Murderers and Other Friends

by John Mortimer

Cover worn, page edges tanned. Shipped from the U.K. All orders received before 3pm sent that weekday.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Autobiography, Memoir, British Literature, Humor

272 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 1994

About the author

John Clifford Mortimer was a novelist, playwright and former practising barrister. Among his many publications are several volumes of Rumpole stories and a trilogy of political novels, Paradise Postponed, Titmuss Regained and The Sound of Trumpets, featuring Leslie Titmuss - a character as brilliant as Rumpole. John Mortimer received a knighthood for his services to the arts in 1998.

Series:
Rumpole of the Bailey
Rapstone Chronicles

Reviews

[Alan Bevan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I generally love anything John Mortimer writes and in that spirit persevered with this book. I was occasionally rewarded with a delightful turn of phrase but have to admit that this book is easily the most disappointing of any of his works that I have read. It reads like the nostalgic and self indulgent ramblings of an old man. A pity.

[Peter Herrmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mortimer has a very good way with words. Many anecdotes and character portrayals are interesting and entertaining. Some of the book, esp. towards the end I had to skim. His South African family were of little interest to me. Some of the material is dated ... e.g. discussion of bleaker aspects of the old Soviet empire (some might ask 'what other aspects to that empire were there?). Many of the well-known people he portrays are now deceased (as is Mortimer himself, of course), and, being my contemporaries (well, almost), that casts a bit of a pall over it (i.e. when an author writes about, say, 19th century figures, a reader feels no sadness; but not always so when an author writes about deceased people who you remember well). In addition to a good way with words, he has original ideas and thoughts about quite many things; e.g. in what ways drama and novel are distinct, psychological aspects of human interactions, etc, etc.

[Kent · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is a bit old, but I wanted to give it a try due to a recommendation heard on a favorite radio program. Frequently humorous and at times interesting, this biography did not always entertain. I got through it with some effort. A deeper awareness of all things "British" may have made it more entertaining. I did enjoy a few hearty laughs at the stories about some of the strange defendants Mr. Mortimer represented at the Old Bailey. Indeed, the stories of some of Mortimer's theater friends, such as Sir Laurence Olivier and Sir John Gielgud, were likewise captivating. The repitition finally got to me, though.

[Ruth · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a cautionary note As a cautionary note there are not many murderers in this book. It seems to concentrate more on his literary and actor friends than murderers he may have defended. The audio book version is narrated by the author and whilst I am in awe of his talent for accents (most of the time) he sometimes seemed to be muttering. It was the cadence of a barrister at times. What I didn't like was the political rant towards the end of the book together with some of the commentary on his South African trip. There were some faintly humorous bits but these got less and less as the book went on. Difficult to recommend to all of the members of the normal crew.

[Dora Okeyo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked: the tone of voice-it is witty, honest and feels as though Mortimer is seated next to me telling me all about his life, I loved the tone of this book.
I was weary about: the font- well, Penguin books are know to have very tiny fonts-and this was a little tricky for me.
Would I recommend it: Yes, it is a good book-well told.
Award: 3 stars
Reason: The wit, the people, his dreams and real life experiences-and how he gives an insight into an advocate's life. A good read most definitely.

[Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolute genius. Many readers are unaware that whilst Mortimer was busy writing books and plays he was also a practising barrister and QC - hence his deep knowldge and personal interaction with some of the villians who passed through London's Old Bailey. A must read

[Maggi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading about JM's life. This book was particularly great for me since he describes some of the real cases that eventually led to Rumpole stories. Who would believe that the Tap End came from a real case!

[Leslied · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this. I would have rather heard more about his time at the bar but since he really didn't enjoy it, I understand why he doesn't stay there. Some rather dry spots but otherwise a very good read.

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting.

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Parts of the book were amusing, but I couldn't bring myself to finish it . I'm afraid I prefer Rumpole to Mr Mortimer

[Bob Soden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great autobiography of the creator of the Rumpole series...