The Real Prime Suspect cover art

The Real Prime Suspect

From the Beat to the Screen. My Life as a Female Detective.

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The Real Prime Suspect

By: Jackie Malton, Hélène Mulholland - contributor
Narrated by: Joan Walker
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About this listen

HIGHLY COMMENDED FOR BOOK OF THE YEAR AT THE TRUE CRIME AWARDS 2023

When Jackie Malton joined the police force in 1970, male recruits were given a truncheon and female recruits were given a handbag. At every step, she fought sexism and homophobia on top of the rapists, murderers, and armed robbers she tackled in the streets. And when she was harassed by her own colleagues for reporting bent coppers, Jackie was thrown into a shame and isolation that she tried to dim with alcohol. At the height of her success, as she became one of only three female detective chief inspectors in the Met, and as a chance meeting with the writer Lynda La Plante catapulted her into the world of TV, Jackie was battling her own demons harder than ever before.

In this thrilling and revealing memoir, meet the real woman behind the iconic character Jane Tennison ­- every bit as tenacious, determined, and fearless, with an extraordinary story to tell.

©2022 Jackie Malton and Hélène Mulholland (P)2022 Endeavour Women

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Critic reviews

"Jackie Malton lifts the lid on the jaw-dropping day-to-day realities that have faced women cops." (Val McDermid)

"Jackie Malton was one of the women who blazed a trail in the very macho world of policing. She was indeed the real Prime Suspect, viewed with suspicion because of her gender and her sexuality and, while it took its toll, she stood out, proud and independent. She gave policing a good name. A terrific read!" (Baroness Helena Kennedy QC)

"Unputdownable. A uniquely personal journey through recent decades of policing. Searingly honest, shocking and funny." (Barbara Machin, creator and showrunner, Waking the Dead)
All stars
Most relevant
The book is full of stories and cases that definitely will keep you engaged until the end. Also, you learn the reality of a woman working in a mainly male environment, it's not easy sometimes. The narration is very good!!!

Loved it

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Fantastic inspirational true story from a strong and inspiring lady thank you for the reminder that I am enough

Just amazing

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Compelling listening as I could relate to some of the places and cases mentioned in this book.

Honesty

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I loved the evidence of first person discourse as one who experienced the time of female characters that were supposed to be subservient to men. Indeed Wlly Rushton in his film 'Educating Rita' as the fight for rights to learn a different song unlike compliance in the pub. This as a person ex forces is understood by me as to the problems Jackie Malton faced in the post war genre of male counterparts who has power and control from before the 60's. I recommend it to all who share values of self enlightenment against the odds of patriarchy. MSc. Not Mrs or Ms, or Miss.

History of Policing an Ethnographic journey

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I got lost in this book.
Jackie Malton’s ability to bring the reader along for the ride is exceptional.
Jackie’s story will resonate with officers, civilians, male & female alike. It describes the hurdles that a young female officer has to jump, joining the police service back in the 70’s.
Jackie’s change in career direction and voluntarily work details her commitment to help others.
I loved this book. Can’t wait for her next chapter x

Simply brilliant!

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Everything about this book worked. From the narrator to the detailed life experiences of Jackie and her honest and relatable service with the police and struggles with her own inner demons. Highly recommended

Fascinating

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Thank you for sharing Jackie.

Humbling, eye opening and above all what a force you are!

Incredible!

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I write this as a currently serving female Chief Superintendent. I was very "moved" and inspired to continue doing what I do by listening to Jackie's story - I will probably listen to it again - it even made a debut during one of my early morning indoor cycle rides, slots that are usually reserved for pumping dance tunes, but I was so hooked into the story that I wanted to listen to the next chapter ! So many moments of profound insight into the challenges that women faced historically in policing but still do in some contexts today, depending on the prevailing culture and leadership; it certainly exposed and clarified why it has taken policing so long to change and why there are still pockets of quite horrifying behaviours. Jackie's courage and candidness in sharing every aspect of her journey was refreshing and so many aspects resonated and connected with my own journey; it has served to inspire me even more to be the most authentic version of me however that might be received or otherwise. It is unsurprising that Prime Suspect was such a "hit" as a TV show but the reality of all Jackie faced is quite shocking and daunting to read as well. What a dedicated servant leader she was and continues to be - both to those she led and to the public she served. Whatever your walk of life, Jackie's journey, her personal life and her tenacious and eventful detective career from DC to DCI and then with the work she now does beyond policing, will inspire you to reflect on your own life, what really matters and to be you; it will encourage you to be the best version of yourself and to find a place of compassion and empathy for others as you find the courage to be the most "authentic" you. It is not for the faint hearted and for those unfamiliar with policing, it will be eye opening. You won't want to put it down but it probably isn't bedtime reading either! It is also well narrated and gets 10/10 all round.

Authentic, courageous and inspirational

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What a career, and what a woman. If the Met was populated with folk that could aspire to half of Jackie’s talent, courage, open mindedness and integrity it would be a far better place than it finds itself today. Beautifully written, great pace.. and the narrator was fab. Just read it!

Gripping and humbling

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Jackie Malton explained in such detail what it was like a woman in the police in the 1970’s and beyond. Coping in a man’s world against misogynist experiences. The detail in her story is excellent and well explained. Her courage shines through as does her amazing enthusiasm to cope with all obstacles both professional and personal. Well narrated, thoroughly gripped by her story and incredible strength of Will to succeed and make a difference.

Excellent, well written, true

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