Book Review: That Dark Spring by Susannah Stapleton

In the opening paragraph of That Dark Spring, Susannah Stapleton captivates readers with the mysterious death of Olive Branson. This eccentric British artist lived in Les Baux-de-Provence during the 1920s. Although the book is nonfiction, the truth remains elusive nearly a century later. Was Olive Branson murdered, or did she take her own life on the evening of Saturday, April 27, 1929? Stapleton explores historical archives in her quest to uncover the truth behind this intriguing case.

About the Author

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

©Jim Hawkins

The author came across the unsolved case of Olive Branson’s death in a 1950s book about curious crimes in France. She was intrigued by the description of Olive Branson as an eccentric artist living alone in rural Provence. Susannah said that, as she has an interest in early 20th-century British women artists, she decided to investigate the topic further. It took her approximately five years to research and write That Dark Spring.

Book Review: That Dark Spring

Lavender fields, rosé, and olive orchards are often associated with the beauty of Provence. However, the 1920s, the period between the two World Wars, were a dark period for the region. Stapleton’s aptly titled book, That Dark Spring: A True Story of Death and Desire in 1920s Provence, captures the essence of this time.

Today, Les Baux-de-Provence is a popular tourist destination featuring chic boutiques, restaurants, and the remains of a Medieval castle. However, during Olive Branson’s time in Les Baux, the village was a small hamlet with a tight-knit community that was reeling from the economic impacts of World War I. There was a notable resentment towards outsiders, including day-trippers from Lyon and Paris, as well as foreign visitors.

Stapleton’s thorough research, which involved examining personal letters, diaries, newspaper articles, journals, legal documents, police records, and census and property data, forms the foundation of her book. This extensive investigation of archival materials not only allowed her to create an engaging narrative but also helped her develop the main characters. Stapleton’s vivid descriptions immerse the reader in the alleyways and salons of the hilltop village, where deeply rooted family histories and disputes are prevalent.

“The Anglaise was dead.” As the villagers of Baussenc gathered at the Hotel Monte-Carlo to mourn her, questions began to surface regarding the circumstances of her death. Initially, it seemed to be a straightforward case of suicide, with her handgun as the evident means. However, Branson’s family in the UK and the British press felt that this conclusion was perhaps too convenient, leading to the involvement of Detective Alexandre Guibbal. He was a member of the “Marseille Flying Squad,” a police team known for pursuing a wide range of offenders, from rapists and murderers to a notorious gang involved in the theft of silk and automobiles.

Stapleton transforms her historical research into a captivating puzzle that explores the possibilities and improbabilities surrounding Olive Branson’s death. Reading about Alexandre Guibbal’s relentless investigation into some of the residents of Les Baux, you sense the palpable resentment the villagers might feel toward a detective from Marseille, especially when he concludes that the guilty party was one of their own. However, few believed that François Pinet was a murderer. But was he?

For those who relish historically accurate mysteries, That Dark Spring is a must-read. The book delves into the enigma of Olive Branson’s death. It also provides a fascinating peek into the traditional Provençal lifestyle and its people. This unique blend of history and mystery is sure to pique the interest of any historical mystery enthusiast.

More Reading on Les Baux

La mort de miss Branson: Chronique d’une enquête (in French) by Evelyne Duret is a detailed account of the investigation and murder trial surrounding Olive Branson’s mysterious death.

Les Baux de Provence (French Edition) is a digital publication featuring the 20th-century version of the citadel’s history.

Established in 2007, the Parc Naturel Régional des Alpilles covers the mountain range and its flanks. As a protected natural area, there are restrictions on construction and park usage. However, the artifacts from human settlements discovered in these hills date back to the Neolithic era. The mountain range is the result of millions of years of continuous geological evolution. Surrounding the Alpilles are several villages, each with a distinctive character. This guide highlights each town (in alphabetical order) and includes must-see sights.

Perched on hilltops throughout the region, the castles of Provence are intriguing. These seemingly impenetrable fortresses have stone foundations and ramparts for defensive purposes. Reflective of turbulent periods in French history, many of the châteaux in southern France are on hilltops. The elevated position maximized the ability to anticipate an enemy approach. Today, some of these castles are privately owned, and state-owned properties are maintained for public access and educational purposes. In this article, we explore eight (8) of the castles of Provence.

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott

With her camera and laptop close at hand, Carolyne has traded in her business suits for the world of freelance writing and blogging. Her first airplane ride at six months of age was her introduction to the exciting world of travel.

While in Provence, Carolyne can be found hiking with friends, riding the hills around the Alpilles or tackling Mont Ventoux. Her attachment to the region resonates in Perfectly Provence this digital magazine that she launched in 2014. This website is an opportunity to explore the best of the Mediterranean lifestyle (food & wine, places to stay, expat stories, books on the region, travel tips, real estate tips and more), through our contributors' articles.

Carolyne writes a food and travel blog Ginger and Nutmeg. Carolyne’s freelance articles can be found in Global Living Magazine, Avenue Magazine and City Palate (Published Travel Articles).