Iain Pears Knihy

Someone's planning to raid an ancient monastery in Rome. But why? And when? Enter art expert Jonathan Argyll...

When art dealer Jonathan Argyll arrives in Los Angeles to drop off a painting, he discovers that there are a few devils loose in the City of Angels

A novel set in Provence at three different critical moments of Western Civilisation - the collapse of the Roman Empire in the fifth century, the Black Death in the fourteenth, and the Second World War in the twentieth. It follows the fortunes of three men, and each man's story is linked by the classical text that gives the book its title. schovat popis

'A fictional tour de force which combines erudition with mystery' PD James Set in Oxford in the 1660s - a time and place of great intellectual, religious, scientific 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 II, a mathematician, theologian and master spy; and Anthony Wood, the famous Oxford antiquary. Each one tells their version of what happened but only one reveals the extraordinary truth. Brilliantly written, utterly convincing, gripping from the first page to the last, An Instance of the Fingerpost is a magnificent tour de force. 'Anyone who reads this will want to tell their friends about it... This is a novel that combines the simple pleasures of Agatha Christie with the intellectual subtlety of Umberto Eco, don't let it pass by unread.' The Times

Flavia di Stefano of Rome's Art Squad receives a tip-off that a raid is being planned on the monastery of San Giovanni. The raid takes place, but the thieves snatch the wrong painting, an unremarkable icon of the Madonna. Soon afterwards a French dealer is found murdered in the Tiber.

Flavia di Stefano of Rome's Art Theft Squad and art historian Jonathan Argyll have charmed mystery readers around the world. Their latest case is baffling to the extreme, when clues from a Titian researcher's death by mugging point to murder -- and a criminal conspiracy...

English art scholar Jonathan Argyll was amazed to find himself arrested for vagrancy-while searching for a long-lost Raphael in a tiny Roman church. Although General Bottando of the Italian National Art Theft Squad has little confidence in Jonathan's theories, Bottando's lovely assistant, Flavia di Stefano, is intrigued by the idea of a lost classic, and by Jonathan himself. But in the midst of the painting's discovery and the resultant worldwide publicity, a new chain of events is set into action. First vandalism, then murder, surround the painting. And as new facts about its true nature emerge, Bottando sends Flavia and Jonathan to investigate--little knowing that the pair will be on the run for the truth... and for their very lives.

Set against a backdrop of art and intrigue, the narrative weaves suspense with rich character development. The story unfolds through a complex interplay of relationships and secrets, drawing readers into a world where every brushstroke reveals deeper truths. Acclaimed for its compelling storytelling, the novel captivates with its exploration of identity and perception, making it a standout in contemporary fiction.

The book was first released in hardcover in Great Britain by Faber Faber and Faber Ltd. in 2015. It showcases a unique narrative style and explores themes that resonate with contemporary readers, offering a fresh perspective on its subject matter. The publication marks a significant addition to the literary landscape of that year.

Set against a rich historical backdrop, this novel weaves a vast and intricate mystery that showcases the author's ambition and complexity. Following the success of "An Instance of the Fingerpost," the narrative promises to engage readers with its dazzling storytelling and multifaceted plot, inviting exploration into a world filled with intrigue and depth.