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

I am so grateful for the historians, journalists, and writers who are willing to dig through archives and forgotten records to bring stories like this to light. Killers of the Flower Moon is a powerful reminder that some of the most important parts of history have been overlooked for far too long. What struck me most is that these events occurred within my own lifetime. That realization left me feeling a little unsettled. Growing up, I was always interested in learning about marginalized communities, yet this story was never part of the history I was taught. I wish our education did a more thorough job of presenting an honest, complete account of our past and helping us understand its lasting impact on human rights. This book has been a meaningful addition to my understanding of humanity as it has existed during my lifetime. It reminded me that learning history isn’t about assigning guilt—it’s about seeking truth, honoring those whose stories were ignored, and becoming better informed and more compassionate citizens.

Fascinating! I grew up less than an hour away from where all of this took place and never once was taught anything about it.

Until I read this book, I had never heard of the Osage murders. Once I started reading, I was outraged at the numbers of suspected murders that were never investigated. This country has and continues to abuse its indigenous people. We should at least record their history.

Well researched and disturbing. I had never heard of the Osage Reign of Terror before and it is so appalling that it lasted so much longer than the FBI declared, and that it was all made possible by racist requirements for guardianship. I thought the book was respectful toward the dead and their descendants, and the writing itself moved quickly enough that it toed the line well between a historical recap and true crime.

So well researched and written. And I loved the personal touch in the third section.