J

John Mortimer

Bestselling Author • 7 Series • 49 Books

7
Series
49
Books
7
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Rumpole of the Bailey Books
Start with: Rumpole of the Bailey (1978)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Rapstone Chronicles Books
Start with: Paradise Postponed (1985)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: Charade (1947)

About John Mortimer

John Mortimer was one of the most famous authors from The United kingdom, who liked to write mystery, literature & fiction, thriller, and nonfiction novels. He was also a barrister, screenwriter, and dramatist. Author Mortimer was born as John Clifford Mortimer on April 21, 1923, and died on January 16, 2009. His birth had taken place in Hamsptead, London. He was the only kid of his parents, Kathleen May and Clifford Mortimer. The author’s father was a barrister by profession, who turned blind due to an accident in 1936. Author Mortimer received his education from the Dragon School, Oxford, and then from the Harrow School. At was at this school that Mortimer became a part of the Communist Party. He formed a one member cell in the party. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Rumpole of the Bailey Books series, John Mortimer has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.

📚 All Book Series by John Mortimer

Publication Order of Rumpole of the Bailey Books
22 books 1978–2011
1

Rumpole of the Bailey

Rumpole of the Bailey is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Rumpole of the Bailey Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Mortimer have come to expect.

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1978
2

Rumpole’s Return

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Rumpole of the Bailey Books with Rumpole’s Return, another outstanding contribution from John Mortimer.

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1980
3

The Trials of Rumpole

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Rumpole of the Bailey Books with The Trials of Rumpole, another outstanding contribution from John Mortimer.

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1981
4

Regina V. Rumpole

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Rumpole of the Bailey Books with Regina V. Rumpole, another outstanding contribution from John Mortimer.

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1981
5

Rumpole for the Defence

Rumpole for the Defence is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Rumpole of the Bailey Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Mortimer have come to expect.

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1982
6

Rumpole and the Golden Thread

Rumpole and the Golden Thread is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Rumpole of the Bailey Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Mortimer have come to expect.

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1983
7

Rumpole for the Prosecution

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Rumpole of the Bailey Books with Rumpole for the Prosecution, another outstanding contribution from John Mortimer.

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1986
8

Rumpole's Last Case

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Rumpole of the Bailey Books with Rumpole's Last Case, another outstanding contribution from John Mortimer.

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1988
9

Rumpole and the Age of Miracles

Rumpole and the Age of Miracles is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Rumpole of the Bailey Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Mortimer have come to expect.

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1989
10

Rumpole and the Age for Retirement

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Rumpole of the Bailey Books with Rumpole and the Age for Retirement, another outstanding contribution from John Mortimer.

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1989
11

Rumpole a La Carte

Rumpole a La Carte continues the Publication Order of Rumpole of the Bailey Books story arc with John Mortimer's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1991
12

Rumpole on Trial

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Rumpole of the Bailey Books with Rumpole on Trial, another outstanding contribution from John Mortimer.

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1992
13

The Best of Rumpole

The Best of Rumpole is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Rumpole of the Bailey Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Mortimer have come to expect.

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1993
14

Rumpole and the Younger Generation

Rumpole and the Younger Generation is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Rumpole of the Bailey Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Mortimer have come to expect.

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1995
15

Rumpole and the Angel of Death

A gripping mystery unfolds in Rumpole and the Angel of Death as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Rumpole of the Bailey Books series showcases John Mortimer's mastery of suspense.

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1995
16

Rumpole Rests His Case

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Rumpole of the Bailey Books with Rumpole Rests His Case, another outstanding contribution from John Mortimer.

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2002
17

Rumpole and the Primrose Path

Rumpole and the Primrose Path is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Rumpole of the Bailey Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Mortimer have come to expect.

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2003
18

Rumpole and the Penge Bungalow Murders

A gripping mystery unfolds in Rumpole and the Penge Bungalow Murders as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Rumpole of the Bailey Books series showcases John Mortimer's mastery of suspense.

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2004
19

Rumpole and the Reign of Terror

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Rumpole of the Bailey Books with Rumpole and the Reign of Terror, another outstanding contribution from John Mortimer.

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2006
20

The Anti-Social Behaviour of Horace Rumpole / Rumpole Misbehaves

The Anti-Social Behaviour of Horace Rumpole / Rumpole Misbehaves is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Rumpole of the Bailey Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Mortimer have come to expect.

