his character. However, Isaac’s death reveals a darker side to his personality, particularly as the investigation uncovers his involvement with dangerous individuals and his ties to the mysterious “Collectors” society.
His death becomes a catalyst for the unraveling of numerous secrets, forcing characters like Finn and Ali to confront the eerie implications of their time-travel experiments.
Cain Templeton
Cain Templeton, Isaac Templeton’s great-great-grandfather, plays a pivotal role in the historical intrigue that drives the plot of The Frozen People. Cain is a figure shrouded in mystery, initially introduced through the lens of the historical investigation into his alleged crimes.
As a suspected murderer with ties to a secret society known as “The Collectors,” Cain represents the blurred lines between history and myth. His character is enigmatic, with an unsettling calmness about him, particularly in his interactions with Ali when she investigates the murder of Ettie Moran in 1850s London.
Cain’s cool demeanor and cryptic responses lead Ali to suspect that he may be hiding deeper secrets, especially regarding his potential involvement in the deaths of women and the formation of a cult-like group. Throughout the story, Cain’s character is woven into the larger mystery surrounding the Templeton family and the time-travel project, with his true role remaining elusive until the very end.
His presence serves as both a catalyst for the investigation and a reflection of the darker aspects of time travel’s potential impact on history.
Dina
Dina is a colleague of Ali Dawson in the Cold Case Unit and serves as a supportive friend throughout Ali’s investigation. Though her role in the plot is more secondary, Dina provides a sense of grounding for Ali, offering companionship during moments of uncertainty.
Their coffee chat early in the story provides insight into Ali’s mindset, allowing readers to understand Ali’s internal struggles and doubts about using time travel for cases like Isaac’s. Dina’s character is marked by her empathy and willingness to help, even if she is not as directly involved in the time-travel missions.
Her interactions with Ali serve to humanize the larger narrative, offering moments of normalcy and emotional support amidst the tension and confusion of the time-travel investigation.
Ed Crane
Ed Crane, the curator at Queen Mary University, plays a critical role in Ali’s investigation into the Templeton Collection and the mysterious past of Cain Templeton. His knowledge of historical artifacts and the eerie rumors surrounding the collection adds layers of intrigue to the story.
Ed’s character is portrayed as somewhat mysterious, with his discoveries often pushing Ali closer to the unsettling truths behind the time-travel project. His information about the cursed items in the Templeton Collection, including a skull with a nail hammered into its forehead, becomes a focal point for Ali’s growing concern about the connection between the past and present.
Ed’s willingness to help Ali, despite the dangers involved, underscores his importance as an ally in the search for the truth.
Jones
Jones is a physicist involved in the development of the time-travel technology used by the Cold Case Unit. Initially, Jones appears as a neutral and professional character, overseeing the use of the technology for solving historical mysteries.
However, as the plot unfolds, Jones’s true motivations and the extent of her involvement in the darker aspects of the time-travel project come to light. Her manipulation of Finn’s situation and her efforts to protect the time-travel technology reveal a more sinister side to her character.
As Ali unravels the web of deception surrounding Isaac’s death and the time-travel project, Jones’s complicity in the cover-up and her willingness to sacrifice others for the sake of the project’s secrecy make her a key antagonist. Her role in the story serves as a reminder of the ethical dilemmas posed by time-travel technology and its potential to disrupt both the present and the past.
Themes
Time Travel and Its Ethical Implications
In The Frozen People, time travel serves as both a tool for investigation and a source of profound ethical dilemmas. The Cold Case Unit’s work relies on this cutting-edge technology, allowing them to explore past events to gather evidence without directly impacting history.
However, as Ali’s experiences unfold, the ethical concerns surrounding time travel become more apparent. The core of this dilemma is the ability to observe historical moments while simultaneously struggling with the temptation to alter the past.
Ali’s role as an observer—unable to interact directly with the past—highlights the moral responsibility of those using such technology. The line between observation and interference is razor-thin, and this tension is exemplified in Ali’s unease about the implications of her actions.
She becomes increasingly aware that even the smallest of changes in the past could have drastic effects on her present reality. The novel examines how technological advancements, when used without proper consideration, can lead to unforeseen consequences.
