Killers of the Flower Moon

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. As the death toll rose, the newly created FBI took up the case, and the young director, J. Edgar Hoover, turned to a former Texas Ranger named Tom White to try to unravel the mystery. White put together an undercover team, including a Native American agent who infiltrated the region, and together with the Osage began to expose one of the most chilling conspiracies in American history.

“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 is a non-fiction book written by David Grann, published in 2017. The book explores a dark chapter in American history, focusing on a series of murders that occurred in the early 20th century within the Osage Nation, a Native American tribe located in Oklahoma. The murders were linked to the discovery of oil on Osage land, leading to a series of complex investigations that eventually played a role in the establishment of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Grann skillfully weaves together historical research, investigative journalism, and narrative storytelling to uncover the chilling events that unfolded within the Osage community. The book sheds light on the systemic greed and corruption that emerged as a result of the newfound wealth from oil reserves beneath Osage land. As tribal members began to be killed off one by one, often through sinister means like poisoning and bombings, the author delves into the intricacies of the investigations that followed.

The narrative not only explores the crimes and their impact on the Osage community but also examines the efforts of law enforcement officials, including the early days of the FBI, as they worked to uncover the truth behind the killings. The book also touches on the role of J. Edgar Hoover in shaping the FBI and how these cases played a significant role in defining the agency’s mission.

Killers of the Flower Moon is a meticulously researched work that presents a gripping account of a forgotten chapter in American history. Grann’s writing style immerses readers in the time period and the events, allowing them to feel the fear, tension, and injustice experienced by the Osage people. The book raises important questions about the exploitation of marginalized communities and the lengths to which individuals and institutions will go to protect their interests.

One potential criticism is that some readers might find the book’s pacing slow at times, as Grann delves deep into historical details, personal backgrounds, and investigative procedures. However, this level of detail is necessary to fully understand the complexity of the crimes and their aftermath.

In conclusion, Killers of the Flower Moon is a powerful and thought-provoking book that uncovers a dark period of American history while highlighting the resilience of the Osage people in the face of adversity. It’s a compelling read for those interested in true crime, history, and social justice issues.

Other books by this author: