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The Real Prime Suspect: From the beat to the screen. My life as a female detective.
***
'Jaw-dropping.' -Val McDermid
'Pacy, witty... 4*' - The Telegraph
'A terrific read!' -Baroness Helena Kennedy QC
'Unputdownable. Searingly honest, shocking and funny.' -Barbara Machin, creator and showrunner, Waking the Dead
'A police memoir like no other.' -Kerry Daynes, bestselling author of What Lies Buried and The Dark Side of the Mind
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
'Jaw-dropping.' -Val McDermid
'Pacy, witty... 4*' - The Telegraph
'A terrific read!' -Baroness Helena Kennedy QC
'Unputdownable. Searingly honest, shocking and funny.' -Barbara Machin, creator and showrunner, Waking the Dead
'A police memoir like no other.' -Kerry Daynes, bestselling author of What Lies Buried and The Dark Side of the Mind
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
320 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2022
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109 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 9, 2024
Terrific book. What a life Jackie has led
November 20, 2024
A searingly honest account of policing as a woman in the 70s through to 90s. The challenges of a inherently misogynistic and racist culture within the police is discussed at length, alongside snippets of the authors life outside of work.
This was a really enjoyable read. I’ve never watched the tv drama inspired by this lady, although I may do now.
This was a really enjoyable read. I’ve never watched the tv drama inspired by this lady, although I may do now.
January 22, 2023
Jackie Malton’s experience resonated with me so much about what it means to be a woman in a male-dominated workplace, particularly the police. A really fascinating and inspiring read!
February 29, 2024
An interesting account from a female police officer from the 1970's onwards during her career in the Force. It was interesting to read about the discrimination that went on back then, but we all know it did.
A detailed book depicting life as a Police Officer during those years, the struggles she faced being gay and not revealing that detail to everyone, to then being a female and being looked down upon by plenty of male colleagues. Not dissimilar to other books I have read by police officers but I enjoyed i just the same as I enjoy biographies.
A detailed book depicting life as a Police Officer during those years, the struggles she faced being gay and not revealing that detail to everyone, to then being a female and being looked down upon by plenty of male colleagues. Not dissimilar to other books I have read by police officers but I enjoyed i just the same as I enjoy biographies.
September 19, 2022
The real life story of a female police officer from the 1970's to the 2000's and beyond. A must read for all who are interested in how women have been treated in the police force/ and wider society in recent years.
September 30, 2022
I love Prime Suspect and have seen Jackie Malton (the real life Jane Tennison) on a number of shows over the years so was not disappointed to learn more about her life and how close her life has influenced Prime Suspect. Her story and life is fascinating which makes this book a great read.
September 20, 2022
Jackie Malton is The ‘Real’ Prime Suspect, inspiration for the much loved TV series. Jackie’s career was used in Lynda La Plante’s character Jane Tennison in The Prime Suspect, and what a career she’s had!
When Jackie joined the police force in the 1970’s, it was very much a case of carrying out the most menial of tasks. Females in the force were in short supply, and in this era of macho men they were looked on by their male colleagues as someone only fit to make the tea, or deal with clerical work, and also somewhere that sexism was the order of the day and she was expected to endure it - and endure it she did. The ‘banter’ would be acknowledged as sexism and bullying today, so the fact that Jackie rose above it all and worked her way up through the ranks is a credit to her staying power, although her mental and physical health suffered because of it.
Gives an incredible insight into the workings of the Police Force at a time of great misogyny. We also take a look at the minds of the victims as well as the criminals. Illuminating and really interesting.
*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
When Jackie joined the police force in the 1970’s, it was very much a case of carrying out the most menial of tasks. Females in the force were in short supply, and in this era of macho men they were looked on by their male colleagues as someone only fit to make the tea, or deal with clerical work, and also somewhere that sexism was the order of the day and she was expected to endure it - and endure it she did. The ‘banter’ would be acknowledged as sexism and bullying today, so the fact that Jackie rose above it all and worked her way up through the ranks is a credit to her staying power, although her mental and physical health suffered because of it.
