Justice in Kelly Country: The Story of the Cop Who Hunted Australia’s Most Notorious Bushrangers

by Lachlan Strahan

Partway through the Jerilderie Letter, Ned Kelly accused Senior Constable Anthony Strahan of threatening him: ‘he would shoot me … like a dog.’ Those few fateful words have echoed through Australian history and been the cause of much bloodshed and violence. They ushered in a national myth: the legend of the Kelly Gang. For two days after Anthony reputedly made his threat, Ned and his gang shot dead three police in an event now known as the Stringybark Creek killings. Ned’s reason for opening fire? He thought one cop was Anthony. Lachlan Strahan, Anthony’s great-great-grandson, grew up believing Ned Kelly was a heroic outlaw and Anthony the ruthless cop who pursued him. Yet as Lachlan began to explore his ancestor’s life, he discovered an alternative story. This is a tale about justice and retribution, morality and vengeance. It is about making a life against the odds in a wild frontier society. It is also a story of inheritance: of the words passed from father to son, and the myths we choose to preserve.

320 pages, Paperback

Published December 1, 2022

Reviews

[Neal Carney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book so much. There hasn't been enough written about the policing side of the Ned Kelly story, but this adequately fills the gap. Be warned, the Kelly story is only a small fraction of this book, but nevertheless, it is a fascinating and very enjoyable read.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised with this book. I admit I was expecting the author to write a very one-sided story, but he remained neutral and factual and thus it was a joy to read. All things Ned Kelly fascinate me and I'm thoroughly enjoying digging VERY deep into this personal interest of mine.

[D'face · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me a long time to read this one as it is rather dry in parts. It is difficult to make family history interesting especially where you need to extrapolate from the few available historical records.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really well written story from the perspective of the Police Officers tasked with the unenviable job of dealing with the Kelly Gang. No real winners in this story.

[Mark Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fairly familier with the history now. Quite how people see Kelly as a Hero I don't know