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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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Summary

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 Thriller & Suspense Fiction Crime
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I read this book over 10 years ago and loved it and decided that it was worth a listen. I wasn't dissappointed. If you like historical fiction and crime thrillers then this is a must-"read". The events are narrated from 4 different characters' points of view, which allows you piece together the big picture by the end. Definitely recommend it and will definitely enjoy a second listen myself.

Really engaging

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

Nice twists in the story.

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Greed, fake news, political corruption, misogyny, religion and the evil of men in power... sounds familiar?

A complex yet ultimately rewarding book,

history repeats itself

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A series of chilling events re-told through the eyes of four different characters. Recollections vary and there are many hidden secrets as the tale unfolds.

Complex and Gripping

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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.

Excellent throughout

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