KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON The Osage Murders 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

            I listened to the audio version of David Grann’s book, Killers of the Flower Moon. It is an excellent, interesting book.

            The Osage were treated poorly by the whites. They were herded off to some nowhere land in Oklahoma. But then, oil was discovered on Osage land – and, the Osage maintained the mineral rights. As a result, the Osage became very wealthy. But then, Osage members were being murdered. Mollie Burkhart’s sister was shot; other members of her family were poisoned. Other members of the tribe were also murdered. Investigations were undertaken, but the murders were never resolved. J. Edgar Hoover eventually resumed the investigation with his nascent federal police, and it was this FBI investigation that finally began to unravel the truth.

            It is difficult to believe that Killers of the Flower Moon is nonfiction. It is difficult to believe that such egregious conduct on the part of authorities actually happened. It is difficult to believe that there are such heinous, vile people in the world who not only would do such unconscionable things to other people, but who also get away with such reprehensible conduct while maintaining appearances of respectability. Although Killers of the Flower Moon deals with these awful difficulties, and in this manner is unpleasant, it is well written, fascinating, and a “must read”.