Gives an incredible insight into the workings of the Police Force at a time of great misogyny. We also take a look at the minds of the victims as well as the criminals. Illuminating and really interesting.
*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
September 21, 2022
This was such a fun read for me, personally.
Growing up, both my parents worked for the Met in different capacities, and I was very much a child of the Met.
Before we get into the review, i will share a funny story. I was talking to my mum about the books i aas reading etc. and i mentioned The Real Prime Suspect. I said 'oh its by a lady called Jackie Malton….. my mum jumped down my throat of and said 'yeah i used to see her all the time in the canteen at West End Central. She was always lovely!
So reading about the inner workings, and Jackie's experiences within that environment was good. But further, it opened my eyes to alot of the institutional issues which have been (and probably still are, to some extent) plagueing the police force in general.
Not only does Jackie use this book as a way to address those systemic issues, she also talks her own personal issues such as dealing with her sexuality, and also a dependency on alcohol in a frank and honest way.
If you want an insight into the police force in general, then this is a great book which uses accessible language to bridge the gap between the police force and the public's perception of them.
Growing up, both my parents worked for the Met in different capacities, and I was very much a child of the Met.
Before we get into the review, i will share a funny story. I was talking to my mum about the books i aas reading etc. and i mentioned The Real Prime Suspect. I said 'oh its by a lady called Jackie Malton….. my mum jumped down my throat of and said 'yeah i used to see her all the time in the canteen at West End Central. She was always lovely!
So reading about the inner workings, and Jackie's experiences within that environment was good. But further, it opened my eyes to alot of the institutional issues which have been (and probably still are, to some extent) plagueing the police force in general.
Not only does Jackie use this book as a way to address those systemic issues, she also talks her own personal issues such as dealing with her sexuality, and also a dependency on alcohol in a frank and honest way.
If you want an insight into the police force in general, then this is a great book which uses accessible language to bridge the gap between the police force and the public's perception of them.
February 12, 2023
Wow.
There are very few books that I have read that have made me sit back and question my purpose in life. This was one of them. Jackie Malton's service to the police, to women, to help others with their personal battles was truly inspiring and made me ask myself am I doing enough, trying hard enough to give back? Quite frankly I am in awe, to read Jackie's life story in such detail made me appreciate the battles I didn't have to face because a generation before me women such as Jackie had broken down many barriers. Needless to say I may have finished reading but this book will stay with me for a long time to come. I would highly recommend to fellow readers.
There are very few books that I have read that have made me sit back and question my purpose in life. This was one of them. Jackie Malton's service to the police, to women, to help others with their personal battles was truly inspiring and made me ask myself am I doing enough, trying hard enough to give back? Quite frankly I am in awe, to read Jackie's life story in such detail made me appreciate the battles I didn't have to face because a generation before me women such as Jackie had broken down many barriers. Needless to say I may have finished reading but this book will stay with me for a long time to come. I would highly recommend to fellow readers.
August 3, 2023
I loved this memoir.
She tells you how hard it was for women in the police in the 70s with racism homophobia and the problems she faced trying to get a foothold in the police.
She definitely pulls no punches,
The problems she faced as a woman trying to make a name for herself in the met in a male dominated force really shows her determination and guts
At times I held my breath trying to fathom the sheer hatred the men had for women.
I loved this book.
It makes a nice change to have it from the horses mouth, so to speak.
Its written in a matter of fact way which m\de me want to keep reading well into the night.
I highly recommend it
She tells you how hard it was for women in the police in the 70s with racism homophobia and the problems she faced trying to get a foothold in the police.
She definitely pulls no punches,
The problems she faced as a woman trying to make a name for herself in the met in a male dominated force really shows her determination and guts
At times I held my breath trying to fathom the sheer hatred the men had for women.
I loved this book.
It makes a nice change to have it from the horses mouth, so to speak.
Its written in a matter of fact way which m\de me want to keep reading well into the night.
I highly recommend it
June 8, 2023
As a fan of Lynda La Plante's Prime Suspect books, I was eager to read this account by Jackie Malton, the inspiration for the series. This is a fascinating and well-written account that makes an engrossing read. I was shocked to read the extent of the sexism and homophobia in the police force and am full of admiration for Jackie's bravery in the face of great provocation. The book also details a number of crimes that Jackie worked on throughout her career. Highly recommended.
