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Kate Kelly cover art

Kate Kelly

By: Rebecca Wilson
Narrated by: Nicolette Chin
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Publisher's Summary

Kate Kelly has always been overshadowed by her famous brother Ned, but the talented young woman was a popular public figure in her own right. This moving biography tells her astonishing story in full for the first time. Kate Kelly, the daring sister of legendary bushranger Ned Kelly, was mysteriously found dead in a lagoon outside the town of Forbes in 1898. 

At the inquest, Kate's husband, Bricky Foster, claimed that she was addicted to drink and frequently spoke of suicide. However, a friend and neighbour testified that she had only known Kate to drink since the recent birth of her baby and that she never spoke of suicide. Was it suicide, accident or murder, and why had she changed her name to Ada? 

While only a teenager, Kate rode as a messenger and decoy for the Kelly Gang and was present at the gruesome Glenrowan siege. After Ned's execution, she appeared at public gatherings around Australia. Huge crowds came to see her talk and ride, and she helped to popularise the Ned Kelly story as a celebrity in her own right. Then she disappeared from the public eye. Rebecca Wilson is the first to uncover the full story of Kate Kelly's tumultuous life. It will surprise anyone who thought they already knew the story of Australia's most famous outlaw. 

©2021 Rebecca Wilson (P)2021 W F Howes

Critic Reviews

"Rarely told in full, this is the fascinating life of one of the great characters in one of our greatest stories." (Paul Terry, author of The True Story of Ned Kelly's Last Stand)

"Thoroughly recommended not only to those who have an interest in bushranging and the Kelly dynasty but anyone who enjoys a well-written and riveting yarn, based on fact." (Rob Willis OAM, National Library of Australia Oral History and Folklore)

What listeners say about Kate Kelly

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Great Book

I really enjoyed reading this book it was very informative and interesting
thank you Rebecca.😊

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A Good alternate perspective on the Kelly legion

Kate Kelly, the younger sister of Ned & Dan, was at the source of the whole Kelly escalation due to the Constable Fitzpatrick incident. Fitz attempted to wrongfully arrest Dan for horse stealing, and sexually assaulted the 14yr old Kate in the house, Fitz took a bullet in the wrist & the outlaw conflict escalated.
This book follows the Kellys & in particular Kate's involvement in assisting her brothers to survive and avoid capture, her efforts in the campaign against Ned's death penalty, and her subsequent Kardashian-like fame and exploitation. Finally, the mystery surrounding her death at 35yrs is dealt with in the first 3rd of the book. A good perspective on the whole Kelly legend.

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loved it... thread was very good, often wondered

very well written and the historical facts well explained. Would recommend to anyone interested in Ned Kelly.....

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GRETA

A fantastic read by the narrator, however the township of Greta was mispronounced. I grew up near Greta.

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.