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The Kelly Hunters

The gripping true story of the desperate manhunt to bring down Australia's most notorious outlaw, from the bestselling award-winning author of MRS KELLY, BANJO and SISTER VIV
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Kelly Hunters by Grantlee Kieza delves into the thrilling pursuit of the infamous Ned Kelly and his gang, exploring the challenges faced by law enforcement officers during this tumultuous period in Australian history. The narrative provides an immersive look at the dangerous and often chaotic efforts to capture the notorious outlaws, set against the backdrop of societal tensions and evolving justice in 19th-century Australia. This book offers valuable insight into a pivotal moment in the nation's past, shining a light on the individuals who risked everything for law and order.
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You might enjoy this book if you are fascinated by Australian history and the infamous story of the Kelly gang. The detailed narrative and vivid exploration of their legendary exploits offer insights into their life of crime and rebellion, appealing to those interested in historical figures who defied the law.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The desperate manhunt to bring down Australia's most notorious outlaw

When Ned Kelly and his band of young tearaways ambushed and killed three brave policemen in a remote mountain camp in 1878, they sparked the biggest and most expensive manhunt Australia had seen. The desperate search would end when Kelly and his gang, wearing suits of armour, tried to derail a train before waging their final bloody gun battle with police in the small Victorian town of Glenrowan.

In the 20 months between those shootouts and aided by a network of informers, hundreds of lawmen, soldiers, undercover agents and a team of Aboriginal trackers combed rugged mountains in freezing conditions in search of the outlaws. The police officers were brave, poorly paid and often ailing, some nearing retirement and others young with small children, but they risked death and illness in the hope of finding the men who had killed their comrades.

The hunt for the Kelly gang became a fierce battle of egos between senior police as they prepared for the final shootout with Australia's most infamous bushrangers, a gun battle that etched Ned Kelly's physical toughness and defiance of authority into Australian folklore. By the author of the critically acclaimed Mrs Kelly, as well as other bestsellers such as Banks, Monash and Banjo, The Kelly Hunters is a fascinating and compelling account of the other side of the legendary Kelly story.

PRAISE FOR GRANTLEE KIEZA OAM

'Engagingly written ... one of the most nuanced portraits to date' -- The Australian

'Vivid, detailed and well written' -- Daily Telegraph

'A staggering accomplishment that can't be missed by history buffs and story lovers alike' -- Betterreading.com.au

'A free-flowing biography of a great Australian figure' --- John Howard

'Clear and accessible ... well-crafted and extensively documented' -- Weekend Australian

'Kieza has added hugely to the depth of knowledge about our greatest military general in a book that is timely' -- Tim Fischer, Courier-Mail

'The author writes with the immediacy of a fine documentary ... an easy, informative read, bringing historic personalities to life' -- Ballarat Courier

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780733341496

Publisher: ABC Books

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 16 March 2022

Country: Australia

Imprint: ABC Books

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 25.0mm

Width: 154.0mm

Height: 235.0mm

Weight: 419g

Pages: 336

About the Author

Grantlee Kieza OAM is an award-winning journalist and the highly acclaimed, bestselling author of more than twenty biographies. Kieza held senior editorial positions at The Daily Telegraph, The Sunday Telegraph and The Courier-Mail for many years and was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for his writing. He is a Walkley Award finalist, a 2025 ABIA shortlisted author for Biography of the Year, a 2025 Indie Award shortlisted author for Non-fiction, the No. 1 history author in Australia in 2024, and the author of national bestsellers Mr and Mrs Gould, Sister Viv, Flinders, The Remarkable Mrs Reibey, Hudson Fysh, Lawson, Banks, Macquarie, Banjo, Mrs Kelly, Monash and Bert Hinkler.

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