Rumpole and the Reign of Terror is the 14th book in the Rumpole of the Bailey series by John Mortimer.   Over 29 years, Mortimer wrote numerous short stories and books featuring Rumpole, a barrister providing legal defense for the accused, to be tried in the Old Bailey, London’s Central Criminal Court.   Rumpole is the senior member of his Chambers, but refuses to move on to higher duties or to retire.    He is a fierce proponent of the principle of clients being innocent until proven guilty and is known to refer to the Bill of Rights and even the Magna Carta.   Many of the books have detailed court proceedings with Rumpole’s recitation of cross-examination and arguments.   He is often mildly sarcastic with judges and prosecutors, but he disguises the comments in humor or in obscure references.

Key characters include his wife Hilda (She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed), members of his Chambers, and various minor criminals who need to be defended (again).   Rumpole smokes cigars, drinks “plonk” and stays current in political news.    All of the stories are told with good-natured humor.    Rumpole is larger than life, in books, and in the television series.   BBC produced 44 Rumpole of the Bailey  episodes from 1975 to 1992.

The Reign of Terror follows a Pakistani- English doctor accused of terrorism.    In a time of terrorism in the world, the government can incarcerate suspects without the benefit of a trial.     Rumpole fights for justice, finally gets a trail, and uncovers a plot to frame the doctor.    At the same time, Rumpole’s wife is being courted by a Judge, Hilda is writing her memoirs, and Rumpole finds himself our of work.

The political commentary, humor, and straightforward storytelling is in the same spirit as the stories of Charles Dickens and P.G. Wodehouse, and I am a fan of all three.

All of the Rumpole stories are recommended, and this one is one of the best.   4.6 out of 5.0 stars4.6

A reading of a Rumpole story is provided as a sample: