I can't say enough good things about the Rumpole series. Rumpole is a hilarious, yet also slightly sad character, quirky and not in the least concerned with what other people think.  He's himself, and there is no one else like him.  Even when you don't agree with him, you like him and you find him fascinating.  I can't stand his cigars and cigar smoke all over the place for instance.  He drops ashes everywhere, too. But I forgive him because he is SO intelligent, full of biting wit, and a man of ethics and character.