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An Instance of the Fingerpost

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An Instance of the Fingerpost

By: Iain Pears
Narrated by: Gareth Armstrong, Roger May, Christopher Oxford, David McAlister
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About this listen

Set in Oxford in the 1660s – a time and place of great intellectual, scientific, religious and political ferment – this remarkable novel centres around a young woman, Sarah Blundy, who stands accused of the murder of Robert Grove, a fellow of New College. Four witnesses describe the events surrounding his death: Marco da Cola, a Venetian Catholic intent on claiming credit for the invention of blood transfusion; Jack Prescott, the son of a supposed traitor to the Royalist cause, determined to vindicate his father; John Wallis, chief cryptographer to both Cromwell and Charles 1l a mathematician, theologican and inveterate plotter; and Anthony Wood, the famous Oxford antiquary. Each one tells their version of what happened but only one reveals the extraordinary truth.

©1997 Iain Pears (P)2011 Isis Publishing Ltd
Crime Fiction Historical Fiction Mystery Suspense Fiction
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What listeners say about An Instance of the Fingerpost

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  • Overall
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    4 out of 5 stars

Well researched, written, narrated

An excellent story, filled with historical detail and great atmosphere. As an audiobook (brilliantly narrated), it requires much concentration to keep track of the many events and characters. Relieved to have finally reached the end. Emphatically illustrates the vital importance of separating religion and state.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful

Really enjoyed it. You a great read and very well performed. Very well done Audible👍

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent throughout

I first read this in 1997, when recommended by someone from Oxford. I enjoyed it, but truthfully I had forgotten most of the plot by the time I listened to this audiobook. Loved it. The story is inventive and well-narrated in four different voices. I never lost interest and I was swept along by the performances. I was trained as an historian and worked as a librarian, and found myself (quietly) shouting 'yes' when points from both disciplines were discussed. (Yes, I know I have no life!!) Great plot, led me to look at other aspects of the period, which I thought I knew well. It's a long listen and complex, but I can recommend it.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

An instance of the fingerpost

There is very rarely an historic novel that grabs. This is mine. From start to finish. All either real or feasible for the time in history and brilliantly narrated. There are some books I love but can't listen to the narrator, this was perfect! I would recommend to anyone because there is something from all the characters that would appeal.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent!

An amazing story told in a very ingenious way. It has definitely inspired me to read more from this author.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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A new road to follow

At first I found the modern prose style confusing but when I got used to thoroughly enjoyed the story at all levels. I have bought another book by this writer which I am saving for my Christmas read!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Brilliant

For those who love history combined with detective fiction, this book is a jewel. Loved it.

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Nice twists in the story.

Enjoyed the story. Good narration and liked the sneaky twists and turns . . .

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2 people found this helpful

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One of my favourites.

A nice gentleman gave me a copy of this book some 20 years ago and it has remained one of my favourite novels that I have ever read. it has mystery, intrigue, politics, murder and much much more. It really is a tour de force.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Strange but quite compelling

This was not what I was expecting at all - although I was mildly disappointed at first, it grew on me! My history is far from good so I do not know if the historical facts were indeed accurate, but as the story progressed there were several twists and turns that I did not see coming - and that does not happen very often!



A good storyline that became more appealing as it progressed - worth reading especially if you want something a little different from the normal murder mystery.

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5 people found this helpful