This, second, collection of short stories of an English barrister are not quite as good as the first, though there are some marked changes to the characters. What I noticed most about this collection is that Rumpole and his fellow participants, especially the chambers' barristers', have so much more character. Rather than being largely foils for Rumpole's jokes, puns, and anecdotes, they have interpersonal relationships and take significant actions outside Rumpole's presence. In that sense, the second is much more advanced than the first.
My favorite was the Case of Identity, where Rumpole defends a villain whole liberty is based on the accuracy of an eye witness. Meanwhile, back at chambers, the Q.C., M.P.'s wife is doing her best do embarrass and divorce her husband. Rumpole, true to form, is also doing his best to defend both clients.
Despite the advances in story-telling technique, the whit and whimsey are still strong and I am still enjoying this volume. I recommend it.
Rating:
Not the best