The Postcard Bandit: The incredible true story of Australian outlaw Brenden Abbott
Jan 2026 · Allen & Unwin
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The authorised biography of notorious professional criminal Brenden Abbott chronicling his extraordinary life on the run and decades in maximum security.
'Pedley nails the true story of Australia's Dillinger, Brenden Abbott, whose life and crimes raise echoes that go all the way back to Ned Kelly and Ben Hall.' Andrew Rule, author of The Chosen Few
Bank robber. Fugitive. Womaniser. Comedian. Postcard Bandit.
Fully revised and updated with exclusive anecdotes and pictures, this is the story of the man who became Australia's most feared bank robber and notorious prison breaker. Three times Brenden Abbott escaped custody, and for more than six years he evaded capture, hoodwinking the nation and strongarming millions of dollars.
Possessing enormous talents and chutzpah, Abbott proved quick to learn, quicker to joke and as cool as ice in the face of danger. After escaping under a hail of gunfire, he became the nation's most-wanted man, and following his recapture he was incarcerated in solitary confinement for years—perhaps longer than any other Australian.
But the 'Postcard Bandit' is more than a dramatised legend—a role he never encouraged. Now fighting for justice and freedom, Abbott is eager to be released to spend time with his son.
This is an extraordinary inside account, painstakingly researched by an experienced journalist over decades, and includes Abbott's own pithy recollections and reflections.
'Pedley nails the true story of Australia's Dillinger, Brenden Abbott, whose life and crimes raise echoes that go all the way back to Ned Kelly and Ben Hall.' Andrew Rule, author of The Chosen Few
Bank robber. Fugitive. Womaniser. Comedian. Postcard Bandit.
Fully revised and updated with exclusive anecdotes and pictures, this is the story of the man who became Australia's most feared bank robber and notorious prison breaker. Three times Brenden Abbott escaped custody, and for more than six years he evaded capture, hoodwinking the nation and strongarming millions of dollars.
Possessing enormous talents and chutzpah, Abbott proved quick to learn, quicker to joke and as cool as ice in the face of danger. After escaping under a hail of gunfire, he became the nation's most-wanted man, and following his recapture he was incarcerated in solitary confinement for years—perhaps longer than any other Australian.
But the 'Postcard Bandit' is more than a dramatised legend—a role he never encouraged. Now fighting for justice and freedom, Abbott is eager to be released to spend time with his son.
This is an extraordinary inside account, painstakingly researched by an experienced journalist over decades, and includes Abbott's own pithy recollections and reflections.
The authorised biography of notorious professional criminal Brenden Abbott chronicling his extraordinary life on the run and decades in maximum security.
'Pedley nails the true story of Australia's Dillinger, Brenden Abbott, whose life and crimes raise echoes that go all the way back to Ned Kell...
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3 reviews
Wade
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March 16, 2026
The man's a legend , set him free
About the author
Derek Pedley always aspired to write true crime. That opportunity came in 1997, when notorious bank robber Brenden Abbott escaped from prison. The result was No Fixed Address, which was later adapted into the telemovie Postcard Bandit. After gaining exclusive access to Abbott following his recapture, he wrote Australian Outlaw, a biography chronicling the fugitive's extraordinary life. His third book, Dead By Friday, explored a chilling suburban contract killing from 2001.
His memoir, Crazy Bastard, detailed his experience of forced adoption and led him to reclaim his birth name, Abe Maddison.
Following a 30-year career as a Journalist at The West Australian and The Advertiser in Adelaide, Maddison now serves as the South Australian correspondent for Australian Associated Press.
His memoir, Crazy Bastard, detailed his experience of forced adoption and led him to reclaim his birth name, Abe Maddison.
Following a 30-year career as a Journalist at The West Australian and The Advertiser in Adelaide, Maddison now serves as the South Australian correspondent for Australian Associated Press.
Derek Pedley always aspired to write true crime. That opportunity came in 1997, when notorious bank robber Brenden Abbott escaped from prison. The result was No Fixed Address, which was later adapted into the telemovie Postcard Bandit. After gaining exclusive access to Abbott following his recapt...
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