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That Dark Spring

A True Story of Death and Desire in 1920s Provence
By Susannah Stapleton
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Brief Description
'I couldn't stop reading it. Susannah Stapleton writes with beautiful clarity and has produced a classic of true crime' - Lissa Evans, author of Small Bomb at Dimperley A gripping, explosive murder mystery by acclaimed true crime writer Susannah Stapleton. In April 1929, the body of... Read More
Format: Hardback
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A gripping, explosive murder mystery by acclaimed true crime writer Susannah Stapleton

A gripping investigation into the death of an eccentric artist in 1920s Provence from the CWA-shortlisted author of The Adventures of Maud West, Lady Detective.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

'I couldn't stop reading it. Susannah Stapleton writes with beautiful clarity and has produced a classic of true crime' - Lissa Evans, author of Small Bomb at Dimperley

A gripping, explosive murder mystery by acclaimed true crime writer Susannah Stapleton.

In April 1929, the body of British artist Olive Branson was found submerged in a water tank outside her farmhouse in a picturesque Provence village. Dressed only in a pink shirt and stockings, she had a bullet hole between her eyes and a revolver by her side.

Was it suicide - or murder?

The initial investigation concluded suicide, but under pressure from Olive's family to conduct a murder enquiry, city detective Alexandre Guibbal was brought in to reopen the case.

Examining never-before-seen evidence, acclaimed true crime writer Susannah Stapleton builds a vivid and absorbing picture of an unconventional life and a violent death, and an investigation that shines a bright light on a village simmering with resentments and dangerous rivalries.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781529065541

Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 24 April 2025

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Picador

Illustration: 30 b/w integrated

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 36.0mm

Width: 165.0mm

Height: 245.0mm

Weight: 620g

Pages: 400

Collections

Biography & Memoir Crime & Thriller European History Fiction History & Archaeology History & Military Musicians, Movie Stars & Creative Biographies Susannah Stapleton True Crime

About the Author

Susannah Stapleton is a historical researcher with over twenty years' experience unravelling mysteries for museums, organizations and private individuals. She is the acclaimed author of CWA shortlisted The Adventures of Maud West, Lady Detective and she lives in Shropshire.

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  • That Dark Spring
    That Dark Spring
    I couldn't stop reading it . . . a classic of true crime — Lissa Evans, author of Small Bomb at Dimperley A fascinating true crime case study . . . deeply moving — The Times A gripping, explosive murder mystery by acclaimed true crime writer Susannah Stapleton. In April 1929, the body of British artist Olive Branson was found...
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