It questions the morality of using such a powerful tool for personal gain, as seen when Isaac Templeton seeks to clear his ancestor’s name, asking the team to engage in time travel for what seems like a purely personal and self-serving agenda. The ramifications of this decision reverberate throughout the narrative, forcing Ali to confront the idea that even well-intentioned actions in the past may not be without dire consequences in the future.
This theme raises important questions about the ethical use of technology, particularly when it comes to meddling with time itself.
Identity and Personal Responsibility
The Frozen People delves into the complexities of personal identity and the role of responsibility in shaping one’s actions. Ali Dawson’s character is constantly grappling with her past, her relationships, and her role in both her family and her professional life.
At the outset, Ali’s personal life is depicted as messy, marked by three failed marriages and a strained relationship with her son, Finn. Her involvement in the Cold Case Unit and the time-travel experiments introduces an additional layer to her identity, as she navigates a world where her actions in the past could alter the course of the future.
This theme explores how individuals come to terms with their identities in the face of external pressures, such as family expectations, professional duties, and moral obligations. For Ali, her work on the time-travel project symbolizes a desire to regain control over her life and make sense of the personal and professional choices she has made.
However, as she becomes increasingly entangled in the case of Isaac Templeton and the broader political intrigue, Ali’s sense of self is tested. Her actions in the past, whether intentional or not, could shape not only her own future but also that of those closest to her, particularly Finn.
The theme of identity is also explored through Finn, whose involvement in the investigation and the suspicion surrounding his actions forces him to confront his own moral compass. Both characters must face the complexities of their personal choices, all while navigating the larger ethical questions posed by their involvement in the time-travel experiment.
Ultimately, the novel suggests that identity is not a fixed concept but rather a fluid and evolving journey shaped by the actions one takes, particularly in moments of crisis.
Power, Control, and Deception
In The Frozen People, power dynamics and manipulation are key forces that drive both the personal and professional conflicts within the narrative. The political backdrop, particularly the influence wielded by Isaac Templeton and his involvement in the Cold Case Unit, reveals the ways in which power can be manipulated for personal and political gain.
Isaac’s death, and the subsequent investigation, are not only about uncovering the truth but also about uncovering the power struggles and hidden motives that influence the course of events. Throughout the story, characters like Isaac and his family, along with the mysterious figures in the time-travel project, demonstrate how control is exerted behind the scenes.
As Ali uncovers more about the time-travel technology and its applications, she begins to see the dangers of allowing such a powerful tool to fall into the wrong hands. The theme of control is also illustrated through the mysterious secret society, “The Collectors,” whose members collect artifacts tied to death and violence.
This group’s activities suggest that some individuals are willing to use their wealth and influence to control not just material possessions but also human lives and histories. The deceit that runs through the novel is not limited to individual characters; it extends to the very institutions and systems that govern their actions.
The time-travel project itself is shrouded in secrecy, and as Ali digs deeper into the investigation, she uncovers layers of deception designed to protect powerful interests. The theme of power and control is intertwined with the moral ambiguity of the characters, as they grapple with their responsibilities in a world where the line between right and wrong is often obscured by personal ambition.
The Past’s Influence on the Present
The theme of how the past continually influences the present is a central element of The Frozen People. As Ali and her team use time travel to solve cold cases, they are reminded that the events of the past are never truly gone; they persist, shaping the present in subtle and often unexpected ways.
This theme is explored most clearly through the investigation of Isaac Templeton’s ancestor, Cain Templeton, whose actions in the 1850s are rumored to have lasting effects on the Templeton family’s legacy. The book demonstrates how the past is not just a static backdrop but a living force that can be traced through generations, affecting family dynamics, personal identities, and even political power.
For Ali, the journey into the past forces her to confront the ways in which her own past, particularly her relationships and career choices, continue to impact her present. The time-travel mechanism in the story allows for a literal exploration of how past events reverberate through time, but it also serves as a metaphor for the ways in which people are often haunted by their personal histories.
Whether it is the murder of Ettie Moran or the unresolved mysteries of the Templeton family, the characters in the novel must come to terms with the fact that the past cannot be easily escaped. The ripple effects of earlier actions—whether through family secrets, political intrigues, or personal choices—continually shape the course of the present, illustrating that the past is never truly “gone,” but instead lives on, influencing every aspect of the present reality.