John Mortimer, creator of Rumpole of the Bailey, R.I.P

Another sad day in the mystery world. Sir John Mortimer, creator of Rumpole of the Bailey, died today at the age of 85 afer a long illness. Sir John also adapted ITV's lavish 11-part serial Brideshead Revisted, one of my favorites. He was a barrister and a dramatist for several decades and appeared for the defence in the infamous Lady Chatterly's Lover obscenity trial in the 1960s. For a longer obit, go to BBC News and a February 16, 2008 story John Mortimer: on fighting ill health.