Killers of the Flower Moon
Grann, DavidWhen the Osage Indians were relocated from their ancestral lands to Oklahoma, huge wealth was on the cards when oil was discovered under their new reservation. But it was not long before dozens of members of the tribe started to die in mysterious circumstances. When the people investigating the deaths are also killed, it is the nascent FBI, under the directorship of the young J. Edgar Hoover, who steps into the breach and exposes a chilling conspiracy.
This is a detailed and fascinating story of the early FBI and the shocking real events of the 1920s American West whose legacy remains with the Osage tribe today.
Pages
338
338
Year
2017
2017
Reviews
20-07-2023
Not a book to be enjoyed - rather a compelling read. Everyone was glad they had read it, as we learned a lot about a subject we knew very little of.
08-05-2023
This is an astonishing story of white supremacy and maltreatment of fellow humans. Very small print but most members were pleased they got to hear the story.
20-04-2023
A great read and harrowing story, but an important piece of history to learn through a well-told tale. FAB!
09-01-2023
Everyone found this book an interesting read that covered an historical event no one in the group had heard of. Good discussion book.
21-11-2022
The topic was unknown but hugely interesting. The scale of corruption and racial prejudice was so overwhelming. We are left with our own consciences to judge where we sit today and where society is heading.
08-11-2022
A very interesting part of history but not an easy/captivating read.
18-07-2022
None of our group were aware of the history of the Osage Nation and the injustices they suffered. We are better informed for having read the book and appreciated the many photographs. However diverse views expressed on the writing style and readability.
03-11-2021
All our group thought this book was enthralling and well-written, with amazing detail in the research the author undertook. A very good glimpse into a particularly disastrous period of US history in Oklahoma, with far reaching impact. We also thought the many photos throughout the book gave us a real 'feel' for the people.
15-09-2021
We all thought it was an important book to read, as most of us had no knowledge of the Osage tribe or the tragedies they suffered. We felt that the writing was "all over the place" and there was no real conclusion. We look forward to the movie.
28-06-2021
All read this book and found it quite fascinating, but it was also a disturbing book with regards to how the Osage people were treated. It was also interesting how none of us had heard about it. Fascinating about the FBI, and how the phrase PI came about.
31-05-2021
Those who read it loved it. Detective story; very well-written and lyrical. Not a factual account. Indian first nation perspective. Much more than researching the event of grand scale ethnic cleansing, and manipulation of Indians by whites...
29-03-2021
Beautifully written, well researched. Research very cleverly integrated into the story. Contrast of how people (eg. Hale) presented, and the length they are prepared to go for gain. The book prompted good in depth discussion. Length and complexity of questions reflected the strength of the book.
08-03-2021
None of us had ever heard of the Osage Indians prior to reading this book. While on one hand it was hard to believe that this level of corruption happened and went unchecked for so long, the unfortunate thing is that this still happens and not just in the USA. Prompted discussion about how indigenous people have been and still are being treated as inferior and not able to manage their own land/money etc. Thought provoking in the extreme. Very well researched and as a group we plan to see the movie.
25-11-2020
Enlightening and thought provoking.
28-09-2020
Great story, but told a bit stolidly. Shocking, but generated a lot of enthusiastic discussion.
26-08-2020
Everyone really enjoyed reading this book, in part, because it is about something they knew nothing about. It led to discussions ranging from the rights of the Indigeous people of the USA and to different ways to view the environment, through to Hoover and the FBI. We all commented on the amount of research that was needed to put this story together.
26-08-2020
Interesting bit of American history none of us knew about.
05-08-2020
We really enjoyed this book, if enjoyed is the right word. It was well-written; hard to believe that people can be so greedy. Looking forward to the movie.
22-05-2020
Two of us loved it - the rest not so much.