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Susannah Stapleton

@susannahstapleton.bsky.social
260 followers 104 following 61 posts

Reader, writer, collector, maker. Author of That Dark Spring (2025) and The Adventures of Maud West, Lady Detective (2019).

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Susannah Stapleton @susannahstapleton.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
👀
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Susannah Stapleton @susannahstapleton.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
So, this happened last night — a huge surprise and a wonderful evening! Congratulations to my fellow Dagger winners and many, many thanks to @thecwa.bsky.social and @alcs.co.uk.
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George Morley @georgeisediting.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
Permit a retired person a moment's boasting. So very pleased that my lovely former author @susannahstapleton.bsky.social won the non-fiction dagger last night & I was there to see her do so! #ThatDarkSpring is a perfect summer read too. So off you go ...
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Susannah Stapleton @susannahstapleton.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Thank you!
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Susannah Stapleton @susannahstapleton.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Shortlisted! Hooray!
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Susannah Stapleton @susannahstapleton.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
Hello! And enjoy! x
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Susannah Stapleton @susannahstapleton.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
You'd also expect her to have water in her lungs. Plus, she would have needed to take her banana with her for that final bite (and the skin was still on the table). Hope that helps!
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Susannah Stapleton @susannahstapleton.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
Hello! Not impossible at all, and this is discussed briefly at the start of Part II Ch 3. But the autopsy established that the angle of the bullet was wrong for this scenario. 1/2
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Susannah Stapleton @susannahstapleton.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
Very pleased to be in such fine company with That Dark Spring. Thank you, @thecwa.bsky.social
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Susannah Stapleton @susannahstapleton.bsky.social · 25/08/2025
Lovely article, btw. Thank you.
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Susannah Stapleton @susannahstapleton.bsky.social · 25/08/2025
It isn't for me. I think it depends how many FT articles you've already read this week/day.
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Susannah Stapleton @susannahstapleton.bsky.social · 17/06/2025
Excellent! ❤️
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Susannah Stapleton @susannahstapleton.bsky.social · 17/06/2025
Thanks, Kev. 🙏 The cheaper ticket price can also be redeemed against a purchase of the book on the night (for those undecided).
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Lissa Evans @lissakevans.bsky.social · 13/06/2025
I've just been shown a copy of 'Look and Learn' (1960s magazine for children) by friend @susannahstapleton.bsky.social and we've become slightly hysterical over the idea that the average 11 year old might be tempted to pore over a full page article on the novels of George Meredith.
Front cover of Look and LearnArticle on George MeredithFeature on Meredith's novel 'The Egoist'
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Susannah Stapleton @susannahstapleton.bsky.social · 14/05/2025
One of the joys of historical research is revealing unexpected connections as you get to know your subject. This one was a real surprise, and a tad intimidating, but I'm glad to report that he seems delighted with my book about his Great Aunt Olive. #ahem1stcousintwiceremoved #phew #ThatDarkSpring
virgin.com
That Dark Spring: Stumbling upon an eccentric family story | Virgin
This is the story of my (murdered) Great Aunt Olive who was found dead in a water tank in the South of France with a single bullet in her head
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Susannah Stapleton @susannahstapleton.bsky.social · 08/05/2025
Happy news for the wonderful, brilliant George; bittersweet for the rest of us. But, if anyone deserves to put their feet up, it's @georgeisediting.bsky.social. A great editor and a lovely person to boot. ❤️
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Susannah Stapleton @susannahstapleton.bsky.social · 08/05/2025
Congratulations, Jim. Well deserved!
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Susannah Stapleton @susannahstapleton.bsky.social · 01/05/2025
Happy birthday!
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Susannah Stapleton @susannahstapleton.bsky.social · 29/04/2025
Top tip! Thank you. They’re a bugger to wash, anyway.
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Susannah Stapleton @susannahstapleton.bsky.social · 25/04/2025
Ah, yes. I probably should have mentioned this. I have a new book out! Published yesterday, and one that was a joy to research and write. All good bookshops, etc., thanks to @georgeisediting.bsky.social and all the fab folk at @picadorbooks.bsky.social uk.bookshop.org/p/books/that...
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Susannah Stapleton @susannahstapleton.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
Well done - sounds rewarding for all!
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Susannah Stapleton @susannahstapleton.bsky.social · 08/02/2025
Oooh-hooo! ♥️
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Susannah Stapleton @susannahstapleton.bsky.social · 26/01/2025
🤐
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Susannah Stapleton @susannahstapleton.bsky.social · 26/01/2025
I’ve only read The Lie Tree and half of Fly By Night, but I’ve got Cuckoo Song on the shelf waiting. I think if I had to choose right now, I’m enjoying the world of Fly By Night marginally more than TLT, but they’re both brilliant. What else have you read?
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Susannah Stapleton @susannahstapleton.bsky.social · 26/01/2025
Oh, snap! I’m currently reading Fly By Night (highly recommended). I remember loving The Lie Tree.
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Susannah Stapleton @susannahstapleton.bsky.social · 24/01/2025
Leonora Carrington: Avatars & Alliances is at Colchester until 9 March. Leonora was expelled from an Essex convent, and the county welcomes her back by mixing her work with local witchcraft relics, Mexican artefacts and pieces by her friends inc. Lee Miller and Max Ernst. Wow. tinyurl.com/2s4akd78
tinyurl.com
Leonora Carrington: Avatars & Alliances - Firstsite
