A RUMPOLE CHRISTMAS: STORIES

As listeners would expect, Horace Rumpole spends his holidays in the Old Bailey, defending a terrorism suspect, among others, and seeking truth, including the possibility that two former clients have gone straight. Bill Wallis's Rumpole sounds a bit wearier than Leo McKern's definitive version but retains his passion for justice and sense of humor. Wallis also creates the perfect voice for Judge Graves, a frequent Rumpole adversary. Since this is a Christmas volume, Mortimer treats listeners to a couple of lighter stories, including Rumpole's misadventures with a Christmas party and online shopping. Whether listeners have heard them before or not, the stories have a familiar feel (Rumpole gives She Who Must Be Obeyed lavender water every year). This will prove an enjoyable Christmas treat for fans. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2009]