jjares reviewed on 8/16/2013 + 3414 more book reviews

John Mortimer, a retired barrister (lawyer), offers to take us into the mysterious world of British law. He spoofs the silly, pompous and ego-inflated lawyers he knows while trying to save his defendant from the gallows.

He makes fun of She Who Must Be Obeyed and adores his son Nicholas. When in the presence of She Who.., Horace Rumpole feigns obedience while sharing with the reader what he REALLY thinks.

If you are looking for some short stories that have flash and/or somber drama, look elsewhere. However, readers who give Rumpole time to spin out his tale will be rewarded with wry wit and a fun look at the British legal system from the inside.

I would much rather read a single story vs. several short stories because there, by necessity, is little character development. However, in Mortimers 21 Rumpole books, he keeps his cadre of cronies. Thus, over the course of a few short stories, we learn the modus operandi of the secondary characters warts and all.

What I love about Rumpole is that he is so irreverent hes willing to lampoon anyone, including himself. He likes to come across as a foolish oaf; however, watch him harpoon the opposition with clever tactics and a sharp mind. He brings the Old Bailey to life.

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