I thank NetGalley and Octopus Publishing for this review copy. All opinions are my own
I thank NetGalley and Octopus Publishing for this review copy. All opinions are my own
July 7, 2023
A most excellent read. Always authentic, it pulls no punches and is at times funny, at others heartbreaking, and often gives eye-rolling for giving insight into life in uniform at the time the author served. As well as being a memoir from someone who was there, this is social history as a fabulous record of life for women in male dominated workplaces in those relatively recent time times. it also reveals how the author ended up inspiring a very popular character for a highly successful TV series. Highly recommended reading.
April 1, 2023
A fantastic book and insight to the life of Jackie Malton during her life in the police force and also as the inspiration for DCI Jane Tennison in the Prime suspect series by Lynda La Plant. It really gives a look into the treatment of women officers in the Met and the dedication of the women in the force at the that time. A great book highly recommend Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review
February 19, 2024
I love anything to do with true crime and I especially love a memoir, especially one as honest and raw as Jackie's.
I enjoyed the way she described the difficulties of being in the police force in the '70's due to the overwhelming amount of homophobia and racism and how women like her had to fight harder to be taken seriously.
It's always a fascinating read when I get to see and hear from a woman who has overcome adversity in a male dominated world to become truly successful.
I enjoyed the way she described the difficulties of being in the police force in the '70's due to the overwhelming amount of homophobia and racism and how women like her had to fight harder to be taken seriously.
It's always a fascinating read when I get to see and hear from a woman who has overcome adversity in a male dominated world to become truly successful.
December 7, 2023
It was just okay for me. Some interesting highlights and I did get a feel for how hard it would have been for a female officer in Jackie's position back in the day. I don't believe her personality reflected that of Tennison on Prime Suspect, so I can only imagine it was very, very loosely based on her!
February 12, 2023
Really enjoyed this true story of what it was like for female police in the 70s, Jackie met with Lynda La Plante and was the inspiration for DCI Tennison. If your a fan of the Tennison books or Prime Suspect I highly recommend this book!
May 19, 2023
I found this a riveting read and would highly recommend it. 4.5 stars really!! I loved the Epilogue in particular. The writing becomes rich with compassionate reflection on such a full life and one so generous in service to others.
July 23, 2023
An interesting look into life inside the met. Well written although comes across as quite self entitled at times. Overall a decent book but would have liked to have heard more stories about crimes. The book felt more of an autobio.
November 19, 2022
This book was brilliant, giving great insight into the life of a woman in the police force.
April 30, 2023
Brilliant book!
January 28, 2023
If you ever want to understand how far the world, and more specifically, the Police Force, has come, or perhaps maybe hasn't, in terms of equal treatment of women, then this is definitely a book to read. It's an eye opener, one which makes me thankful that I was born a couple of decades further along than author Jackie Malton, and one that makes me understand how far we still have to come. Joining the police force in 1970, she navigated her way through a male dominated career, one which in which sexism, racism and homophobia was commonplace. It would be nice to think that things have changed dramatically in the modern police force, and as the author acknowledges, there have been numerous improvements, but there is still a long way to go. Leading readers through her early years in the Leicestershire police force, to her transfer to the Met Police and her progression through the ranks, Jackie Malton shares some of the cases and events which shaped both her career and her life, with a brutal honesty that really makes you think.
