In partnership with author Greg Hamilton, Thunderbolt, Scourge of the Ranges was launched last week in Uralla.

Using Mr Sinclair’s vast knowledge of Thunderbolt, his great-great uncle, the book reveals information never published before.

“It’s written as a novel but all the information in it is based on facts,” Mr Sinclair said.

“Things like conversations have obviously been created by the author, but all the events are based on facts.”

Public opinion is divided on Thunderbolt, with many arguing whether he was a misunderstood scoundrel or a low-down killer.

What cannot be argued is he had a major impact on life in Northern NSW in the 1860s.

In the book, Mr Sinclair said Thunderbolt, born Frederick Wordsworth Ward, was actually born in 1833, not 1835 or 1836, as most other authors who have written about the bushranger claim.

While simple facts such as where and when he was born may seem irrelevant compared to what Thunderbolt did later in life, it is articulate research which makes the book a worthwhile read.

Questions are asked of the NSW Police Force — were they a corrupt force out to get Thunderbolt?

Those questions are still being asked today.

Despite crimes being committed more than 140 years ago, Mr Sinclair said the NSW Police still refuse to make officers’ reports public today.

“If everything was clear cut and above board the police wouldn’t have an issue with the reports going public,” Mr Sinclair said.

“Obviously they’ve got something to hide.”

Asked why he finally decided to work with an author to tell his version of the Thunderbolt story, Mr Sinclair said it was just good timing.

“I’ve had heaps of emails and phone calls over the years with people wanting to write my story or put into a play etcetera,” he said.

“When I got the email from Greg, I think the timing was just right, I had enough information to the point I was confident in telling the story.”

So did Thunderbolt really get the bullet, as the NSW Police insist?

Or did the bushranger live to be an old man in America?

Thunderbolt, Scourge of the Ranges not only asks the questions, but also provides plenty of answers.