Kishwaukee College issued the following news release:
Kishwaukee College English and journalism instructor John Desjarlais' novel, Relics, is being reissued by Thomas Nelson Publishers in June. "The story of Relics is strikingly relevant today," Desjarlais says, "especially given the West's engagement with militant Islam. Besides, a story with danger and romance never goes out of date."
Relics is set in France and Crusader Palestine in the year 1250 and follows Jean-Michel D'Anjou, a young knight who rushes into a burning cathedral to rescue the relics but fails. He emerges from the blaze with an image of a cross singed on his sleeve - a divine sign, the bishop says, that the knight is to seek relics to replace those lost in the fire. Jean-Michel journeys with a mysterious troubadour and a wandering scholar to Palestine where he becomes entangled in a fanatic's plot to assassinate King Louis IX of France.
The Bookstore Journal said, "Desjarlais' descriptions of medieval life and times are realistic and complete. Relics will provide hours of enjoyment." The Christian Library Journal described Desjarlais' writing as "polished, liquid and glowing. He has a sure hand when it comes to historical detail. His research is obvious but never comes across as an intrusion into the story. Just plain good storytelling."
Desjarlais is a former producer with Wisconsin Public Radio. In addition to being a long-time Kishwaukee College faculty member, he is a member of Mystery Writers of America. He is also listed in Who's Who in Entertainment and Who's Who Among America's Teachers. Desjarlais' other books include The Throne of Tara, set in Dark Age Ireland, and a contemporary mystery, Bleeder, due for release by Sophia Institute Press in August 2009.
Relics (trade paper, 320 pages, ISBN 0-8407-6735-8, $14.95) can be ordered in any bookstore, purchased online through Amazon.com, or directly from the publisher by calling toll-free 800-251-4000.