Alexandra Fröhlich, a bestselling novelist known for works such as Skeletons in the Closet, was found dead on her houseboat in Hamburg on April 22. German authorities have arrested her 22-year-old son on suspicion of murder after her death was deemed suspicious.
Fröhlich, 58, was discovered by one of her three sons at approximately 5:20 a.m. on the morning of her death. According to the Hamburg Police, the initial cause of death was unclear, and homicide investigators took over the case to determine the circumstances surrounding her death. Evidence gathered at the scene suggests Fröhlich died from blunt force trauma.
Police confirmed that the son, who was arrested without incident, is now in custody pending further investigation. In Germany, this is a legal procedure preceding formal charges. The young man, whose identity has not been released, is believed to be the primary suspect.
The body of Fröhlich, a well-regarded author and freelance magazine editor, was found aboard her houseboat located on the Elbe River in the Moorfleet district of Hamburg. Fröhlich had moved into the 90-square-meter vessel just six months earlier, making it a peaceful retreat for her and her children.
Her houseboat, known for its distinctive pink color and large black porthole windows, was described by those close to her as a sanctuary. She had previously been a journalist and founded a women’s magazine in Kyiv before turning to a successful writing career. Among her notable works were My Russian Mother-in-Law and Other Catastrophes, There’s Always Someone Dying, Death is a Certainty, and Skeletons in the Closet, all of which were Spiegel bestsellers.
Fröhlich’s tragic death has shaken the literary community, as well as her family and fans. Police are continuing their investigation as they await further forensic results.
