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15 Authors like John Mortimer

John Mortimer was an English author and barrister known for his humorous and satirical writing. He created the popular Rumpole of the Bailey series, featuring the witty lawyer Horace Rumpole, and penned the novel Paradise Postponed.

If you enjoy reading books by John Mortimer then you might also like the following authors:

  1. P.G. Wodehouse

    If you enjoy John Mortimer's clever wit and gentle satire, you might appreciate P.G. Wodehouse. He's famous for his charming comedies filled with eccentric characters and lighthearted misadventures.

    In his book Right Ho, Jeeves, Wodehouse brings humor to upper-class silliness and the delightful banter between the lovable fool Bertie Wooster and his wise valet, Jeeves.

  2. Graham Greene

    Fans of John Mortimer's interest in morality and flawed characters might like Graham Greene. Greene often explores human weaknesses, ethical conflicts, and complex motivations in clear, engaging prose.

    His novel The Quiet American captures emotional and political tension in a thoughtful drama set during wartime Vietnam.

  3. Evelyn Waugh

    Evelyn Waugh's sharp satire will appeal to readers who appreciate John Mortimer's wit and ironic observations about society. Waugh critiques upper-class life and cultural absurdities with humor and precision.

    Take a look at his novel Decline and Fall, which cleverly explores British society's pretensions through the misadventures of Paul Pennyfeather.

  4. Alan Bennett

    Alan Bennett offers readers a mix of gentle irony, perceptive character study, and humor, much like Mortimer. Bennett's writing deals warmly and thoughtfully with ordinary life's humor and sadness.

    The Uncommon Reader imaginatively portrays a queen discovering books, gently showing how literature shapes our thoughts and hearts.

  5. Kingsley Amis

    Kingsley Amis writes with sharp wit, realism, and subtle social critique. Readers who value Mortimer's amusing insights into class differences and human folly will likely enjoy Amis.

    His novel Lucky Jim humorously explores the struggles and comic frustrations of a young lecturer, exposing the absurdity within academia and social expectations.

  6. Michael Frayn

    Michael Frayn writes witty, satirical novels that explore human misunderstandings and comedic mishaps. His novel Skios humorously follows mistaken identities and confusion during a supposedly distinguished lecture on a Greek island.

    Frayn's storytelling uses subtle irony and clever dialogue, appealing to readers who enjoy John Mortimer's humorous insight into human nature and British social settings.

  7. Julian Barnes

    Julian Barnes writes sophisticated and insightful novels, often exploring memory, history, and human relationships with subtle humor and intellect.

    In The Sense of an Ending, Barnes thoughtfully reflects on the complexities and distortions of memory and how past actions influence later life.

    Readers who appreciate Mortimer's intelligent and ironic commentary will enjoy Barnes' nuanced approach to personal histories and human behavior.

  8. Alexander McCall Smith

    Alexander McCall Smith creates warm and humorous novels that gently examine human nature, ethics, and everyday life.

    His book The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency introduces Precious Ramotswe, an insightful private detective who solves mysteries in Botswana with common sense and kindness.

    Smith's gentle storytelling and character-driven narratives will appeal to readers who value the warmth, wit, and humanity found in Mortimer's works.

  9. Richard Osman

    Richard Osman writes witty and engaging mysteries full of likable characters and sharp humor. His novel The Thursday Murder Club features a charming group of retirement community residents who cleverly investigate unsolved crimes.

    Those who love Mortimer's entertaining portrayals of quirky characters and witty dialogue will greatly enjoy Osman's cheerful mysteries.

  10. Jasper Fforde

    Jasper Fforde offers humorous, imaginative fiction that cleverly mixes literary references, wordplay, and playful storytelling. His novel The Eyre Affair follows literary detective Thursday

    Next as she investigates the kidnapping of Jane Eyre from the pages of Charlotte Brontë's novel. Readers who like Mortimer's playful, literate approach will appreciate Fforde's creative blend of mystery, humor, and quirky literary adventures.

  11. Scott Turow

    Scott Turow is a master of legal thrillers who blends courtroom intrigue with deep insights into human nature. His style combines realism with sharp observations about the justice system, ethics, and moral dilemmas.

    In his novel, Presumed Innocent, readers follow prosecutor Rusty Sabich through a high-stakes murder trial that explores justice, guilt, and personal reckoning.

  12. John Grisham

    John Grisham creates absorbing stories centered around lawyers, trials, and the dramatic tension of high-stakes legal battles. His brisk writing style pulls readers right into the action, while highlighting complex moral and ethical dilemmas.

    The Firm tells the story of Mitch McDeere, a bright young attorney who lands a lucrative position at a secretive law firm, only to discover dangerous hidden intentions beneath its polished exterior.

  13. Christopher Brookmyre

    Christopher Brookmyre writes darkly humorous crime novels filled with wit and satirical commentary. Like Mortimer, he enjoys exploring the chaotic side of human behavior while poking fun at contemporary culture.

    His book, Quite Ugly One Morning, introduces investigative journalist Jack Parlabane and plunges readers into a twisted murder investigation filled with sharp humor and absurd yet insightful observations.

  14. Ben Aaronovitch

    Ben Aaronovitch's novels combine fantasy and mystery, blending urban crime-solving with supernatural elements and dry, British humor. Fans of Mortimer's wit and appreciation of British culture will feel immediately at home.

    In Rivers of London, Aaronovitch introduces Peter Grant, a young London policeman who gets tangled up in investigating paranormal crimes, merging traditional detective work with magical realism.

  15. Dorothy L. Sayers

    Dorothy L. Sayers is famous for her clever detective novels set in classic English settings, featuring the charming and intellectually curious Lord Peter Wimsey. Her sharp wit and elegant, conversational storytelling resonate with readers who appreciate Mortimer's style.

    Gaudy Night sets Lord Peter and his friend, Harriet Vane, against a backdrop of academia, as they solve a series of malicious pranks and threats, delving deep into character dynamics and themes of intelligence, independence, and relationships.