Death on the Danube
My ninth novel, Death on the Danube, was released on March 19, 2026. This is a standalone novel and the sixth to feature Peter Andrassy, the former NYC detective and native Hungarian. This fast-paced psychological thriller can be read on its own and is a great place to start my books.
What is the book about?
A dream vacation. A perfect anniversary. A killer hiding in plain sight.
When Derek and Brianna Murphy set off on a romantic river cruise from Passau to Budapest to celebrate twenty-five years of marriage, they expect historic cities, candlelit dinners, and a much-needed reconnection. What they don’t expect is the instant bond they form with two other couples—strangers who, over shared excursions and late-night conversations, begin to feel like lifelong friends.
But friendships forged on calm waters can shatter in dark depths.
On the final morning in Budapest, the body of a passenger is discovered drifting in the Danube—an apparent accident that quickly proves anything but. When Peter Andrassy, former NYPD detective turned investigator for the Hungarian National Police arrives, he is tasked to untangle a web of secrets that followed the tourists ashore.
Can Peter find the killer and bring them to justice? Or will he become a victim himself?
What readers are saying
★★★★★ ““Death on the Danube” by D. J. Maughan is a fast-paced psychological thriller that had me completely hooked. Now an investigator for the Hungarian Police, Peter Andrassy is called in when a body is discovered after going overboard on a river cruise—and what follows is a dangerous unraveling of secrets that kept the tension high from start to finish. I couldn’t put this one down. Hands down, this is my favorite Peter Andrassy story so far. ”
★★★★★ “This book was a true thriller from page one! The twists and turns, character development and descriptive text used was superb! I was lucky enough to be a beta reader for this book and can't recommend it enough! If you like thrillers, who-dun-its, and just good reads ... this is it!”
★★★★★ “This was a fast read and threw in a few twists along the way. I already enjoy the Peter Andrassy series and really enjoyed the next installment! Definitely recommend for a quick enjoyable read with some twists!”