Killters of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murgers and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann

 Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and The Birth of the FBI by David Grann. Doubleday, 2017. Adult nonfiction.


There is oil in Oklahoma and in the 1920's, much of it was owned by Osage Indians. The "headrights" were passed through families, but shady people thought that the Osage were too childlike and couldn't manage their own money. So, guardians were appointed for many of the tribal people. When Mollie Burkhart's mother and two sisters are killed, it seems that Mollie may be the next target and that someone is trying to get the oil rights that belong to her family. It seems that others are also being targeted and vast amounts of money are at stake.


With over twenty-four deaths, the newly established FBI took over the investigations. The amount of corruption, cover-ups, and deliberately trying to throw them off the trail of the killers is amazing. Former Texas Ranger Tom White is put in charge and a trial that rivaled the Scopes Trial of the same era takes place. White becomes one of the heroes of the book.


David Grann has completed years of research in order to show that the killers were many more than first thought and involved more people very close to Mollie Burkhart's family than many would have believed. The last few chapters of his interviews with Native Americans whose families were destroyed by the killings show the determination and commitment that he gave to the topic. The novel is well written and he does a good job of keeping all the names and events in a comprehensible chronological timeline. The black-and-white photographs of key people and places enhance the narrative. This is a much needed look at a long ago time in history and a people whose rights were taken away and who were surrounded by secrets, murderous acquaintances, and corrupt officials.