I'm not so sure that I'd compare this book to "The Name of the Rose". That tale was way too intellectual for me, and I just couldn't get through all the philosophical and religious gobbledy-gook.

While "Instance" contains a lot of philosophy and religion as well, it is much less highbrow and much easier for the average reader to understand. And to me, that makes it a much better book than "The Name of the Rose".

Each of the four narrators of this book is a fully-realized individual. In his portion, da Cola seems to be a 17th century combination of a Renaissance man and Gomer Pyle - but things aren't always what they seem. As is the case with Jack Prestcott, who seems like a remarkably intelligent and sane individual - until you read Dr. Wallis' and Wood's account. Wallis is one of the most cold-blooded and frightening personalities I've ever had the displeasure of meeting; and in comparison to the other three, Wood seems like a sort of 17th century Everyman.

Each of the four narrations adds to your knowledge of the general tale. You need to read them in order, but each narration on its own makes a fascinating read. However, I could have done without Wood's account of the final fate of Sarah Blundy. That part of his story is straight out of left field, and is the only reason I can't give this book five stars. It is completely unbelievable and doesn't mesh with the rest of Wood's narration - or with any of the others for that matter. Reading that particular part of the story I had to wonder what Mr. Pears was smoking when he wrote it.

If you can put that part of the tale aside, "An Instance of the Fingerpost" is well worth your time.

In addition to echoing the words of praise written by other reviewers, I implore you to heed a few words of advice:

1. DO NOT read too many reviews here! There are big spoilers below that will ruin your own experience of this novel. Once you're convinced to read this book, skip the rest of these reviews and come back when you're done!

2. Read a summary of the historical background of this period in English history and be ready to refer to it often. An encyclopedia would be handy for background on some of the historical figures.

3. Don't be in a rush. You'll be reading this for the first time only once; savor the details as you go.

4. I agree with an earlier reviewer: take notes. The book is simply too long and complex to keep everything straight in your head. Familiar names reappear in the story, events resurface, and a few notes about the characters and plot will help jog your memory. In this respect the novel reminds me greatly of Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities. You'll miss a lot if you just plow through at top speed.

Does all this sound like a lot to ask? It may be for some readers. But some of the best things in life require a little effort.

I absolutely loved this book, a historical murder mystery set in Oxford England around 1663, shortly after Charles II's restoration to the throne. Pears weaves actual historical figures like John Locke, John Thurloe, Anthony Wood, Richard Lower and John Wallis with a great cast of fictional characters and sets in motion a compelling whodunit, with numerous interesting sideplots involving political intrigue, the British conflict between Protestants and Catholics, medical research and the efforts of 17th century physicians to understand the circulatory system, etc.

The novel consists of four accounts of the same time period, supposedly written by a visiting Venetian Cola, a young Gentlemen Prestcott, mathematician John Wallis, and historian Anthony Wood. The latter two characters are actual historical figures. Each of the four accounts takes place mostly in Oxford, and all deal in some fashion with the death, by poisoning, of Dr. Robert Grove. I thought Cola's narrative was the most entertaining, as he was a foreigner and his observations of British customs effectively set the scene. I loved Cola's observation of British theater when he saw a performance of King Lear, and his medical tour of the countryside with Dr. Lower was a tour de force.

Nothing is ever as it seems in the book, since each successive narrative uncovers some inaccuracies in prior accounts, or at least suggests alternate theories to explain the same events. We are never quite sure what happened to Dr. Grove, nor do we understand why Sarah Blundy claimed she was guilty of murdering him, until the last account by Wood, the "Instance of the Fingerpost" which reveals the truth. John Wallis' narrative was perhaps the most bizarre, as Wallis was adept at breaking codes and siphoning out conspiracies, and he saw political intrigue, assassination and treason virtually everywhere he looked, (sometimes without any basis in fact). Prestcott, author of the second narrative, is driven by a desire to clear his dead father's name of treason allegations that forced the Royalist hero into hiding. He is vain, proud, and self-righteous, and as in each of the four accounts you never forget the identity of your narrator since Pears does a wonderful job of changing styles and remaining true to his characters.

Overall, the while embroiling yourself in Pears' multi-layered story, you receive a thoughtful history lesson at the same time almost without realizing it. I wish I had known earlier of the existence of a list of characters at the end of the book, which gave a brief synopsis of their accomplishments and which mentioned their fictional or non-fictional status, since there are many people to remember and some characters who play minor roles in one account become much more important in others. I had a hard time keeping the characters' identities straight in my head until I stumbled across the list at the back. Pears also provides a helpful timeline at the end, setting forth key dates and events in 17th century English history. Overall, this is a very informative and intelligent thriller, a cross between Charles Dickens, Umberto Eco and Charles Palliser. Highly recommended.