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A review by mkmcelroy
Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann
4.5
This book was a bone chilling account of the Osage Murders that takes the reader through key perspectives of the time period and present day. I appreciated the author’s structuring of the narrative, depicting first the confusion and fear of the time, giving proper context for the following FBI investigative piece.
Part 3 was, in my opinion, the best part of the book. It truly demonstrated the long lasting impacts of the Reign of Terror as well as addressing the wider, messier scope that the FBI account fails to address. Hearing from present day members of the Osage Nation was also a critically important piece to include and gave a small glimpse of how the families of the victims took charge of their own investigations. I would have liked to hear even more of their stories.
I have a few small gripes with the book including how much it focused on White and not getting to see enough of Mollie’s actions during the time.
I am still, however, impressed by how cohesively Grann managed to construct his narrative and lighten the academic load for the casual reader. Understanding the wider pattern of the Reign of Terror, he does an admirable job portraying the importance of key details without getting lost in them. Works like this are an important part of bringing into the public consciousness the parts of history that were willfully forgotten. And I am happy to see the success the book’s achieved.
Part 3 was, in my opinion, the best part of the book. It truly demonstrated the long lasting impacts of the Reign of Terror as well as addressing the wider, messier scope that the FBI account fails to address. Hearing from present day members of the Osage Nation was also a critically important piece to include and gave a small glimpse of how the families of the victims took charge of their own investigations. I would have liked to hear even more of their stories.
I have a few small gripes with the book including how much it focused on White and not getting to see enough of Mollie’s actions during the time.
I am still, however, impressed by how cohesively Grann managed to construct his narrative and lighten the academic load for the casual reader. Understanding the wider pattern of the Reign of Terror, he does an admirable job portraying the importance of key details without getting lost in them. Works like this are an important part of bringing into the public consciousness the parts of history that were willfully forgotten. And I am happy to see the success the book’s achieved.