A murder inquiry has been launched after bestselling German novelist Alexandra Fröhlich was found dead on her houseboat in Hamburg. Authorities say she was violently attacked and shot, with evidence suggesting the attack occurred between midnight and 5.30am. The police are investigating possible suspects and appealing for witnesses who may have seen suspicious activity around the cerise houseboat on the Elbe River.
Fröhlich’s son discovered her body on Tuesday morning, and police believe she died as a result of violence. The investigation is ongoing, with forensic evidence gathered and a coroner’s report submitted. Fröhlich was a prominent author in Germany, known for her humorous novels that often explored family tales and social topics.
The 58-year-old writer had previously worked as a journalist in Ukraine and later became a freelance writer in Germany before publishing her debut novel, My Russian Mother-in-Law and other Catastrophes, which entered the bestseller list of Der Spiegel magazine. She went on to publish several successful novels, including Death is a Certainty and Skeletons in the Closet, both published by Penguin.
The police are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/27/alexandra-frohlich-bestselling-german-novelist-murder-inquiry-hamburg