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
Narrated by: Joan Walker
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About this listen

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

'Jaw-dropping' -Val McDermid
'A police memoir like no other' -Kerry Daynes, bestselling author of The Dark Side of the Mind
'Honest, shocking and funny' - Barbara Machin, creator of Waking the Dead

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.

'The story of a pioneer, a determined police officer who used her talent as a force for good. If it were not for women like Jackie, policing today would be very different.' -Colin Sutton, author of the Manhunt series

'A fascinating account of Jackie Malton's remarkable career as a police officer, and how she used that experience to bring a new kind of authenticity to Prime Suspect and many other TV crime dramas and documentaries.' -Neil McKay, TV writer and producer, Appropriate Adult

'Compelling, enlightening and totally gripping.' -Angela Marsons, author of the DI Kim Stone series True Crime Women

Critic reviews

Jackie Malton lifts the lid on the jaw-dropping day-to-day realities that have faced women cops.
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!
Unputdownable. A uniquely personal journey through recent decades of policing. Searingly honest, shocking and funny.
The story of a pioneer, a determined police officer who used her talent as a force for good. If it were not for women like Jackie, policing today would be very different.
A fascinating account of Jackie Malton's remarkable career as a police officer, and how she used that experience to bring a new kind of authenticity to Prime Suspect and many other TV crime dramas and documentaries.
The Real Prime Suspect is a police memoir like no other. An intimate and eye-opening account of one woman's talent and tenacity in an institution that was once the bastion of white, heterosexual male privilege. Jackie Malton has my upmost respect, she is a ground-breaking detective and also the very best of us - this is a surprising, candid and unmissable read.
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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