In the 1920s, the richest people per capita in the world were members of the Osage Nation in Oklahoma. After oil was discovered beneath their land, the Osage rode in chauffeured automobiles, built mansions, and sent their children to study in Europe.
Then, one by one, the Osage began to be killed off. The family of an Osage woman, Mollie Burkhart, became a prime target. One of her relatives was shot. Another was poisoned. And that was just the beginning, as more and more Osage were dying under mysterious circumstances, and many of those who dared to investigate the killings were themselves murdered.
“History is a merciless judge. It lays bare our tragic blunders and foolish missteps and exposes our most intimate secrets, wielding the power of hindsight like an arrogant detective who seems to know the end of the mystery from the outset.”
“Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI” by David Grann is a masterfully researched and written book that sheds light on a dark and disturbing chapter in American history. The story is a fascinating and haunting account of the systematic murder of Osage Native Americans in the 1920s, and the subsequent investigation that led to the birth of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as we know it today.
Grann’s writing is engaging and immersive, drawing the reader into the world of the Osage Nation, where oil discoveries had made them some of the wealthiest people in the world. However, this newfound wealth came with a terrible cost, as greedy and ruthless individuals, including family members and government officials, began to conspire against the Osage, using murder, blackmail, and intimidation to gain control of their land and resources.
The author’s meticulous research and attention to detail are evident throughout the book, as he weaves together a complex narrative that involves corrupt lawmen, bootleggers, and even a famous lawman, Tom White, who would later become a key figure in the FBI. Grann’s writing is not only informative but also evocative, conveying the sense of fear, mistrust, and desperation that pervaded the Osage community during this period.
One of the most striking aspects of the book is the way Grann highlights the institutional racism and corruption that allowed these atrocities to occur. The Osage were subjected to a form of “guardianship” system, where white guardians were appointed to manage their finances, which often led to exploitation and theft. The book also exposes the complicity of local law enforcement and government officials, who turned a blind eye to the killings or were actively involved in the conspiracies.
The investigation into the Osage murders, led by a young J. Edgar Hoover and his team of agents, is a fascinating and suspenseful part of the book. Grann’s portrayal of Hoover is nuanced, showing a man who was both driven by a desire for justice and ambitions for power. The investigation itself was a groundbreaking effort, using innovative techniques such as forensic analysis and undercover operations to uncover the truth behind the murders.
Overall, “Killers of the Flower Moon” is a riveting and thought-provoking book that is both a historical true crime story and a commentary on the darker aspects of American society. Grann’s writing is superb, making the book an engaging and unforgettable read. This is a must-read for anyone interested in American history, true crime, or the FBI, and is an important reminder of the ongoing struggles of Native American communities for justice and equality.
Recommendation: If you’re interested in true crime, American history, or the FBI, this book is a must-read. However, be prepared for a disturbing and haunting account of violence and exploitation.