Three recently read books are given short reviews here, at the end of April.

Rumpole and the Primrose Path by John Mortimer

All of the Rumpole books are excellent.    They follow “an old Bailey hack” as he navigates defending clients accused of a variety of crimes.    He staunchly believes in the adhering to the principle of everyone is innocent until proved guilty by a court of law.    While he undertakes his duties, he deals with the other members of Chambers, his wife Hilda (she-must-be-obeyed), interfering judges, officious prosecutors, lying witnesses, and a variety of colorful characters.    There is no shortage of wit and humor, but also strong thematic content on the rule-of-law, duty, and helping those in need.

The books are entertaining and well-told, all 4 to 5 stars (out of 5).    This book was one of the better ones, a collection of stories, each its own full tale.    Recommended (always).

Dead Man’s Mirror by Agatha Christie

Book #16 of the Hercule Poirot stories did not disappoint.    The author follows the familiar Poirot character, set-up, and conclusion, leaving us to guess throughout the story, but also satisfied with the ending.   This is not one of the best stories by the Agatha Christie, but that is a high standard to meet every time.    It is a solid murder mystery.    I have read about 2/3 of Agatha Christie’s 66 books and I hope to have read them all at some point.

The Bat by Jo Nesbo

Jo Nesbo is a Norwegian nordic-noir writer who introduced the Harry Hole detective stories in 1997 and he has added 13 more since.    The protagonist is a bit of an anti-hero, prone to alcoholism, depression, and breaking the rules, but he is also dogged in solving crimes.    The books are police procedural in structure and well told, but the author does not shield us from the violence and cruelty behind the crimes he tries to solve.    I had read reviews which warned about this along with the lower ratings for the first two books, but I decided to try one of the books anyway, starting with the first book.    I could see the reason for the criticisms, but I also saw how well-told the novels are so I hope to read more of these dark crime stories.