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)
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Fantastic life and inspirational lady could not stop listening. I hope she writes again. Strongly recommended

brilliant

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This book is a must....it tells the story brilliantly of a women in a man's world in the workplace. it also touches on the gifts of sobriety and how the ripple effect of AA happens

great

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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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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 loved Prime Suspect and was hoping it would be the same but it wasn’t! It was real and gutsy and fantastic that this woman showed you could have honesty and integrity in a job that we know is open to to corruption well done Jackie and good luck in the future

Kept my attention throughout

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

Honesty

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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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I loved this book. I'd watched Jackie on television so I knew a bit about her, but my goodness, what a life she's had. I found it very engrossing and Is recommend anyone to read it.

Wonderful book!

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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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