Step into the magical and mystical world of Leonora Carrington, the British-Mexican painter and novelist, in her debut exhibition in the East of England.
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Susannah Stapleton @susannahstapleton.bsky.social · 24/01/2025
After Leonora: Echoes of Surrealism is on until 26 Feb at the Gillian Jason Gallery, London, feat. Leonora Carrington’s wonderful bronzes and lithographs plus works by contemporary women artists treading in her Surrealist footsteps. In an ideal world, a lobster tea would follow. tinyurl.com/ykve4nhp
tinyurl.com
After Leonora: Echoes of Surrealism
By reimagining Surrealist motifs and themes for today’s world, the exhibition emphasises the boundless creativity and influence of this artistic movement. Through this cross-generational exchange, Gil...
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Susannah Stapleton @susannahstapleton.bsky.social · 24/01/2025
There are two exhibitions in London/Essex that I was really excited about seeing over the next couple of months. I may yet get to go. And maybe you can, too? They would make a fantastic weekend. Here’s a clue.
Paperback copy of Leonora Carrington's novella 'The Hearing Trumpet' propped up against pots containing paintbrushes,
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Susannah Stapleton @susannahstapleton.bsky.social · 24/01/2025
Wow!
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Susannah Stapleton @susannahstapleton.bsky.social · 24/01/2025
It is called a skyline, isn't it? And, if not, why not?
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Susannah Stapleton @susannahstapleton.bsky.social · 24/01/2025
PSA: I'm confined to barracks again by my Pesky Brain Disease. Screens are painful, but I do miss chatting with my online bookish friends. As I can't participate fully, I will be randomly sharing goodies when I can. My skyline will look weird & self-centred, but so be it. 'tis temporary.
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Susannah Stapleton @susannahstapleton.bsky.social · 17/12/2024
Strangely, I was reading about this new book just the other day. It’s only 19th Century US, but looks fascinating. I’m sure there are more. mitpress.mit.edu/978026204905...
mitpress.mit.edu
Beyond Vanity
From the award-winning author of Dressing Up, a riveting and diverse history of women's hair that reestablishes the cultural power of hairdressing in ninetee...
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Sally Pointer @sallypointer.bsky.social · 17/12/2024
I'm currently filming the projects for my online 'Introduction to Prehistoric Textiles' class that starts on January 14. My classes include projects in easily sourced materials as well as the full scale versions in the types of materials used in the past.
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Susannah Stapleton @susannahstapleton.bsky.social · 22/11/2024
Small Bomb at Dimperley. I’ve been waiting for a cold and miserable weekend for maximum cosy enjoyment.
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Susannah Stapleton @susannahstapleton.bsky.social · 22/11/2024
The scroll shape is very reminiscent of a calliper! Do you think that was deliberate, or were there other similar headstones nearby?
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Susannah Stapleton @susannahstapleton.bsky.social · 22/11/2024
I was a beta reader for this fab book. 1930s Greek archaeology, ancient spirits and a gutsy young heroine - I loved it all (and my younger self would have, too).
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Susannah Stapleton @susannahstapleton.bsky.social · 21/11/2024
Hello! There's a distinct lack of biscuits in the house – but, other than that, all good. Great to see you here.
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Susannah Stapleton @susannahstapleton.bsky.social · 20/11/2024
It obviously eggs-ploded. (sorry)
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Susannah Stapleton @susannahstapleton.bsky.social · 20/11/2024
Fresh out of the oven c.1930, but I still fancy a nibble. And that’s why I’m not allowed to work in museums anymore.
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Susannah Stapleton @susannahstapleton.bsky.social · 20/11/2024
Ditto. x
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Susannah Stapleton @susannahstapleton.bsky.social · 20/11/2024
I’ve already made sure that you’re on the list for a proof copy (Picador again). I think they’re being printed in a couple of weeks. 😊
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Susannah Stapleton @susannahstapleton.bsky.social · 20/11/2024
Hello!!! Glad to see you here, too. I was very ill for a while (horrible brain disease), but in remission now and trying to reconnect with people / catch up with everything I’ve missed…
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Susannah Stapleton @susannahstapleton.bsky.social · 20/11/2024
Yum. What is the not-a-spaceship on the top right?
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Susannah Stapleton @susannahstapleton.bsky.social · 20/11/2024
Beautiful! Sadly, I didn’t make it to Greenwich when I was in London. Regretting that today.
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Susannah Stapleton @susannahstapleton.bsky.social · 20/11/2024
Yes - was very uncomfortable viewing at times, but also compelling.
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Lissa Evans @lissakevans.bsky.social · 20/11/2024
My girls, adopted from foster care, arrived with few possessions, apart from a box of books they'd each been given by @Booktrust. These books, read together, became our first shared memories. Spread the joy of reading by donating this Christmas: www.booktrust.org.uk/xmas
An illustration from 'Where the Wild Things Are' by Maurice Sendak, showing the Wild Things swinging through the trees.Two little girls, swinging from a bar, like Wild Things!
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Susannah Stapleton @susannahstapleton.bsky.social · 19/11/2024
Shropshire weather report: cold and fluffy.
A sapling covered in snow
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Susannah Stapleton @susannahstapleton.bsky.social · 18/11/2024
My grand plan has always been to listen to proper news once a day on R4 and then get a broader overview via The Week or similar at the weekends. Still randomly scrolling all day, every day, though.
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Susannah Stapleton @susannahstapleton.bsky.social · 17/11/2024
Very! I’ll be keeping an eye out…
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Susannah Stapleton @susannahstapleton.bsky.social · 17/11/2024
Gorgeous cat. Would have loved to see you, too - we’ll bump into each other at some point. I’m now back in the world after a few years of illness and have got a new book out next year. Life has resumed and is wonderful!
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