German author Alexandra Fröhlich, known for her bestselling novels, was discovered deceased on her houseboat in Hamburg, Germany. Authorities are treating the case as a murder investigation. Her body, found by her son on April 22, 2025, was on a distinct cerise-colored houseboat located on the Holshafen bank of the Elbe River.
“After evaluating traces and evidence, the investigating authorities now believe that the woman died as a result of violence,” a police spokesperson informed local media. Hamburg’s murder squad is now managing the case.
Fröhlich is believed to have died between midnight and 5:30 a.m. Initial reports indicated she might have been shot. However, a later investigation confirmed blunt force trauma as the cause of death. Forensic experts have gathered evidence from the scene, and divers were sent into the Elbe River, implying the murder weapon may have been discarded in the water.
Authorities have requested that any witnesses who observed unusual activity around the houseboat during the specified time come forward. No suspects have been publicly identified, but investigators are considering if the perpetrator was acquainted with Fröhlich.
The incident has deeply affected Germany’s literary circles, where Fröhlich was esteemed for her novels that combined humor with personal insight. Her debut book, “Meine russische Schwiegermutter und andere Katastrophen” (“My Russian Mother-in-Law and Other Catastrophes”), released in 2012, sold over 50,000 copies in Germany and was lauded as “a hilarious West-East satire.”
The bestselling novel in Germany and France was semi-autobiographical, reflecting Fröhlich’s unsuccessful marriage to a Russian man. It addressed cultural differences and stereotypes with wit and insight.
After her successful debut, Fröhlich authored several other books, including a sequel titled “Reisen mit Russen” (“Travels with Russians”). Her 2016 novel “Gestorben wird immer” (“Death is a Certainty”) and her 2019 work “Leichen im Keller” (“Skeletons in the Closet”) both appeared on the esteemed Spiegel Bestseller List and were published by Penguin.
Before her success as a novelist, Fröhlich had a significant career in journalism. She started her professional journey in Ukraine in the early post-Soviet years, where she founded a women’s magazine in Kyiv. This pioneering effort occurred during a transformative phase in Ukrainian society following the fall of the Soviet Union.
Upon returning to Germany, Fröhlich worked as a freelance journalist and later as a head copy editor for women’s magazines. These experiences in media likely contributed to her keen observational style and the social commentary present in her fiction.
Her recent novels showcased her talent for infusing humor with profound themes of family dynamics, cultural identity, and personal change. “Death is a Certainty” examined themes of family legacy and trauma, illustrating her growth as a writer handling more complex topics.
The investigation into Fröhlich’s death is ongoing. The police have used advanced forensic methods, including a 3D scanner at the crime scene. Reports state that swabs were collected from at least one family member to test for potential gunpowder residue, a standard procedure in homicide cases.
When Fröhlich’s body was found, her family initially contacted the fire department, which then alerted police due to the suspicious circumstances. The subsequent examination of the scene led investigators to conclude that foul play was involved.
The area where Fröhlich’s houseboat was situated is not commonly associated with violent crime, adding to the surprise surrounding her death. The unique cherry-colored vessel was known locally and served as her residence and creative workspace.
Literature experts have remarked that Fröhlich’s work was distinguished by its ability to turn personal experience into compelling fiction that resonated with readers. Her novels balanced entertainment with thoughtful exploration of social issues and interpersonal relationships.
Fröhlich is survived by her three children.
