Rumpole's Last Case [Paperback]

John Mortimer (Author)

Book Description

Series: Rumpole | Publication Date: February 7, 1990

Rumpole is on the case again with several interesting cases of murder and suspicious doings passing through chambers.

Editorial Reviews

From AudioFile

Rumpole is at his irresistible best in this collection of seven stories that run the gamut from simple thievery to murder and espionage. (One even includes a discourse on fine wine.) Bill Wallis is perfect as the dry-witted and clever Rumpole, who is surrounded by Mortimer's usual delicious cast of characters, including, of course, Hilda, also known as "she who must be obeyed." The brilliance of this audio is in the voices Wallis uses to portray each individual, displaying a wide range of dialects and accents so seamless and so suited to each that the listener will forget that only one person is doing the narration. Rumpole's asides, internal meanderings, and quotations of poetry and other commentary are conveyed with the humor they deserve in this thoroughly enjoyable collection. S.S.R. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics) (February 7, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140126953
• ISBN-13: 978-0140126952
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #641,895 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining, as always, February 1, 2002

By 

Kevin W. Parker (Greenbelt, MD) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Rumpole's Last Case (Audio Cassette)

Despite the title, this isn't so very far along in the series and in fact features the introduction of the very politically correct "Ms. Liz Probert." The cases are the usual set, and Rumpole faces his usual trials and tribulations, most notably from a new member of chambers who wants to make everything much more efficient. The eponymous tale is one we've seen dramatized, where Rumpole has great success betting on a "four-horse accumulator," tells a judge exactly what he thinks of him, and is (of course) frustrated when his go-between leaves the country with his winnings.

Entertaining, as always.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rumpole Thinks of Retirement, July 24, 2001

By 

Robert P. Bartman (Bellevue, NE USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Rumpole's Last Case (Paperback)

Rumpole has an assortment of foes in this collection of 7 stories: Judge Bullingham, his Head of Chambers Sam Ballard, dishonest prosecution witnesses, police officers, prosecuting barristers, and even the barrister defending his client's co-defendant in a case of armed robbery where a bank guard was wounded. No wonder he thinks of winning a fortune betting on horse races and moving to Spain in the last story, "Rumpole's Last Case". You should enjoy reading this book to find out how many cases Rumpole wins and if he really retires.

5.0 out of 5 stars Rumpole Presses On, November 19, 2010

By 

Jeanne Tassotto (Trapped in the Midwest) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Rumpole's Last Case (Paperback)

Despite the title this is not the end of the series, merely some wishful thinking on Rumpole's part. This collection of Rumpole adventures sees our hero in action both on his home turf and away. Some of the highlights include Rumpole and She Who Must Be Obeyed taking a Winter Break to Spain, the introduction of Miz Liz Probert, Rumpole moving out after an argument with Hilda and Rumpole taking on his first court martial. Fans of the PBS productions of this series will undoubtedly remember these stories, those new to the series will probably want to track down these dvds. The stories are cleverly plotted and full of charm.