In Killers of the Flower Moon, David Grann tells the story of a series of murders that took place in Osage County, Oklahoma, between 1921 and 1923. In these killings, dozens of people were murdered in what came to be known as the Osage Reign of Terror. The FBI was eventually summoned to help solve the crimes and bring the killers to justice. This is an excellent example of true crime writing at its best.
For who is this book for ?
Killers of the Flower Moon is a fascinating and well-researched look at a series of murders that took place in Oklahoma back in 1921. The book tells the story of how the FBI was eventually brought in to help solve the crimes, and it offers an excellent example of true crime writing at its best. This would be an ideal read for fans of murder mysteries or thrillers, as well as anyone with an interest in American history.
Pros :
- The book is meticulously researched and Grann obviously put a lot of effort into making sure the facts are correct.
- The story is extremely well written and Gripping from start to finish.
- Grann does an excellent job of weaving the personal stories of the victims and perpetrators together to create a cohesive narrative.
Cons :
- The book is quite dense and can be difficult to get through at times.
- The author peppers the text with too many personal details that don’t really add much to the story.
- There is a lot of information included in the book, which can lead to readers feeling overwhelmed
Learn more about the author
David Grann is a staff writer at The New Yorker and the author of four previous books, including The Lost City of Z. He has been awarded two National Magazine Awards and a George Polk Award.
Reader Reviews
“A masterful work of nonfiction crime writing and historical detection.”
“This is an excellent example of true crime writing at its best. Grann has done extensive research on the case and tells it in a way that is suspenseful and engaging.”
“Killers of the Flower Moon is a masterfully written work of historical detection that unearths the worst mass murder in American history. In Grann’s hands, it also becomes something more – a portrait of evil whose implacable face stares out from across eight decades.”
“Killers of the Flower Moon is a riveting true crime story and masterful work of investigative journalism. With the skill of a novelist, Grann brings to life the Osage Indians in early 20th century Oklahoma Territory, their murders at the hands of oilmen who wanted their land and mineral rights, and the birth of J. Edgar Hoover’s FBI.”