From the enforced segregation of the sexes in her early years as a WPC, through to a career that included time in the Flying Squad, Financial Crimes, CID and hostage negotiation training, Jackie Malton outlines the internal prejudice that was rife through some of her postings. From what amounts to abuse in terms of a 'hazing' style welcome to CID, the blatant sexism of certain colleagues and the emotional impact of being ostracised following her reporting of a corrupt colleague, her story is told in a no-nonsense, matter of fact style that really helped to engage, and often outrage, me as a reader. Being not only a woman, but a lesbian, in a job that was dominated by very archaic attitudes, certainly placed the author in a position of conflict, and not only with the perpetrators of various crimes. The behaviour of some is shocking, and rightfully anger inducing in anyone with a conscience or sense of decency, it is, sadly, just a sign of the prevailing attitude of the time
But far from being a constant condemnation of the patriarchy, the books gives a very balanced view of the police, the good and the bad, and many of Jackie Malton's male colleagues served to have a very positive influence on her career. It's fair to say that she had to work just that little bit harder to achieve the same as her male counterparts, but what comes through strong and clear is her determination and compassion towards the community that she served. Outlining some of the key, and most memorable cases of her career, it is easy to chart why, and where, the psychological impact of her job started to manifest in her day to day life. Mental health issues that begin to manifest as a drinking problem, may seem like overused genre tropes when it comes to crime fiction, but, as Jackie Malton's memoir highlights, they are not cliches, they are real life.
One of the interesting parts of this book is where Jackie Malton is introduced to Lynda La Plante. Her personal life, and the battles with both alcohol and the patriarchy of the police force, were set to be immortalised on film - the extremely successful and popular Prime Suspect. So much of the author's life really is reflected in the character of Jane Tennison, so much so that even colleagues were known to remark that it made for uncomfortable viewing because they knew that it was true. For those who have watched the show and probably written it off as just exaggerated entertainment, perhaps take a moment to reflect on that fact. From her involvement in advising for the series, she became involved in a real staple of my youthful viewing, The Bill, and other TV series as both advisor and presenter. But it is the way in which she has used her own battle with alcohol to carve out a new career after the police that really shows the measure of her as a person, turning to a role of counsellor to offenders in a bid to help them make a fresh start after leaving prison.
This book is a sometimes shocking, always honest and very personal look at someone who fought hard for acceptance in her career, inspiring other women officers and helping to instigate some of the very necessary changes that the Police force required. Dedicated in the face of conflict, Jackie Malton comes across as someone who, although troubled and considerably impacted by everything she experienced, worked always with integrity and compassion. I suspect it would be hard for anyone to walk away from this kind of history completely unscathed, but this book certainly contains a good deal of hope, as well as some moments of clear humour, that kept me engaged and inspired to the very end. In all these days of negative headlines about the Met Police, it's good to be reminded that the vast majority, like Jackie Malton, really have made a positive difference. Definitely recommended.
From the enforced segregation of the sexes in her early years as a WPC, through to a career that included time in the Flying Squad, Financial Crimes, CID and hostage negotiation training, Jackie Malton outlines the internal prejudice that was rife through some of her postings. From what amounts to abuse in terms of a 'hazing' style welcome to CID, the blatant sexism of certain colleagues and the emotional impact of being ostracised following her reporting of a corrupt colleague, her story is told in a no-nonsense, matter of fact style that really helped to engage, and often outrage, me as a reader. Being not only a woman, but a lesbian, in a job that was dominated by very archaic attitudes, certainly placed the author in a position of conflict, and not only with the perpetrators of various crimes. The behaviour of some is shocking, and rightfully anger inducing in anyone with a conscience or sense of decency, it is, sadly, just a sign of the prevailing attitude of the time
But far from being a constant condemnation of the patriarchy, the books gives a very balanced view of the police, the good and the bad, and many of Jackie Malton's male colleagues served to have a very positive influence on her career. It's fair to say that she had to work just that little bit harder to achieve the same as her male counterparts, but what comes through strong and clear is her determination and compassion towards the community that she served. Outlining some of the key, and most memorable cases of her career, it is easy to chart why, and where, the psychological impact of her job started to manifest in her day to day life. Mental health issues that begin to manifest as a drinking problem, may seem like overused genre tropes when it comes to crime fiction, but, as Jackie Malton's memoir highlights, they are not cliches, they are real life.
