An Instance of the Fingerpost Add a review

An Instance of the Fingerpost is a 1997 historical mystery novel by Iain Pears.

The main setting is Oxford in 1663, with the events initially revolving around the mysterious death of an academic. The novel depicts fictionalized versions of several historical figures of the Stuart Restoration, including philosophers, scientists, spymasters, inventors, clerics, politicians, and conspirators. Also covered is the then-ongoing Cretan War (1645-1669). The events are written from the perspective of older versions of some of the characters, who are writing their memoirs in 1685.

A subplot depicts a religious cult which believes that Jesus keeps being reborn and keeps getting martyred throughout history. The 17th-century reincarnation of Jesus depicted in the novel is female.