Bestselling German Novelist Alexandra Fröhlich Found Dead on Her Houseboat

Hamburg, Germany — Police have launched a murder investigation after bestselling novelist Alexandra Fröhlich was found dead on her houseboat Tuesday morning. The 58-year-old author, known for her works that often explore humor and social themes, was discovered by her son, who alerted authorities.

Fröhlich’s body was located on her cerise houseboat located on the Holzhafen bank of the Elbe River in the Moorfleet district. According to police, she is believed to have died between midnight and 5:30 a.m. Investigators quickly classified the case as a homicide due to evidence suggesting she had been violently attacked.

A police spokesperson stated that forensic evidence had been collected and that a coroner’s report was underway. “After evaluating traces and evidence, the investigating authorities now believe that the woman died as a result of violence,” the spokesperson said.

Local media, citing police sources, reported that Fröhlich had suffered a gunshot wound. Authorities are appealing to the public for any potential witnesses who may have observed suspicious activity around the houseboat, especially in the hours leading up to her death. Police divers have also been deployed to search the Elbe River for any possible murder weapon.

Fröhlich began her career in journalism in Ukraine, where she established a women’s magazine before moving to freelance work in Germany. She published her debut novel, My Russian Mother-in-Law and Other Catastrophes, in 2012. The book was a significant success, entering the Spiegel bestseller list and remaining there for several months.

Following her debut, she released other popular novels, including Death is a Certainty in 2016 and Skeletons in the Closet in 2019, all published by Penguin. Critics praised her ability to weave humor and family narratives into her storytelling.

The investigation into Fröhlich’s death remains ongoing, and authorities continue to seek further information from the public as they work to identify any suspects.