Kate Kelly: The true story of Ned Kelly's little sister

Kate Kelly, the sister of bushranger Ned Kelly, was found dead in a lagoon in 1898. Her husband claimed she was addicted to drink and spoke of suicide, but a neighbor testified that she had only known her to drink since the birth of her baby and never spoke of suicide. Rebecca Wilson's book reveals the full story of Kate Kelly's tumultuous life, including her role as a messenger and decoy for the Kelly Gang and her appearance at public gatherings after Ned's execution. It is a well-written and riveting yarn that is thoroughly recommended to anyone who enjoys a well-written and riveting story, based on fact.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 408 pages
Publication date: 04 November 2021
Publisher: Allen & Unwin

In 1898, the enigmatic Kate Kelly, the daring sister of legendary bushranger Ned Kelly, tragically met her end in a mysterious manner. The circumstances surrounding her death were shrouded in mystery, as she was found lifeless in a lagoon outside the town of Forbes in New South Wales.

During the inquest, Kate's husband, Bricky Foster, claimed that she had a history of alcoholism and often expressed suicidal thoughts. However, a neighbour contradicted this assertion, stating that they had only known Kate to drink since the recent birth of her baby and that she had never mentioned anything about suicide. The question of whether Kate's death was a suicide, an accident, or a murder remained unanswered.

Kate Kelly's life was a captivating tale of adventure and intrigue. As a teenager, she played a pivotal role in the Kelly Gang by serving as a messenger and decoy, attending the infamous Glenrowan siege, and even being present when Ned Kelly was executed. After Ned's demise, Kate emerged as a celebrity in her own right, captivating huge crowds with her captivating stories and daring exploits. She toured Australia, appearing at public gatherings and helping to popularise the Ned Kelly story as a legendary outlaw.

However, Kate's life took a tumultuous turn after Ned's execution. She disappeared from the public eye, and her whereabouts remained a mystery for many years. It was not until Rebecca Wilson, a passionate historian, embarked on a quest to uncover the full story of Kate Kelly's life that the truth began to unravel.

In her meticulously researched book, "The True Story of Kate Kelly: The Untold Life of Australia's Most Famous Outlaw," Wilson sheds light on the many facets of Kate's life, including her early years, her role in the Kelly Gang, and her subsequent disappearance. The book is a testament to Wilson's dedication to historical research and her ability to bring to life the characters and events that shaped Australia's history.

What makes "The True Story of Kate Kelly" so compelling is its thoroughness and attention to detail. Wilson has conducted extensive research, relying on primary sources, archival records, and interviews with descendants and eyewitnesses of Kate Kelly's life. The result is a rich and detailed account that provides a fresh perspective on the life of this enigmatic figure.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Kate Kelly's life is her relationship with Ned Kelly. Despite their tumultuous and often strained relationship, Kate was fiercely loyal to her brother and played a significant role in his criminal activities. She was present at the Glenrowan siege, where Ned and his gang held a group of police officers hostage for over an hour, and was even involved in the planning of the Kelly Gang's final robbery.

However, Kate's involvement in the Kelly Gang was not without its consequences. She was arrested multiple times and spent time in prison, where she faced harsh conditions and suffered from the abuse of guards and fellow inmates. Despite these hardships, Kate never lost her spirit or her determination to support her brother and his cause.

After Ned's execution, Kate's life took a further turn. She disappeared from the public eye, and her whereabouts remained a mystery for many years. Some speculated that she had fled to Europe or had taken her own life, while others believed that she had simply moved on with her life and had chosen to leave her past behind.

Rebecca Wilson's book sheds light on these unanswered questions and provides a comprehensive account of Kate Kelly's life. It explores the various theories surrounding her disappearance and sheds light on the events that shaped her life and career. The book is a must-read for anyone who has an interest in bushranging, Australian history, or the fascinating stories of legendary outlaws.

In conclusion, "The True Story of Kate Kelly: The Untold Life of Australia's Most Famous Outlaw" by Rebecca Wilson is a groundbreaking work that provides a fresh perspective on the life of Kate Kelly, the daring sister of legendary bushranger Ned Kelly. Through meticulous research and attention to detail, Wilson has uncovered the full story of Kate's life, including her role in the Kelly Gang, her relationships, and her subsequent disappearance. The book is a testament to Wilson's dedication to historical research and her ability to bring to life the characters and events that shaped Australia's history. Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply someone who enjoys a well-written and captivating yarn, "The True Story of Kate Kelly" is a must-read that will surprise and inspire you.

Weight: 545g
Dimension: 235 x 154 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781760879679