All Formats & Editions

In 1663 Oxford, a servant girl confesses to a murder. But four witnesses--a medical student, the son of a traitor, a cryptographer, and an archivist--each finger a different culprit...

A national bestseller and one of the New York Public Library's Books to Remember, An Instance of the Fingerpost is a thrilling historical mystery from Iain Pears.

In 1663 Oxford, a servant girl confesses to a murder. But four witnesses--a medical student, the son of a traitor, a cryptographer, and an archivist--each finger a different culprit...

In the 1660s, England's Charles II has been restored to the throne following years of civil war. Oxford is the intellectual seat of the country as well as a place of great political ferment. When a fellow of New College is found dead in suspicious circumstances, a young woman... Read Full Overview

Oxford, 1660s. A scholar is dead, a woman stands accused, and four men tell their versions of the truth.

Each testimony contradicts the last - and only one reveals what truly happened.

Pears' sweeping novel combines intellectual... Read Full Overview

In the 1660s, England's Charles II has been restored to the throne following years of civil war. Oxford is the intellectual seat of the country as well as a place of great political ferment. When a fellow of New College is found dead in suspicious circumstances, a young woman... Read Full Overview