Rumpole and the Penge Bungalow Murders by John Mortimer

Desperately needing some light-hearted reading in the time of Covid-19 pandemic, our book club chose Rumpole and the Penge Bungalow Murders by John Mortimer. Apparently it is a series that has long tantalized readers with the mysterious "Penge Bungalow Murders." This book tells the story that seems to have begun it all.

Of course you don't need that background to enjoy the book, which I did. I actually listened to the audiobook which featured Benedict Cumberbatch. I think it must have been somewhat adapted from the book because it's more radio theater than an audiobook.

Regardless, I loved it. It was funny, in a dry, British, sort of way. Delightfully retrogressive, and so it takes us back to a relatively innocent and naive time.

While Rumpole is technically a lawyer, he also plays the role of detective when trying to make his client's defense. Therefore, there is always a twist only Rumpole has discovered.

Lots of fun and definitely worth a read.