Christopher Buckley

1517. Dismas is a relic hunter who procures "authentic" religious relics for wealthy and influential clients, and is as honest as any relic dealer can be. When Dismas and his artist friend Dürer conspire to manufacture a shroud to sell to the unsuspecting noble, Dürer's reckless pride exposes Cardinal Albrecht's newly acquired shroud as a fake, the Cardinal puts Dismas and Dürer in the custody of four loutish mercenaries and sends them all to steal Christ's burial cloth-- the Shroud of Chambéry-- Europe's most celebrated relic.

A Novel

The Relic Master

b.andherbooks

Dismas is a professional relic procurer for two patrons. While he may be dubious about the validity of the relics he purchases, he does have a moral code. He never buys items he knows without a doubt are false, even if his one patron is upset that he may have passed on something good. He's made a good deal of money, but one Martin Luther begins to challenge the Catholic Hierarchy, and the very trade he deals in. 

Counting his blessings, he decides to retire, only to find his entire savings have been squandered in an early kind of Ponzi scheme. Seeking to gain both revenge on his jerk patron, the Archbishop of Mainz, and gain back enough gold to retire on, he enlists the famous Painter Albrect Durer to create a "true shroud of Christ." They believe they successfully swindle Mainz, but unfortunately they are caught when a fire in the sacristy brings a to light a hidden message the egotistical Durer has imprinted into the linen.

Tortured, and almost burned, Dismas's other patron Frederick intercedes on his behalf, but Dismas learns his freedom comes with a price. As penance, Dismas, Durer, and three bawdy German mercenaries must embark on a quest to steal the "actual True Shroud of Jesus," or the most guarded relic in all the land.

Based on true theories that Durer is actually the painter of the famed Shroud of Turin, and the historical record of Dismas, this is an epic, medieval heist novel.

I appreciated the historical details, and the modern comedic moments, especially between frenemies Durer and Dismas. 

My only annoyance was the complete superflous female character.

Of particular note, are the maps on the end papers, and the great list of additional resources and books to read at the back. Highly recommend!

Also, the cover is completely to die for. Love it.

The Relic Master A Novel

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