John Mortimer's wit is something you really have to read to appreciate. I found myself smiling at some of the oddest times. This fact was continually reinforced by my cats who looked at me like I was nuts while I was reading the exploits of Horace Rumpole. Once again, he's lost his clients (this time the repeat customers of the Timson clan), but has a new client to defend (a Pakistani doctor accused, falsely of course, of terrorism). An added wrinkle was the fact that Hilda (more familiarly known as She Who Must be Obeyed) was writing her memoirs. This was an adventure we got to see from both sides, which truly added to the late-night giggles and evil kitty-stares. How those two ever got together is beyond me. Beyond them, too, I think. Anyway, a refreshing romp in the Old Bailey. Gads, I *never* thought I'd ever write the words "refreshing romp". See what a little British wryness will do to you? ( )

As always, John Mortimer has given a good, easy, light read. With this book, I believe I have read everything Rumpole under the sun. By now the storylines are a little predictable: Rumpole has no cases; Rumpole gets a case; Rumpole has a personal problem; "She Who Must Be Obeyed" becomes involved (most likely with a judge); Claude Erskine-Browne (or another fellow barrister at 4 Equity Court) has a personal problem; Rumpole exploits the trouble of Claude Erskine-Browne (or fellow barrister) to solve his case and his personal problem. Rumpole winds up no better or worse off than he was before.

Not criticising. I've known the formula for a while now, but I've continued reading. ( )

Rumpole loses his stalwart clients the Timpsons and loses out on legal aid check when he comes to the aid of one of their relatives. She has gotten herself estranged from the clan by marrying a doctor who escaped political troubles in Pakistan. The doctor is being held on suspicion of terrorism, but has not been charged and professes to have no notion of why he has been imprisioned. Facing doubts and distrust at home and a work, and sometimes doubting himself, Rumpole pursues his clients right to a fair trial. Rumpole's wife Hilda starts a dalliance and some memoirs of her own. ( )

It has a fascinating political/legal lesson. How do you defend someone when the governernment is not permitted to tell you what they are charged with (other than terrorism) or any of the particulars of the accusation such as what they did or how they did it? ( )