Rumpole of the Bailey books in order

Q: "How many books are in the Rumpole of the Bailey series?"

"There are 26 books in the Rumpole of the Bailey series, published between 1978 and 2011."

Q: "What is the first book in the Rumpole of the Bailey series?"

"The first book in the Rumpole of the Bailey series is The First Rumpole Omnibus, published in 1983."

Q: "What order should you read the Rumpole of the Bailey books?"

"The Rumpole books work well in publication order, starting with Rumpole of the Bailey (1978). Each collection of stories stands alone, but reading in order lets you follow Rumpole's evolving chambers life and his long-suffering marriage to Hilda."

Reading order

#	Title	Published	Author	Buy on Amazon
1	The First Rumpole Omnibus	1983	John Mortimer	N/A
2	Rumpole of the Bailey	1978	John Mortimer	Buy
3	The Best of Rumpole	1993	John Mortimer	Buy
4	The Trials of Rumpole	1981	John Mortimer	Buy
5	Rumpole’s Return	1980	John Mortimer	Buy
6	Regina V. Rumpole	1981	John Mortimer	Buy
7	Rumpole for the Defence	1982	John Mortimer	Buy
8	Rumpole and the Golden Thread	1983	John Mortimer	Buy
9	Rumpole’s Last Case	1988	John Mortimer	Buy
10	Rumpole for the Prosecution	1986	John Mortimer	Buy
11	Rumpole and the Age of Miracles	1989	John Mortimer	Buy
12	Rumpole a La Carte	1991	John Mortimer	Buy
13	Rumpole on Trial	1992	John Mortimer	Buy
14	Rumpole and the Age for Retirement	1989	John Mortimer	Buy
15	Rumpole Rests His Case	2002	John Mortimer	Buy
16	Rumpole and the Primrose Path	2003	John Mortimer	Buy
17	Rumpole and the Penge Bungalow Murders	2004	John Mortimer	Buy
18	Rumpole and the Younger Generation	1995	John Mortimer	Buy
19	Rumpole and the Reign of Terror	2006	John Mortimer	Buy
20	Rumpole and the Angel of Death	1995	John Mortimer	Buy
21	Rumpole Misbehaves	2007	John Mortimer	N/A
22	Rumpole At Christmas	2009	John Mortimer	N/A
23	A Rumpole Christmas	2009	John Mortimer	N/A
24	The Anti-Social Behaviour of Horace Rumpole / Rumpole Misbehaves	2007	John Mortimer	Buy
25	Rumpole at Christmas / A Rumpole Christmas	2009	John Mortimer	Buy
26	Forever Rumpole	2011	John Mortimer	Buy

Horace Rumpole is a veteran of the Old Bailey who defends the guilty and innocent alike with equal vigor, fueled by cheap claret and a stubborn belief in the presumption of innocence. His cases range from petty theft to murder, and each story blends sharp legal drama with dry comedy.

The series ran from the late 1970s through 2011, with Mortimer producing collections of short stories, standalone novels, and several omnibus editions. Rumpole’s world includes the rivalries and absurdities of his barristers’ chambers at Equity Court, his affectionate battles with his wife Hilda (whom he privately calls “She Who Must Be Obeyed”), and his stubborn refusal to take silk or retire.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many books are in the Rumpole of the Bailey series?

There are 26 books in the Rumpole of the Bailey series, published between 1978 and 2011.

What is the first book in the Rumpole of the Bailey series?

The first book in the Rumpole of the Bailey series is The First Rumpole Omnibus, published in 1983.

What order should you read the Rumpole of the Bailey books?

The Rumpole books work well in publication order, starting with Rumpole of the Bailey (1978). Each collection of stories stands alone, but reading in order lets you follow Rumpole’s evolving chambers life and his long-suffering marriage to Hilda.

Reading order#

Frequently Asked Questions

Reading order