Rumpole Rests His Case (Mystery Masters Series)

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Summary: The first new volume of Rumpole stories in six years
Review: Mortimer brings the first new volume of Rumpole stories in six years, returning the comic British legal defender to modern times with seven new, funny stories of his court appearances. Familiarity with prior Rumpole accounts is not required but will enhance enjoyment of this latest series of episodes.

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Summary: Good News For Rumpole Fans
Review: Rumpole and the Primrose Path, a new collection of stories has just been published in England and will be available here next year. Rumpole lives on!

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Summary: Cheerio to Rumpole? Say it isn¿t so!
Review: Rumpole fans, John Mortimer has rewarded us generously with seven new "thrills and spills in the life of an Old Bailey hack". Much of the usual line-up is present: wife Hilda (SWMBO), the Erskine-Browns (Claude and Phillida, formerly the Portia of Chambers), faithful solicitor Bonny Bernard, Soapy Sam Ballard (a/k/a Bonzo), Mizz Liz Probert, private eye Fig Newton, Mr. Justice Featherstone, and Judge Bullingham (the Mad Bull). The old spots and props are in place: Froxbury Mansions, 1 Equity Court, Pommeroy's Wine Bar, the Sheridan Club, cheroots, steak and kidney, and our old darling Horace's favorite plonk: Chateau Fleet Street, Chateau Thames Embankment and Pommeroy's Very Ordinary. The issues are timely. The laughs are plentiful. At one point Rumpole, while attempting to gather information is handed "the wet-ended stub" of a "fairly fat cigarette" which he accepts, "feeling that the information might peter out if I rejected it." In the last story("Rumpole Rests His Case,") John Mortimer seems to be saying Cheerio to Rumpole. Say it isn't so! Now that the remarkable Leo McKern is no longer with us, perhaps we should bite the bullet and accept the inevitable. But (dare I suggest it?) there is someone out there (British actor, Ian McNeice) who could do a proper Rumpole, I'm certain of it.

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Summary: Reading Between the Lines
Review: Rumpole is emboldened by Erskine-Brown's claret to sing. He is to go to Norfolk to Coldsands Church Christmans Day because the rector is a son of a school friend of Hilda, and from Hilda's judgment there is no appeal. Eric, the rector, is having a problem with the church tower. He refers to praying as knee work. Rumpole discovers the rich man Eric hopes to use to have the tower repaired is an old client of his. Rumpole consents to remain mum on that point if the man contributes to Eric's cause.

In another story 'she who must be obeyed' attends a school reunion and learns a past victim of her school girl humor did not leave the establishment for reason of the teasing. In another yarn Hilda has arranged for their flat to be featured on a make-over program on television. Rumpole is thankful when circumstances induce Hilda to leave the flat in its present state.

Rumpole refuses Erskine-Brown's offer of five hours of Wagner. Claude tells Rumpole that he and Phillada are having a separation. Rumpole undertakes to speak with Philly. It seems she has met someone, a politician, who is set up in a drug matter and becomes Rumpole's next client. In another instance Rumpole has a client who, in front of a judge in the throes of terminal irritation, decides to make a false confession to increase the drama for the sake of the jury.

One judge is characterized as conducting the proceedings as if Old Bailey were a summary and prejudicial offshoot of the Spanish Inquisition. Rumpole collapses. He could be said to have collapsed in the workplace if one were to call Old Bailey a workplace. Hilda tells him that the criminals he is so fond of will just have to go off to prison quietly.

Of course the whole thing is a wonderful amount of fun. John Mortimer's ability to crank out these droll tales is awesome.

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Summary: a nightcap not an aperitif
Review: There are all here: Sam Ballard, Liz Probert, Claude Erskine-Brown, Hilda (she who must be obeyed) and the wonderful Timsons who keep Rumpole employed. And the stories go down perhaps a bit smoother than a glass of Chateau Thames Embankment. To those who know Rumpole there is no need of introduction. For those who don't there is wonderful intoxication ahead but do start at the beginning with Rumpole of the Bailey and work your way up to Rumpole Rests his Case. These stories are good but are too brief. This volume is not an aperitif but a nightcap. One can only wish for a more substantial serving in the future. Let's hope Mortimer has more tricks up Rumpole's sleeve before that long goodnight.

Rating:
Summary: a nightcap not an aperitif
Review: There are all here: Sam Ballard, Liz Probert, Claude Erskine-Brown, Hilda (she who must be obeyed) and the wonderful Timsons who keep Rumpole employed. And the stories go down perhaps a bit smoother than a glass of Chateau Thames Embankment. To those who know Rumpole there is no need of introduction. For those who don't there is wonderful intoxication ahead but do start at the beginning with Rumpole of the Bailey and work your way up to Rumpole Rests his Case. These stories are good but are too brief. This volume is not an aperitif but a nightcap. One can only wish for a more substantial serving in the future. Let's hope Mortimer has more tricks up Rumpole's sleeve before that long goodnight.