Death on the Danube
My ninth novel, Death on the Danube, was released on April 1, 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
★★★★★ “The plot was unique, fast-paced, and left me wanting to read “just one more chapter” every night. There were a few times that I thought I figured it out, but I was wrong. Even when I thought I had it figured out, the book kept me guessing. ”
★★★★★ “This book had me on the edge of my seat sometimes, others made me feel uneasy, and others left me feeling happy. Especially when you get to Gardner and Powers’ banter. Absolutely loved this story!”
★★★★★ “This twisty whodunit pulls you in and doesn’t let go. The characters were believable, and the story was well written. The personal connection with the author and the real Nicole was enjoyable to read. You could feel the love that was poured into this book. It made me love it even more. If I could give this more than 5 stars, I would!”
★★★★★ “Freeing Nicole is equal parts heart-wrenching and edge-of-your-seat suspense. DJ Maughan takes a small-town tragedy and layers it with secrets, danger, and raw emotion. Nicole’s silence is chilling, the mystery is twisty, and the stakes never let up—a story that makes you hold your breath and race through the pages!”
★★★★★ “Such a good book and storyline! Very well written. I can’t wait to read his other books!”