The Keys of Hell by Jack Higgins

Paul Chavasse is about as tough as they come. For years, he has made a dangerous living running men and intelligence across the Adriatic Sea from Italy to the communist country of Albania. But his ideals are about to be tested—more than he ever thought possible.

The Albanian government, seeking to crush a religious resurgence within its borders, wants to find and destroy the Madonna of Scutari—a legendary statue of ebony and gold that has protected the faithful for a thousand years. Before government forces capture them, priests hide the carving deep in the marshes along the coast.

Now, Paul Chavasse must outrun an entire army in a race to save the priceless relic—and the lives of thousands of believers...