Rumpole on Trial

Rumpole on Trial collects seven short stories featuring John Mortimer's beloved barrister Horace Rumpole. Each tale follows Rumpole as he defends clients at London's Old Bailey criminal court while navigating the politics of his chambers and his domestic life with wife Hilda, "She Who Must Be Obeyed." The stories range from defending a family accused of witchcraft to representing a fellow barrister charged with professional misconduct. Rumpole employs his trademark wit, legal knowledge, and understanding of human nature as he fights for justice - often against the wishes of his more establishment-minded colleagues. These pieces were adapted from Mortimer's successful television series, maintaining the sharp dialogue and intricate plotting that made the show popular. The collection includes "Rumpole and the Children of the Devil," "Rumpole and the Eternal Triangle," and the titular "Rumpole on Trial." Through these cases, Mortimer examines themes of truth, justice, and the sometimes stark contrast between law and fairness. The stories offer commentary on the British legal system while celebrating the role of the determined defense barrister.

Readers appreciate the continuation of Rumpole's wit and courtroom antics in this collection of short stories. Many note it maintains the same humor and charm as earlier books in the series. Liked: - Familiar cast of characters and settings - British legal system details and terminology - Mix of comedy and social commentary - Short story format allows quick reading sessions Disliked: - Stories follow predictable patterns - Less depth than earlier Rumpole books - Some repetitive elements from previous collections Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (491 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (31 reviews) Notable reader comments: "Perfect light reading with just enough substance" - Goodreads reviewer "The formula is wearing thin by this point" - Amazon reviewer "Not as fresh as the early books but still entertaining" - LibraryThing member Several readers mention this works as a standalone book but recommend starting with earlier Rumpole collections for better character context.

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🔸 The character of Horace Rumpole first appeared on BBC TV in 1975 in "Rumpole of the Bailey," played by Leo McKern, who became synonymous with the role for over 20 years. 🔸 Author John Mortimer was actually a practicing barrister himself before becoming a writer, drawing from his legal experiences to create authentic courtroom scenarios and characters. 🔸 The nickname "She Who Must Be Obeyed," which Rumpole uses for his wife Hilda, is a reference to the 1887 novel "She" by H. Rider Haggard, about an immortal queen. 🔸 Château Thames Embankment, Rumpole's preferred wine, is a fictional blend named after London's Thames Embankment, highlighting his preference for cheap plonk despite his sophisticated profession. 🔸 The Old Bailey, where many of Rumpole's cases take place, has been London's central criminal court since the 16th century and has hosted many of Britain's most notorious trials.