CNN In a shocking turn of events, German authorities have initiated a murder investigation following the tragic discovery of bestselling novelist Alexandra Frhlich's body on her houseboat in Hamburg. The incident has sent ripples through the literary community and raised serious concerns regarding safety and violence in peaceful settings.

The 58-year-old Frhlich was found deceased by her relatives on Tuesday morning in the Moorfleet district, a serene area known for its charming waterways. According to a statement from the Hamburg Police, the circumstances surrounding her death prompted investigators to assume homicide.

Police reported: After a 58-year-old woman was found dead on her houseboat in Hamburgs Moorfleet district on Tuesday morning, the police and public prosecutors office are now assuming a homicide and are asking for information from the public. It was initially her family members who discovered her lifeless body and contacted the fire department, unaware of the dark turn their day would soon take. Shortly thereafter, law enforcement was notified, leading to a swift response from the homicide unit.

In the wake of this investigation, officers are treating the scene with extreme caution. The cause of death remains unclear, but police have indicated that "outside influence could not be ruled out." Consequently, police divers have been deployed to examine the water and surrounding area for any potential evidence that could shed light on the circumstances of her tragic passing.

The ongoing examination of the crime scene has led authorities to conclude that Frhlich likely died as a result of violence. Given the unsettling nature of the case, the police are actively seeking assistance from the public. They have urged anyone with information related to the investigation to step forward, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in solving this heartbreaking incident.

Alexandra Frhlich was not just a novelist but also a well-regarded freelance magazine editor. Her career began in journalism, where she made her mark by founding a womens magazine in Kyiv. Her diverse experiences enriched her writing, allowing her to connect deeply with her audience. She gained recognition as a talented author, with her works including the popular titles My Russian Mother-in-Law and Other Catastrophes and Theres Always Someone Dying, both of which achieved bestseller status on Spiegels list, as highlighted by her publisher, Penguin.

The literary world is mourning the loss of a vibrant voice, and discussions about safety and the darker aspects of life that can lurk beneath the surface are now more urgent than ever. This tragic event serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community in uncovering the truth.