One of the interesting parts of this book is where Jackie Malton is introduced to Lynda La Plante. Her personal life, and the battles with both alcohol and the patriarchy of the police force, were set to be immortalised on film - the extremely successful and popular Prime Suspect. So much of the author's life really is reflected in the character of Jane Tennison, so much so that even colleagues were known to remark that it made for uncomfortable viewing because they knew that it was true. For those who have watched the show and probably written it off as just exaggerated entertainment, perhaps take a moment to reflect on that fact. From her involvement in advising for the series, she became involved in a real staple of my youthful viewing, The Bill, and other TV series as both advisor and presenter. But it is the way in which she has used her own battle with alcohol to carve out a new career after the police that really shows the measure of her as a person, turning to a role of counsellor to offenders in a bid to help them make a fresh start after leaving prison.
This book is a sometimes shocking, always honest and very personal look at someone who fought hard for acceptance in her career, inspiring other women officers and helping to instigate some of the very necessary changes that the Police force required. Dedicated in the face of conflict, Jackie Malton comes across as someone who, although troubled and considerably impacted by everything she experienced, worked always with integrity and compassion. I suspect it would be hard for anyone to walk away from this kind of history completely unscathed, but this book certainly contains a good deal of hope, as well as some moments of clear humour, that kept me engaged and inspired to the very end. In all these days of negative headlines about the Met Police, it's good to be reminded that the vast majority, like Jackie Malton, really have made a positive difference. Definitely recommended.
February 24, 2023
I wanted to read book because I’m interested in the police force as back in the summer I visited an old police station in Kent that has turned into a museum with everything the police used, many years ago, right through the years. There were whistles, truncheons, handcuffs and and lots of other with things the police use, including the yellow numbers that are layed out on the floor of a crime scene.
I always loved watching the TV series Prime Suspect, with Helen Mirren starring as Jane Tennison in the leading role as Detective Chief Inspector. Jackie Malton gave the writer of Prime Suspect, Lynda La Plante talks about her experiences as a Detective Chief Inspector in the Metropolitan Police.
Jackie Malton was a blue cadet based in the grounds of a police station. Being a cadet was essentially a policing apprenticeship for 16 to 19 year olds. Jackie became a suitable candidate for the police. On the day Jackie turned 19 she swore on her police oath, but was turned down by Magistrates Court in Town Hall Square in Leicestershire.
Jackie Malton describes what it was like during her police training. She takes us through the homes she had to go in, her first dead person she had to attend to, and her first arrest.
Jackie Malton was the youngest woman police officer to get promoted, and was sent on to the advanced CID course.
There is much more that former detective chief inspector, Jackie Malton talks about in her police biography.
This book just goes to show women can climb up the police force just the same as Men, who work in the Metropolitan Police. I highly recommend reading The Real Prime Suspect is a very interesting memoir.
I always loved watching the TV series Prime Suspect, with Helen Mirren starring as Jane Tennison in the leading role as Detective Chief Inspector. Jackie Malton gave the writer of Prime Suspect, Lynda La Plante talks about her experiences as a Detective Chief Inspector in the Metropolitan Police.
Jackie Malton was a blue cadet based in the grounds of a police station. Being a cadet was essentially a policing apprenticeship for 16 to 19 year olds. Jackie became a suitable candidate for the police. On the day Jackie turned 19 she swore on her police oath, but was turned down by Magistrates Court in Town Hall Square in Leicestershire.
Jackie Malton describes what it was like during her police training. She takes us through the homes she had to go in, her first dead person she had to attend to, and her first arrest.
Jackie Malton was the youngest woman police officer to get promoted, and was sent on to the advanced CID course.
There is much more that former detective chief inspector, Jackie Malton talks about in her police biography.
This book just goes to show women can climb up the police force just the same as Men, who work in the Metropolitan Police. I highly recommend reading The Real Prime Suspect is a very interesting memoir.
September 17, 2022
The Real Prime Suspect is a riveting and heartfelt memoir of Jackie Malton’s progress through the predominantly male police force from the 1970s to her retirement in the late 1990s. It takes in the varied areas of policing she worked in, including advising on TV series, which she continued after leaving the service.
She writes with a certain stoicism, whether about her treatment by some of her male counterparts or about the terrible crimes she investigated, but the toll of her experiences is clear. Malton speaks very honestly about the police force and does not try to hide the reality of corruption and poor treatment of minorities. She is equally honest about herself, whether it be her sexuality or her alcoholism and recovery.
