Rumpole and the Penge Bungalow Murders

Rumpole and the Penge Bungalow Murders by John Mortimer

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


"Those who have followed beloved barrister Horace Rumpole's career have heard frequent reference to the Penge Bungalow affair but have never known the details of the famous case that established his reputation. Now in this sensational full-length Rumpole novel, Mortimer at last relates the particulars of Rumpole's first case, some fifty years ago when he was but a youthful novice at the Old Bailey.

"Two Second World War heroes have been murdered, and the son of one of the victims has been charged. The judge is intent on hanging him. Old Wystan -- the head barrister and father of Hilda -- seems to have given up the game. But something about the evidence bothers Rumpole who, defying all precedent, takes over the defense and comes through triumphantly, winning the attentions of Hilda -- unaware she will one day become She Who Must Be Obeyed."
~~back cover

I finally need to admit it: I'm just not a fan of John Mortimer, or Rumpole. I realize that the Rumpole character is a send-up or iconoclastic, intelligent, unkempt people who nonetheless are quite good at their profession. The setting of course is a send-up of judges, prosecuting barristers, and the law itself. Nevertheless, the whole thing seems murky and convoluted to me. And I've just watched the first season, and didn't care much for it either.

But if you like this style of thing, it's wonderfully well written, and you'll enjoy it.