Rumpole and the Angel of Death

Rumpole and the Angel of Death is a collection of six short stories featuring barrister Horace Rumpole, written by John Mortimer and published in 1995. The stories originated as scripts for the television series and were later adapted into this print collection. In these tales, Rumpole tackles various cases 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 cases range from murder to human rights issues, with each story presenting unique legal and ethical challenges. The collection includes a notable departure from the usual format - "Hilda's Story" - which presents events from the perspective of Rumpole's wife. The other stories follow Rumpole's trademark approach to justice, combining legal procedure with his personal brand of courtroom theatrics. Through these stories, Mortimer examines themes of justice, mortality, and human nature, while maintaining the wit and sharp social commentary that characterize the Rumpole series. The collection balances humor with serious philosophical questions about law and society.

Readers find this collection of Rumpole stories maintains the series' humor and charm, though some note it's not as strong as earlier books. The anthology format receives praise for allowing quick reading sessions. Readers appreciated: - Rumpole's witty courtroom exchanges - The balance of legal procedure and personal drama - References to poetry and literature - The continued development of recurring characters Common criticisms: - More melancholic tone than previous books - Some stories feel repetitive - Less courtroom drama than usual - The final story's darker themes Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (276 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (32 ratings) One reader noted: "The stories examining mortality give this collection extra weight, though I miss the lighter touch of earlier books." Another commented: "Mortimer's legal expertise shines through, but some plots feel recycled." LibraryThing users rate it 3.8/5, with several mentioning it works well as both introduction to or continuation of the series.

Death at La Fenice by Donna Leon This police procedural set in Venice combines detailed legal processes with sharp observations of culture and class in a similar way to Rumpole's cases.

An Innocent Client by Scott Pratt A defense attorney works through complex cases while navigating professional ethics and personal principles in the tradition of Horace Rumpole.

The Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly A criminal defense attorney operates from his car while taking cases that explore the gray areas of justice and morality in the legal system.

Old City Hall by Robert Rotenberg The Toronto criminal courts provide the backdrop for this legal mystery that delves into the mechanics of defense law and courthouse culture.

Pleading Guilty by Scott Turow A former cop turned lawyer investigates financial corruption in his own firm while dealing with internal politics and moral dilemmas.

🔸 Author John Mortimer drew from his own experiences as a practicing barrister in London's criminal courts to create the authentic details in the Rumpole series. 🔸 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, where it referred to a powerful immortal queen. 🔸 Before becoming books, many Rumpole stories began as television episodes starring Leo McKern, who portrayed the character so definitively that Mortimer claimed he began writing with McKern's voice in his head. 🔸 Mortimer's father was a blind barrister who continued practicing law despite his disability, influencing his son's perspective on the legal profession and contributing to the series' unique insights into courtroom life. 🔸 The character of Rumpole helped popularize the distinctive aspects of the British legal system internationally, including the wearing of wigs and the use of specific legal terminology like "M'Lord" and "learned friend."