Though the subject matter of the book is often dark there’s also humour and affection here. Malton’s personality shines through so that by the end of the book the reader feels like they’ve made a friend. You can’t help but admire her determination to battle on despite the enormous obstacles faced, and feel grateful for her work to protect the public.
The book gives an excellent snapshot of the changes in British society since the 1970s as well as being a fascinating memoir. Definitely to be recommended.
I was lucky enough to be sent a copy of the book for review by LoveReading.
She writes with a certain stoicism, whether about her treatment by some of her male counterparts or about the terrible crimes she investigated, but the toll of her experiences is clear. Malton speaks very honestly about the police force and does not try to hide the reality of corruption and poor treatment of minorities. She is equally honest about herself, whether it be her sexuality or her alcoholism and recovery.
Though the subject matter of the book is often dark there’s also humour and affection here. Malton’s personality shines through so that by the end of the book the reader feels like they’ve made a friend. You can’t help but admire her determination to battle on despite the enormous obstacles faced, and feel grateful for her work to protect the public.
The book gives an excellent snapshot of the changes in British society since the 1970s as well as being a fascinating memoir. Definitely to be recommended.
I was lucky enough to be sent a copy of the book for review by LoveReading.
March 2, 2023
Memoir of Jackie, a woman who worked in the police forces from the 70s. The author presented some cases she worked on in great details. Good and interesting read.
October 21, 2022
What an interesting book this was!
Here we follow the real life story of Jackie Malton from her humble days as a police cadet, when police women were handed a handbag and police men a truncheon, through her career climbing the ladder. Her experiences are harrowing yet rewarding - not least when she is able to solve a murder or arrest an armed robber. Jackie experiences sexism, misogyny and homophobia throughout her career - not least when she has to report a colleague for corruption. Her experiences led her to a reliance on alcohol that framed her years within the force before she finally seeks help and ends up in an AA meeting.
Jackie comes across as a police officer that cares as she recounts the cases that haunt her the most - the unsolved crimes. From the New Cross Fire disaster investigation that triggered the Brixton riots, through to young Vishal Mehrotra's disappearance and murder - these cases are touched on with sensitivity and respect.
A must read for fans of Prime Suspect or anyone with an interest in true crime and policing.
Here we follow the real life story of Jackie Malton from her humble days as a police cadet, when police women were handed a handbag and police men a truncheon, through her career climbing the ladder. Her experiences are harrowing yet rewarding - not least when she is able to solve a murder or arrest an armed robber. Jackie experiences sexism, misogyny and homophobia throughout her career - not least when she has to report a colleague for corruption. Her experiences led her to a reliance on alcohol that framed her years within the force before she finally seeks help and ends up in an AA meeting.
Jackie comes across as a police officer that cares as she recounts the cases that haunt her the most - the unsolved crimes. From the New Cross Fire disaster investigation that triggered the Brixton riots, through to young Vishal Mehrotra's disappearance and murder - these cases are touched on with sensitivity and respect.
A must read for fans of Prime Suspect or anyone with an interest in true crime and policing.
October 8, 2022
This is a memoir by Jackie Malton who was the real life inspiration for the character of Jane Tennison in Prime Suspect. It showed that she's led an interesting life from starting her police career in Leicester then transferring to the Met where she rose to become Detective Chief Inspector and as you'll read in the book should have been appointed Superintendent.
I didn't realise that as well as Prime Suspect that she was consultant to a lot of tv series helping a lot of experiences positive and negative make it to the screen and also presenting tv shows.
She also mentions her battles with alcohol and how she helps prisoners as a volunteer.
What is sad is how badly she was treated at various points throughout her time as a police officer due to being a woman and because of her sexuality and that some things haven't really changed. What is good that she has found peace and is happy in herself. Well worth buying.
I didn't realise that as well as Prime Suspect that she was consultant to a lot of tv series helping a lot of experiences positive and negative make it to the screen and also presenting tv shows.
She also mentions her battles with alcohol and how she helps prisoners as a volunteer.
What is sad is how badly she was treated at various points throughout her time as a police officer due to being a woman and because of her sexuality and that some things haven't really changed. What is good that she has found peace and is happy in herself. Well worth buying.
