The Disorderly Knights is the third volume in The Lymond Chronicles, a highly renowned series of historical novels by Dorothy Dunnett. Set in 1551, it follows the adventures of Francis Crawford of Lymond as he is dispatched to embattled Malta. His mission: to assist the Knights of Hospitallers in defending the island against the Turks. However, the greatest threat to the Knights lies within their own ranks, where various factions secretly vie for power.

Back in Scotland, Crawford establishes a trained force of mercenaries and encounters Joleta Malett, a beautiful and wilful teenager. Through her brother, Graham Reid Malett, a knight of St John of Jerusalem, Crawford is enticed to Malta to aid in the Order's defense against the Turkish forces of Suleiman. This section of the book closely follows historical events, capturing the essence of the era with beautifully constructed prose.

This historical romance is an exhilarating adventure, set in the mid-1500s and focused around the flawed hero, Francis Crawford of Lymond. The series begins and ends in Crawford's homeland of Scotland, following his journey through centers of power in Scotland, France, Malta, Stamboul (Constantinople), and Russia. He develops as a leader in war and politics, with the potential to rule a country, but at the expense of his humanity, family, and companions.

The language, culture, customs, political intrigue, warcraft, and ethos of the time are captured vividly, making this book a must-read for lovers of historical fiction and adventure.