The Postcard Bandit: The incredible true story of Australian outlaw Brenden Abbott

by Derek Pedley

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.

544 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 20, 2026

About the author

Derek Pedley's fourth book, CRAZY BASTARD, a memoir of his 1972 adoption,is published by Wakefield Press, under his originial name, Abraham Maddison. Two of his true crime books have been shortlisted for the Ned Kelly Awards. Abraham now works as a reporter for Australian Associated Press.

Reviews

[True Crime Bookcase · Rating 3 out of 5]

The only person besides Brenden Abbott himself who can truly tell the story of the man dubbed The Postcard Bandit is Derek Pedley. This book dives into the life and crimes of Abbott, from his early years to his notorious prison escapes and bank robberies that captured national attention. It pieces together his story largely through Brenden’s own accounts, building a detailed timeline of his criminal career.

I first read No Fixed Address by Derek Pedley 27 years ago and was instantly intrigued by the man known as The Postcard Bandit, so I was keen to revisit the story in this updated deep dive.

Pedley is without a doubt incredibly well-researched when it comes to Brenden Abbott and more. However, there were times when too many people were written into the narrative, making it hard to keep track of who was who. As a true crime reader, I like to clearly understand the story and all the key players, and that became challenging at points.

This reads like Derek has carefully constructed a timeline from Brenden’s yarns. While insightful, it was dense in places and unfortunately lacked that “couldn’t put it down” feel for me.

With that said, if The Postcard Bandit intrigues you, this one is worth the read.

An informative and thorough account, but not quite as gripping as I’d hoped.

[Joanne, drinker of tea, reader of books, servant to cats]

DNF.

Pages that are mostly comprised of quotes, does not a book, nor author make.

[Aussie · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐.95

This was very interesting read and i cant wait till i read more into this case. I love how this has a careful constructed a timeline from Brenden’s yarn that had me very interested

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting read. It’s clear that Abbott was a very clever guy. A shame he didn’t use that brain for good. It does seem pretty shit that he has spent a crazy amount of time in jail. Surely he has well and truly done his time.