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2007
21

Rumpole at Christmas / A Rumpole Christmas

Rumpole at Christmas / A Rumpole Christmas continues the Publication Order of Rumpole of the Bailey Books story arc with John Mortimer's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2009
22

Forever Rumpole

Forever Rumpole continues the Publication Order of Rumpole of the Bailey Books story arc with John Mortimer's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2011
Publication Order of Rapstone Chronicles Books
3 books 1985–1998
1

Paradise Postponed

Paradise Postponed is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Rapstone Chronicles Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Mortimer have come to expect.

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1985
2

Titmuss Regained

Titmuss Regained continues the Publication Order of Rapstone Chronicles Books story arc with John Mortimer's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1990
3

The Sound of Trumpets

The Sound of Trumpets is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Rapstone Chronicles Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Mortimer have come to expect.

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1998
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
7 books 1947–2005
1

Charade

Charade is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Mortimer have come to expect.

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1947
2

Like Men Betrayed

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Like Men Betrayed, another outstanding contribution from John Mortimer.

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1953
3

The Narrowing Stream

The Narrowing Stream continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with John Mortimer's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1954
4

Summer's Lease

Summer's Lease is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Mortimer have come to expect.

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1985
5

Dunster

Dunster continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with John Mortimer's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1992
6

Felix In The Underworld

Felix In The Underworld is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Mortimer have come to expect.

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1996
7

Quite Honestly

Quite Honestly is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Mortimer have come to expect.

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2005
Publication Order of Chapbooks
1 books 2005–2005
1

The Scales of Justice

The Scales of Justice is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Chapbooks series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Mortimer have come to expect.

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2005
Publication Order of Plays
1 books 1971–1971
1

A Voyage Round My Father. John Mortimer

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Plays with A Voyage Round My Father. John Mortimer, another outstanding contribution from John Mortimer.

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1971
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
9 books 1978–2008
1

The Fear Of Heaven

The Fear Of Heaven is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Mortimer have come to expect.

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1978
2

Clinging to the Wreckage

Clinging to the Wreckage is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Mortimer have come to expect.

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1982
3

Character Parts

Character Parts continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with John Mortimer's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1986
4

The Oxford Book of Villains

The Oxford Book of Villains continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with John Mortimer's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1992
5

Murderers and Other Friends

A gripping mystery unfolds in Murderers and Other Friends as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series showcases John Mortimer's mastery of suspense.

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1994
6

The Summer of a Dormouse

The Summer of a Dormouse is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Mortimer have come to expect.

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2000
7

Where There's a Will

Where There's a Will is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Mortimer have come to expect.

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2003
8

Zerah Colburn - Spirit of Darkness

Zerah Colburn - Spirit of Darkness is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Mortimer have come to expect.

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2005
9

In Other Words

In Other Words is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Mortimer have come to expect.

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2008
Publication Order of Anthologies
6 books 1990–2011
1

Great Law and Order Stories

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Great Law and Order Stories, another outstanding contribution from John Mortimer.

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1990
2

Death Cruise: Crime Stories on the Open Seas

A gripping mystery unfolds in Death Cruise: Crime Stories on the Open Seas as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases John Mortimer's mastery of suspense.

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1999
3

Fanfare: Fourteen Stories on a Musical Theme

Fanfare: Fourteen Stories on a Musical Theme is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Mortimer have come to expect.

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1999
4

Murder Most Merry

A gripping mystery unfolds in Murder Most Merry as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases John Mortimer's mastery of suspense.

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2002
5

Midsummer Nights

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Midsummer Nights, another outstanding contribution from John Mortimer.

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2009
6

A Christmas Anthology

A Christmas Anthology continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with John Mortimer's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2011

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is John Mortimer?

John Mortimer is a bestselling author known for 7 book series containing over 49 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Rumpole of the Bailey Books, Publication Order of Rapstone Chronicles Books, Publication Order of Standalone Novels. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best John Mortimer series to start with?

For readers new to John Mortimer's work, the Publication Order of Rumpole of the Bailey Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 22 books. Begin with Rumpole of the Bailey to start from the very beginning.

How many books has John Mortimer written?

John Mortimer has written over 49 books across 7 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read John Mortimer books in order?

Yes, reading John Mortimer's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.

What genre does John Mortimer write in?

John Mortimer writes primarily in fiction. With 7 series across 49 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are John Mortimer's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of John Mortimer's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.

What is John Mortimer's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, John Mortimer's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Rumpole of the Bailey Books series. The first book, Rumpole of the Bailey, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.