The Relic Master by Christopher Buckley

In the year 1517 Dismas the relic hunter procures authentic religious relics for Frederick the Wise, Elector of Saxony and soon-to-be Cardinal Albrecht of Mainz. Both men are competing for the greatest collection of genuine relics outside of Rome. Frederick is building a college and supports Martin Luther. Albrecht has bought his way to his current position and sells indulgences to fund his growing political ambitions . Although both are men of faith, they couldn't be more unlike. Dismas fills their wish lists for relics as best he can but the time is nearing when he dreams of settling in the mountains and finding a lovely lass. When Dismas loses all the money he has saved for this dream he and his friend, famed painter Durer come up with a scheme to discover one last great relic. Dismas genuinely cares for Uncle Frederick but Albrecht is a different matter, so the two friends decide that the to be Cardinal shall have his most wanted relic, the true burial shroud of Christ. But when Durer's unknown personal touch to the shroud is discovered Dismas' fraud is brought to light and his punishment is severe. Frederick steps in to keep him alive but negotiating with Albrecht is not as straight forward as it seems and his continued existence becomes dependent on fulfilling a penance Albrecht finds fitting. Dismas shall travel to Savoy where he will steal the Shroud of Chambery and return it to Albrecht. Only then can he finally have the life he's been planning. That is if the journey along the way doesn't see Dismas killing Durer, or having the mercenaries sent with him killing him. Or avoiding an entanglement with a possible witch being chased by a lusty count or finding out that they may not be the only ones with the intention of stealing this famous European relic.

Set against the backdrop of Europe this book resonates with a sharp witty look at the prevailing changes in religion, science, art, and political intrigue of the times. It is an adventure filled with comedy and poignant characters and Buckley has worked the historical details of the Shroud of Turin's origins in beautifully. A definite recommend for those who are interested in this era or just looking for a good historical read.