Rumpole: The Gentle Art Of Blackmail & Other Stories (Unabridged edition)

'Rumpole and the Man of God': It is 1959, and Rumpole must defend a clergyman accused of shoplifting who, although he clearly did not commit the crime, is curiously reluctant to be cross-examined under oath.

Meanwhile, Hilda (she who must be obeyed) has big news.... 'Rumpole and the Explosive Evidence': Rumpole defends a well-known safe blower and exposes the underhand behaviour of one Dirty Dickerson, a senior police officer who is quite prepared to tamper with evidence. 'Rumpole and the Gentle Art of Blackmail': In 1964 Rumpole returns to Oxford, where he studied law, to defend a young gardener who is accused of blackmailing the Master of St Joseph?s College.

Their friendship had provoked rumours of homosexuality - still illegal in those days - and the Master says he has been threatened with a public accusation. 'Rumpole and the Expert Witness': Rumpole is asked to defend a GP, Dr Ned Dacre, who is accused of murdering his wife, Sally.

The plot thickens when the local pathologist turns out to have history with Dr Ned....