October 31, 2022
'Once a detective always a detective'
I've really enjoyed reading about Jackie's life as woman in the police force, from the seventies to date, in a white, male privileged institution. She joined at a time where women were thought to be only capable of making tea and running errands. She she so strongminded and soon began to rise up the ranks with grit and determination. Each time she faced different challenges. Some almost broke her.
She was also consultant on many police TV shows and was the inspiration for the show The Prime Suspect. She later worked on The Bill and many others. After retiring she became an AA councillor after becoming an alcoholic herself. I wasn't surprised after the treatment she received.
Despite so many changes to the police force it's still not enough. I found it really fascinating and quite an eye-opener. Such an inspirational woman and told with raw honesty. My review is only a small snapshot of what she achieved.
I've really enjoyed reading about Jackie's life as woman in the police force, from the seventies to date, in a white, male privileged institution. She joined at a time where women were thought to be only capable of making tea and running errands. She she so strongminded and soon began to rise up the ranks with grit and determination. Each time she faced different challenges. Some almost broke her.
She was also consultant on many police TV shows and was the inspiration for the show The Prime Suspect. She later worked on The Bill and many others. After retiring she became an AA councillor after becoming an alcoholic herself. I wasn't surprised after the treatment she received.
Despite so many changes to the police force it's still not enough. I found it really fascinating and quite an eye-opener. Such an inspirational woman and told with raw honesty. My review is only a small snapshot of what she achieved.
September 24, 2022
Wow, what a story. This book is superbly written and covers all aspects of Jackie Malton’s time in the police force from the highs to the lows. It felt as if she just opened her heart and put everything out there. Some of the memories of her early days and what she had to go through being a female in a predominantly male world were painful to read.
Even if you have no experience with the police this book is a fascinating read, it put me through a whole roller coaster of emotions, from cheering for Jackie’s success to screaming at the things some of her other officers put her through.
I highly recommending this book to anyone with a strong interest in finding out just what people can overcome to achieve their goals, well done Jackie, you are a true inspiration.
Even if you have no experience with the police this book is a fascinating read, it put me through a whole roller coaster of emotions, from cheering for Jackie’s success to screaming at the things some of her other officers put her through.
I highly recommending this book to anyone with a strong interest in finding out just what people can overcome to achieve their goals, well done Jackie, you are a true inspiration.
September 18, 2022
Wow. What a powerful book.
As an ex police officer myself this book really hit home for me.
Being a women in a predominantly male environment I agree is very hard. I can not imagine how difficult back in the 1970’s but some of the stereotypes seen in this book still existed when I enrolled in 2009.
To read some of the stories within this book really brought back some powerful personal memories but also made me empathise with Jackie massively. What a women.
I would LOVE to meet her to chat around policing and social care issues. This is one book I will definitely read again and again.
As an ex police officer myself this book really hit home for me.
Being a women in a predominantly male environment I agree is very hard. I can not imagine how difficult back in the 1970’s but some of the stereotypes seen in this book still existed when I enrolled in 2009.
To read some of the stories within this book really brought back some powerful personal memories but also made me empathise with Jackie massively. What a women.
I would LOVE to meet her to chat around policing and social care issues. This is one book I will definitely read again and again.
September 25, 2022
Being a huge lover of Prime Suspect and Lynda la Plante books I couldn't wait to get stuck into this one once I knew Malton was where it all began.
The Real Prime Suspect is a gritty, brutally honest account of Malton's life in the forces. The discrimination and treatment she received for her gender and sexuality abhorrent.
The book encapsulates Malton, her personality, determination and integrity in what was predominantly a male orientated world.
Thought provoking, eye opening and a forthright insight into her career.
Many thanks to Random Things Tours for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Real Prime Suspect is a gritty, brutally honest account of Malton's life in the forces. The discrimination and treatment she received for her gender and sexuality abhorrent.
The book encapsulates Malton, her personality, determination and integrity in what was predominantly a male orientated world.
Thought provoking, eye opening and a forthright insight into her career.
Many thanks to Random Things Tours for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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