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

The Killers of the Flower Moon is based on historical occurrences, and although it deviates from conventional anecdotes, it does relate tragic and compelling true experiences.

An important story from the book is the marriage of Mollie Burkhart, an Osage lady whose family was the focus of a plot to seize control of the wealth of the Osage Nation. Mollie’s mother passed away under questionable circumstances, and her sisters were murdered. Mollie turned out to be a pivotal player in the inquiry that ultimately resulted in the establishment of the FBI.

Such accounts of those impacted by the Osage killings and the ensuing investigations abound in the book. With its revelation of bigotry, corruption, and the exploitation of the Osage people, it opens a sad chapter in American history. I suggest reading the book if you’re looking for a thorough explanation of this historical era to better understand the individuals and events that took place.

David Grann is an acclaimed novelist with a #1 New York Times bestselling book and a staff writer at The New Yorker magazine. He is the writer of the highly praised novels “The Wager,” “The Lost City of Z,” and “Killers of the Flower Moon,” the latter of which was a finalist for the National Book Award. In addition, he has authored “The White Darkness” and the compilation “The Devil and Sherlock Holmes: Tales of Murder, Madness, and Obsession.” 

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

1. Systemic Injustice: The failure of the legal and law enforcement systems to protect the Osage people is one of the many examples of systemic injustice and corruption that the book reveals.
2. Exploitation of Indigenous people: Indigenous peoples have historically been used and victimized for financial benefit, in this case, the Osage Nation. This is made clear throughout the narrative.
3. Impact of Oil Wealth: The discovery of oil on Osage grounds results in tremendous wealth and, shortly after, a string of killings, underscoring the nuanced ramifications of abrupt affluence.
4. Government Betrayal: The government betrayed the Osage people, which allowed corruption to spread across their community and neglected to offer proper security.
5. Racism and prejudice: Throughout history and about the killings, the book discusses the pervasive racism and bias against the Osage people.
6. Power Dynamics: Examining power dynamics, the book demonstrates how those in positions of authority have exploited their influence to take advantage of weaker societies.
7. FBI founded: The Federal Bureau of Inquiry (FBI) was founded partly due to the Osage murder inquiry, which highlights the agency’s early beginnings.
8. Legal and Judicial Failures: The story emphasizes how the legal and judicial systems have failed to uphold the rights of the Osage people and administer justice.
9. Cultural Disruption: The Osage culture was significantly impacted by the oil boom and the ensuing affluence, which upended traditional ways of life and fostered conflict within the society.
10. True Crime Investigation: The book chronicles an actual crime investigation highlighting the difficulties and discoveries encountered in resolving a convoluted string of killings.
11. Family and Community Resilience: The Osage families and community demonstrated resilience and tenacity in pursuing justice in extreme adversity.
12. Ethical Dilemmas: The story explores people’s decisions in a community marred by murder and corruption, posing ethical questions.
13. Greed and Violence: The story highlights the hazardous combination of greed and violence as people turn to murder to further their financial interests.
14. Trauma Legacy: The Osage killings caused a community-wide trauma that persisted for a long time, mirroring the broader effects of past crimes against Indigenous peoples.
15. Historical Awareness: The book emphasizes how important it is to comprehend and give recognition to historical events, especially those that have been hidden or disregarded.

The book offers a powerful and tragic account of the Osage murders, focusing on Mollie Burkhart and her family’s ordeal. It highlights the widespread bigotry, corruption, and exploitation faced by the Osage people, ultimately leading to the formation of the FBI. The narrative not only uncovers a dark chapter in American history but also emphasizes the resilience and pivotal role of individuals like Mollie. This book is recommended for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of this historical period and its impact on the Osage Nation.

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A multi-award-winning blogger and advocate for OFWs and investment literacy; recipient of the Mass Media Advocacy Award, Philippine Expat Blog Award, and Most Outstanding Balikbayan Award. Her first book, The Global Filipino Bloggers OFW Edition, was launched at the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait. A certified Registered Financial Planner of the Philippines specializing in the Stock Market. A recognized author of the National Book Development Board of the Philippines. Co-founder of Teachers Specialist Organization in Kuwait (TSOK) and Filipino Bloggers in Kuwait (FBK). An international member of writing and poetry. Published more than 10 books.  Read more: About DiaryNiGracia