"A Rumpole Christmas"

"'Tis the season to be jolly" and all that. But it must be admitted that when Horace Rumpole tries to get into the Christmas spirit - for whatever reason - unfortunate things do seem to have a way of happening.

But perhaps that's pretty much routine for Rumpole, John Mortimer's marvelous British barrister who first appeared on television, in the "Rumpole of the Bailey" series and, later, in Mortimer's books. And what could be more timely than "A Rumpole Christmas," which is our book reviewed today on the Classic Mysteries podcast, and you can listen to the full review by clicking here.

"A Rumpole Christmas" is a collection of stories, mostly quite short, featuring Rumpole around Christmas time. In one longer story, "Rumpole's Slimmed-Down Christmas," Rumpole is dragooned by his wife, Hilda - known to him as "She Who Must Be Obeyed" - into attending a slimming spa for the holiday. Unfortunately, it quickly degenerates into murder - and it takes Rumpole's wit and technical knowhow to keep the wrong person from being unjustly accused. In another, quite timely story, Rumpole takes on the defense of a young man accused of being a terrorist and a murderer.

Rumpole is what most of us think lawyers should be - a man who dedicates himself completely and passionately on behalf of his client.

"Rumpole would defend anyone" said Archie Prosser - the newest arrival in our chambers - who had an ill-deserved reputation as a wit.

"If you mean anyone who's put on trial and tells me they're innocent, then the answer is yes."

That's Rumpole, in a nutshell - a defender (usually at considerable cost to his own career) of justice and a believer in the judicial system, particularly the jury trial, as the final arbiter of guilt or innocence. If you have never read or seen Rumpole, this is a splendid introduction. I see that the book MAY now be out of print, though Amazon seems to have lots of booksellers with available copies. Also, for e-book readers, there is an Amazon Kindle edition.

Comments

[Yvette]

I loved this, Les! It was my first Rumpole, read just a couple of weeks ago. I too posted about it on the blog. Another example of great minds thinking alike. :)

Wishing a very Merry Christmas to you and your family, Les.

[Les Blatt]

Thanks, Yvette - and the same, of course, back to you and yours. Blogging will be light here over the holiday period (though I'll be publishing new reviews on Monday the 26th and Monday the 2nd) - back in force in the new year. A happy and healthy new year to all!