Rumpole

Rumpole of the Bailey

by John Mortimer, Paul Cox (Illustrator)

No ISBN.

A selection of Mortimer's 'Rumpole' stories:

“Rumpole and the Younger Generation” (1978).
“Rumpole and the Showfolk” (1979).
“Rumpole and the Old Boy Net” (1983).
“Rumpole and the Bright Seraphim” (1987).
“Rumpole and the Tap End” (1988).
“Rumpole and the Bubble Reputation” (1988).
“Rumpole à la Carte” (1990).
“Rumpole and the Children of the Devil” (1992).
“Rumpole and the Family Pride” (1992).
“Rumpole on Trial” (1992).

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Short Stories, Humor, Literature, Comedy, Anthologies

362 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

John Clifford Mortimer was a novelist, playwright and former practising barrister. Among his many publications are several volumes of Rumpole stories and a trilogy of political novels, Paradise Postponed, Titmuss Regained and The Sound of Trumpets, featuring Leslie Titmuss - a character as brilliant as Rumpole. John Mortimer received a knighthood for his services to the arts in 1998.

Series:
Rumpole of the Bailey
Rapstone Chronicles

Reviews

[Eleanor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good fun to read. Of course I could hear the voices of the ensemble of actors taking on the various characters, led by the perfectly cast Leo McKern as Rumpole. Perfect pandemic reading.

3.5 stars.

[Michael Jecks · Rating 5 out of 5]

All Rumpole books are a delight. I look forward to introducing Horace to my children.

[Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a time when truth is hard to find amongst the clamour of opinion, nothing could be more welcome than the fearless, irreverent and relentless pursuer of truth; Rumpole.

[Victoria & David Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are certain actors who inhabit, become, and then transcend their literary other: think Raymond Burr's Perry Mason, Basil Rathbone ( and Jeremy Brett ) as Sherlock Holmes, Ian Carmichael's Lord Peter Wimsey, Geraldine McEwan's Miss Marple, David Suchet's Hercule Poirot,
Jim Hutton's Ellery Queen, Derek Jacobi's Brother Cadfael, Timothy Hutton and Maury Chaykin are Archie Goodwin and Nero Wolfe. And Leo McKern. Rumpole of the Bailey.
Written by a practicing barrister, this series is about character ( and atmosphere, and humor ).
Read the books. Watch the series.
They are one. And it is very very good.

[Mike Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastically entertaining read. So sorry I have finished. A great escape from the problems of Covid-19. John Mortimer has a lovely style. He builds the characters of regular participants throughout each story.

[Ian Banks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite having watched a fair chunk of Rumpole as a much younger person, I have never read any of the stories adapted from the scripts. What a joy I have missed out on! These are fantastic fun and a lovely way to wile away a few hours.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

good

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful: funny, cynical and charming, this selection of short stories about an ageing barrister will tickle you and righten your day. Full review to follow. Five stars.

[Katie Winkler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing like Rumpole. The stories were actually written after the screenplays, but they have the same witty dialog, and of course, "she who must be obeyed." The concentration is on character, not the mystery, but I love Mortimer's plotting as well.

[^ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good book to relax and unwind with. This is humour of the detached and slightly absurd, told exquisitely well; reminiscent of George Birmingham at his best. Very good read aloud, with friends.

[Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny, but not really mysteries.

[Phil Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed it