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The Disorderly Knights

The Lymond Chronicles Book Three

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About this listen

Penguin presents the audiobook edition of Disorderly Knights by Dorothy Dunnett, read by David Monteath.

Summer, 1551, and Francis Crawford of Lymond is in Malta to assist the Knights of St John defend the island from an invading Turkish fleet. But under a weak leader there is dissension in the ranks of the Knights - and the chances of repelling invasion look slim.

Here Lymond meets Knight Grand Cross Graham Reid Malett - known as Gabriel - a fellow Scot famed for his virtues. It is soon clear that Gabriel's wiles in war and intrigue rival Lymond's own as he attempts to bring his new comrade in arms into the bosom of his scheming.

And if Gabriel should fail then his sister, Joleta, whose seductive charms no man can resist is waiting to prevail.

Caught between warring factions and nations, between the wiles of Gabriel and the lascivious charms of Joleta, will Lymond prove strong enough to remain his own man?

 Action & Adventure Europe Great Britain Historical Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Romance Thriller & Suspense Fiction Suspense War Mystery

Critic reviews

Praise for Dorothy Dunnett
A storyteller who could teach Scheherazade a thing or two about pace, suspense and imaginative invention
Marvellous, breathtaking
A masterpiece of historical fiction
One of the greatest tale-spinners since Dumas
Lashings of excitement, colour and subtlety
Vivid, engaging, densely plotted - are almost certainly destined to be counted among the classics of popular fiction
All stars
Most relevant
Again, I must have read this book half a dozen times. Each time I have taken in more; but I am no statistician. Listening to it has brought a new depth, a new understanding. Mrs Dunnett’s writing weaves a tightly bound story, and I think this narration slows the action, and the absorption of the tale to a human level.

I love these books. I recommend them for a deep read, not too worthy, not an overt bodice ripper, just satisfying, exciting, and well written. Enjoy!

Sometimes, to hear is to comprehend.

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Like many fans, I have read the chronicles of Lymond multiple times. Experiencing these works in audible form has been a revelation. I missed a great deal in my fast reading and re-reading. There is much subtlety here as well as the rip-roaring action, political intrigue and sexual drama. Dunnett must be the most underrated writer of the modern age. The breadth and detail of her research is astounding. I had the privilege of visiting her writing shed many years ago and saw the bibliographic evidence with my own eyes; the hundreds of files of research. This is what gives the series its authenticity. Her works satisfy on so many levels because they have an emotional heart which is unique. These books, I now realise, are essentially about love in all its myriad forms. They are sophisticated and demanding but the rewards are eternal. I hope to continue to enjoy these works until I can no longer read or listen. That’s how great they are.

The most exciting historical saga ever?

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probably 4th time I've read this. wonderful . well read too. Dorothy Dunnet is a masterful story teller and beautiful artist with words as her pallette.

brilliant

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One of the best novels I have read. Can’t wait to read the next in the series.

Brilliant

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Another sublime volume from the Lymond series, beautifully narrated by David Monteath. Dunnett was a genius, skillfully interweaving intriguing plots, wonderfully well drawn characters and historic detail.

Fabulous

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