Tuesday, August 16, 2022

Book review - Rumpole#4 - "Rumpole for the Defence" by John Mortimer (1982)

 Very very strong book.

"Rumpole and the Confession of Guilt" - Rumpole and his young son Nick - they have an ethical discussion which depresses Rumpole which is odd because his character is in the right. Nice that Hilda comes to his defence.

"Rumpole and the Gentle Art of Blackmail" - a male hooker (basically) is accused of blackmailing an Oxford star. Mortimer has fun with the world of Oxford and sexual hypocrisy. I always loved how Hilda learned to blackmail her husband.

"Rumpole and the Dear Departed" - Rumpole hilariously gets involved with a will dispute - it's fraud and involves a no-nonsense nurse communicating with the dead.  Great fun.

"Rumpole and the Rotten Apple" - Rumpole defends a corrupt cop - or is he? Fresh take.

"Rumpole and the Expert Witness" - Rumpole defends a doctor accused of killing his wife. The doctor is the son of an expert in the Penge Bungalow Murders. A chilling ending. Mortimer could do the more serious takes as well.

"Rumpole and the Spirit of Christmas" - Rumpole is outfoxed by a slimy prosecutor in a short story.

"Rumpole and the Boat People" - Rumpole defends an old mate of Hilda's, a sea side mystery.

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