John Mortimer

Rumpole has two intriguing cases to occupy him. Is there something fishy about a 12-year-old Peter been given an ASBO for playing football in the street? A young bachelor, prime suspect in the murder of a prostitute, protests his innocence, and Rumpole cannot ignore him. On top of this his colleagues are protesting about the cigars and wine he occassionally enjoys in Chambers!  Book 20 of series.

John Mortimer recounts his childhood in the English countryside, with affectionate portraits of his remote parents - an increasingly unconventional barrister father, whose blindness must never be mentioned, and a vague and endlessly patient mother. As a boy dreaming of a tap-dancing career on the stage, his father pushes him to pursue the law, where Mortimer embarks on the career that was to inspire his hilarious and immortal literary creations.

The story of the competitive friendship of two men from schooldays through to work and marriage. The novel culminates in a trial scene.

The author writes about his life, family and friends with wit, wisdom and tenderness.

A faithful wife and devoted mother finds herself compelled to take extraordinary steps to protect her family when a young actress with ties to her husand is found murdered near their home.

When Simeon Simcox, a socialist clergyman, leaves his fortune to the ruthless Tory MP Leslie Titmuss, his son’s reactions differ wildly. Henry decides to fight the will but Fred decides to investigate Simeon’s past and, in so doing, uncovers the explanation for the legacy.  Book 1 of series.

Horace Rumpole often speaks of the great murder trial which revealed his talents as an advocate and made his reputation down at the Bailey when he was still a young man. Here for the first time, the sensational story of the Penge bungalow murders case is told in full.  Book 18 of series.

Rumpole is convalescing in the Primrose Path Nursing Home, and his colleagues don't expect him back. But a dickey ticker won't stop Rumpole, and after sorting out a few dark deeds at Primrose Path, he is soon back in Chambers.  Book 17 of series.

Rumpole firmly believes that the past is best avoided, but finds it starting to intrude upon the present. Will this all become too much and should he hang up his wig for good?  Book 16 of series.

In these seven Christmas stories, the call of justice (and a bit of excitement) leads Rumpole as far afield as a health farm in Norfolk and, nearer to home, a pantomime at the Tufnell Park Empire.  Book 21 of series.

Horace Rumpole is the most erudite, astute, and seldom defeated of barristers in the annals of the Old Bailey. In these 32 dramas, arranged in order of broadcast, four distinguished actors don the wig and white band to portray our hero as he recalls his long, eventful career.

It is thirty years since Leslie Titmuss first entered Parliament, now as Lord Titmuss he is still a figure of formidable influence in the constituency.  Book 3 of series.

In his paradoxically cheerful and cheering book about growing old gracefully, John Mortimer recounts what it's like to be 75 but feel 11. He describes his hilarious public duties, like chairing the committee to decide who should go on the empty plinth in Trafalgar Square, and also private matters like having to be in a wheelchair at glamorous New Labour parties.

It is high summer and high comedy too, when Molly Pargeter drags her amiable, bickering family to a rented Tuscan villa for the holidays. She is saddled with her father - aged roué and columnist Haverford Downs, a lawyer husband - suspected of infidelity, and three daughters. So begins this elegant story of atmosphere, comedy and mystery.

Proposed new town causes embarrassment for Titmuss now Secretary of State for Planning.  Book 2 of series.