Rumpole’s Return

By: John Mortimer

Narrated by: Patrick Tull

After ten straight losses under the satanic Judge Bullingham, Rumpole decides it’s time to hang up his wig - permanently. But when he reads of the Notting Hill Gate Underground murder, he goes from being bored with his new life, to just plain homesick. So, Bullingham notwithstanding, Rumpole makes his return.

©1980 Adavanpress, Ltd. (P)1991 Recorded Books, LLC

Simply Slendid

Like Sherlock Holmes emerging from the mists of the Reichenbach Falls, John Mortimer resurrects his hero from the sunshine of South Florida. As usual, the case is just about impossible and Rumpole's defense brilliant. What makes it all so much like our real life is that, unlike Conan Doyle's reclusive genius, we see Rumpole's failures as well. As with you and me, they make his (less frequent) triumphs that much more poignant.

I've always deeply enjoyed Patrick Tull's Aubrey/Maturin recordings. Here he falls a little short, not giving Uncle Tom (the oldest member of chambers) a distinctively aged voice and failing to make Hilda ("She Who Must Be Obeyed") a commanding presence. Nevertheless, he gets Rumpole -- and everyone else -- letter-perfect. This is a splendid performance of a splendid story.

Second time around can be disappointing

I had listened to this book years ago, on discs, and recalling that I liked Tull's performance, I decided to spring a credit on it now. The narration was good, although I think Bill Wallis may be slightly better as the voice of Rumpole, but the story seemed weak. Elsewhere, I read that Mortimer didn't seem to know where he was going here, and I pretty much agree. For what it's worth, there's nothing in this book to miss in terms of content; one could skip it without missing out on any details relevant to later doings. On the other hand, Rumpole fans (rather than newbies to the goings on at Equity Court) would appreciate the references, and Tull does read well.