The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI: Examining the Killers of the Flower Moon

jhbandcats: David Grann is one of our greatest nonfiction authors alive. Every topic he chooses is brought to life no matter how many years have passed since the events took place. His writing is smooth and unobtrusive, describing the past in a matter-of-fact, approachable way. If history books had been like this in high school, we’d all have gone on to be scholars.

Killers of the Flower Moon is an especially difficult book to read, not because of the writing but because the subject is so painful. Grann documents how literally hundreds of Osage were murdered for riches in the early 20th C. As American Indians, their lives were worth less than that of dogs. An entire corrupt and venal society was arrayed against them. Well aware they were systematically being murdered, they had no recourse. The authorities, both political and legal, were complicit in the murders. No one would help save them from systematic eradication.

This is an excellent telling of a dark and shameful time in our history. If only this much attention had been paid a hundred years ago some of the Osage who were murdered might have lived.

United States on Nov 05, 2023

chirag mehta: Books was delivered in perfect condition

India on Nov 05, 2023

Robert R: Having both read the book and watched the movie, if you're trying to choose between the two, choose the book! (I know...big shocker.) In fact, I'll go further to say that if you really want to experience the full shock and horror of learning about these crimes, I would avoid the movie like the plague, read the book first, and only then watch the movie. Why? Because, as odd as it may seem, the movie completely lacks any of the suspense that is pulsing and pounding throughout this amazing book. What Mr Grann did with structuring of this story in his book is nothing short of breathtaking. Layers build upon layers, and with each death, we are completely taken by surprise and stunned at the brutality and hideousness of it all. Additionally, if you have been able to stay away from spoilers or trailers of the film, it isn't revealed until halfway through the book who is behind the Insidious crimes, and it is truly stunning to find out how deep the evil conspiracy runs.

But with the movie, we know who the culprit is within the first 10 minutes, because, in a truly headscratching choice, one of the primary killers is the main character.

As for the book, the sheer amount of...

United States on Nov 04, 2023

Mr. Michael Gover: An important story that needed to be told. The murderers should have served whole life terms, and it is appalling that they were ultimately released.

Not all known cases lead to prosecution. Even worse, looking at the astonishing number of unexplained deaths, the book makes a case that the number of murders was in the hundreds, not dozens. It is too late now, but if the book had come out in, say, the 1950s, it might have lead to more prosecutions.

It is a bit dry in tone. The author keeps to the facts and backs up what he says with references. I think this was the right thing to do.

If you want the atmosphere of what it was like in Osage county in the 1920s then do see the movie, which does the book justice. And if you have only seen the movie, now read the book.

It is a measure of the extent to which the movie holds your attention that very few of those in the cinema with me took a comfort break in three and a half hours.

United Kingdom on Oct 27, 2023

midwestlady: Nachdem ich vom neuen Scorsese Film gelesen, diverse Infos dazu (über die Indianer in Oklahoma) recherchiert habe und dann auf die tatsächliche Geschichte dahinter gestoßen bin, kam ich auf diesen „Tatsachenroman“, der eher ein Sachbuch ist. Die Hintergrundgeschichte der Morde an den Osage Frauen ist top recherchiert und gut erzählt und sogar mit Bildmaterial unterfüttert. Ich war erschüttert und bin froh über den Autor und seine Recherchen!

Germany on Oct 25, 2023

Linda: Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann is a well documented tale of the murders of 20 plus Osage Indians to steal their money. It took place in the early 1920’s and became known as the Reign of Terror. The land the Osage Indians were forced to live on was some of the richest oil reserves in the country. The Osage sold off some of the land but retained the mineral rights, thus they owned the oil. At one time they were the richest per capita people in the world.

The Federal Government determined the Indian was incompetent and created a guardianship situation where a white man was appointed to oversee the expenditures of the funds. In order to spend their own money for groceries or medicine or anything, the Indian had to meet with their guardian and get permission. When the killings began, two individuals were shot and their bodies left where they fell. The sheriff didn’t have any luck finding the killer. When a house blew up killing an Osage woman, her white husband, and a white maid, a group of Osage went to D.C. and appealed to the President to do something. The FBI was created to address the situation.

It is a gripping story. I was reading until 3 a.m. to get...

United States on Oct 24, 2023

FENERBAHÇE: "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann is a masterful piece of non-fiction. This compelling work of investigative journalism takes readers on a riveting journey through a dark and forgotten chapter of American history, where greed, injustice, and a thirst for power collided with the lives of the Osage Nation.

Grann's meticulous research and storytelling are second to none. He seamlessly blends historical accounts, true crime, and narrative non-fiction to create a gripping and immersive reading experience. The depth of his research is astounding, and he brings to light the horrifying and largely unknown conspiracy that plagued the Osage people during the early 20th century.

The characters in this book are vividly portrayed, making you feel the fear, desperation, and hope of the Osage as they battled the insidious 'Reign of Terror.' You'll also get to know the determined lawmen and investigators who sought justice for the victims.

But what truly sets this book apart is its exploration of the pervasive injustice and corruption that allowed these crimes to go unpunished for so long. "Killers of the Flower Moon" is not just a true crime narrative; it's a...

Germany on Oct 15, 2023

Amandeep: David Grann masterfully uncovers a chilling chapter of the past that reflects the true colors of human greed. As you turn the pages, you'll find yourself ensnared in a web of silent conspirators, where virtually every social element in the Osage community is complicit in a murderous system.

Grann's meticulous research and storytelling prowess make this book an engrossing and haunting exploration of one of America's most shameful episodes

India on Sep 29, 2023