M.T. Anderson's 'Nicked' follows a heist to steal the bones of Saint Nicholas

Author M.T. Anderson ventures into historical fiction with "Nicked," a novel grounded in the fascinating true event of the theft of Saint Nicholas’s remains and their subsequent transportation to the city of Bari.

The true historical event of the theft of St. Nicholas's remains by Italian pirates and their transportation to the city of Bari

The novel's reimagining is based on the historical occurrence that involved Italian pirates, or perhaps less glamorously, some pious merchants, spiriting away the bones of St. Nicholas, widely known as the figure behind the myth of Santa Claus. St. Nicholas was infamous for his penchant for secret gift-giving and was also the patron saint of sailors. Anderson’s retelling confirms that the remains were indeed stolen and transported back to Italy, a revelation that roots the narrative in factual soil.

The belief that St. Nicholas's remains possessed miraculous healing properties and could attract a lucrative stream of pilgrim traffic to the city that possessed them

At the heart of this occurrence was the widespread belief in the Saint’s ability to perform miracles, which went from pacifying tempests to saving individuals from the briney deep. This belief held that the possession of such holy relics, in particular the bones of St. Nicholas, could bestow miraculous healing properties and, by extension, lure a steady and lucrative stream of pilgrim traffic. Thus, the city that harbored these remains stood to gain both in esteem and economic prosperity, as sailors often sought the Saint’s blessings before embarking on perilous voyages. ...

Anderson delves into the complex interplay between skepticism and the innate human longing to believe in the miraculous, presenting a nuanced exploration of faith and incredulity.

The tension between the characters' rational skepticism and their yearning to believe in the impossible and miraculous

Through the story of Brother Niciphaerus, Anderson encapsulates the inner conflict faced by many: a dichotomy between rational disbelief and a deep-seated wish for the wondrous. Despite being characterized as an unbeliever praying for faith, Brother Niciphaerus is haunted by dreams compelling him to move St. Nicholas's remains to Italy. This tension is reflective of the broader human struggle between critical inquiry and the desire to hold on to a sense of enchantment.

Anderson skillfully wades into the ambiguity of miracles, posing the question of their true divine nature or if they are elaborate charades. The readers are left to ponder the delicate balance between an enchanting possibility of miracles and the fear of succumbing to falsehoods, a theme deeply rooted in the protagonist monk's predicament regarding the saint's relics.

The author's exploration of how belief in miracles and the supernatural can persist even in the face of logical doubt

M.T. Anderson brings a personal touch to this theme by drawing a parallel between his experience living in a so-called haunted house and the overarching sentiment of the novel. He humorously navigates the irony of his skepticism about ghosts against the ...

The narrative unfolds an absorbing dynamic between two central characters—the upright monk, Dicephorus, and the wily relic hunter, Tayon. Their interaction gives rise to a storyline charged with tension and an unexpected connection.

The wary, yet strangely magnetic, relationship that develops between the monk tasked with overseeing the relic theft and the experienced, unscrupulous relic hunter hired to execute the heist

Brother Nesephorus, the monk assigned to watch over the valuable relics, finds himself in a perplexing bind. Despite his suspicions towards Tayon, the seasoned relic hunter whose craft lies in the dark art of thievery, Dicephorus cannot deny the allure the cunning man exerts over him.

The underlying attraction and mutual suspicion between the two men as they are forced to work together in dangerous circumstances

The narrative delves into the layered complexities of their relationship—there is an undeniable gravitational pull between the two men, which ...

M.T. Anderson, a writer known for his stories for adults, children, and teens, has ventured into new literary territory with his latest novel, "Nicked." This work is his initial foray into writing exclusively for an adult audience.

"Nicked" as a departure from crossover fiction

Anderson's novel "Nicked" represents a significant departure from the crossover appeal of his previous works.

Focusing on adult themes

Anderson has discussed how "Nicked" distinctly differs in tone and content from his writing for younger readers by focusing on more mature themes and experiences. This new book is specifically intended to resonate with adult readers and touches upon adult concerns such as mortgages, signaling that it's been written without consideration for t ...