MURDERERS AND OTHER FRIENDS

John Mortimer narrates this autobiography, which details events connecting family, friends, people and places he has encountered during his career as a barrister, screenwriter, playwright and novelist. This account begins with his work as defense counsel for bizarre homicidal characters and continues through his literary occupations. In an English accent he languidly recounts the pleasures of his pursuits and discoveries. Whether describing his relationship with David Niven or his preparation for a murder case, the excitement of these moments is more in the facts than in the telling. While the reading is understated and rather droll, this is a tale filled with absorbing, if idiosyncratic, folks. B.J.L. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: NOV/DEC 97]