The Second Rumpole Omnibus [Hardcover]

John Mortimer (Author)

Book Description

Series: Rumpole | Publication Date: December 1, 1987

In this engaging collection of twenty stories, the beloved barrister Horace Rumpole is back with his death-defying performances on behalf of justice to delight fans of his books and of the PBS "Mystery!" series.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

John Mortimer is a novelist, playwright and former practising barrister. Among his many publications are several volumes of Rumpole stories and a trilogy of political novels (Paradise Postponed, Titmuss Regained and The Sound of Trumpets) featuring Leslie Titmuss. Sir John received a knighthood for his services to the arts in 1998. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 672 pages
• Publisher: Viking Adult (December 1, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0670811254
• ISBN-13: 978-0670811250
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 6.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #951,726 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars They're All Guilty of Something, August 8, 2000

By 

George R Dekle "Bob Dekle" (Lake City, FL United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Second Rumpole Omnibus (Paperback)

Mortimer gives another magnificent collection of stories with a good leavening of mystery, whimsey, and insight into the workings of the criminal justice system. One recurring theme of the stories is lawyer-client relations, which can become quite strained on occasion. As always, Horace Rumpole has a few insightful remarks to make on the subject:

"People show an almost comic relief at not being locked up. They actually enjoy not having to share one chamber-pot through endless nights with vindictive, frightened, and sexually frustrated strangers."

"One thing you can never guarantee about clients is that they won't behave like lunatics."

"I could win most of my cases if it weren't for my clients. Clients have no tact, the poor darlings. No sensitivity. They will waltz into the witness-box and blurt out things which are far better left unblurted."

"They're all guilty of something, my dear old thing. Everyone's guilty of something."

And the mystery fan will be guilty of thoroughly enjoying these wonderful stories.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fun for Rumpole Fans!, January 9, 2007

By 

R. Lee "Book Lover" (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Second Rumpole Omnibus (Paperback)

We love the Rumpole books. My husband and I have read all the Omnibus books. We've never watched the series, so we have our own images of all the main characters: Rumpole, The Bull, "She Who Must Be Obeyed." Good stories...fun characters. Good threading of plot and characters through all the stories. Love it!

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More of the Great Rumpole, August 3, 2006

By 

Douglas S. Wood "Vicarious Life" (Monona, WI) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Second Rumpole Omnibus (Paperback)

Horace Rumpole presents himself as just an Old Bailey hack doing run-of-the-mill burglary defenses and the odd car-heist case. In reality he defends the best in the Anglo-American legal traditions against modern forces (for example, the presumption of innocence) - and this was written 20+ years ago!

Rumpole is the lovable defender of the average man and foe to all stick-in-the-muds. His motto "Never plead guilty." It could just as well be comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. Hilarious, warm, human, touching, self-effacing and ever-ready to pierce the pompous gasbag - that's Rumpole of the Bailey. Start with the First Rumpole Omnibus and work your way through the rest.

Guaranteed to tickle your funny bone and warm your heart.