4 min read

Killers of the Flower Moon: Summary

Everything you need to know about David Grann's Killers of the Flower Moon, in 1 paragraph.
An illustration of a reader enjoying Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann in a cosy interior
A reader enjoying Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann
Killers of the Flower Moon is a non-fiction book by David Grann about the systematic murder of the members of the Osage Nation in Oklahoma in the 1920s. The Osage Nation had become extremely wealthy from oil rights and other investments, but many of their members were mysteriously killed for their wealth. This sparked an investigation by the newly formed Federal Bureau of Investigation which uncovered a sinister plot involving murder-for-hire, bribery, and corruption at the highest levels. Ultimately, justice was served and those responsible were brought to justice.

Want to know more?

What is Killers of the Flower Moon about?

Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann is a true-crime non-fiction book which tells the story of the murder of members of the Osage Indian Nation from 1921 to 1926 in Oklahoma. The book follows the investigation into these killings and the eventual arrest of some of the suspects. The key themes that Killers of the Flower Moon deals with include racism, exploitation, injustice, and greed. The Osage Nation was targeted because of their wealth, as they had become very prosperous due to oil discoveries on their land. The book also examines how systemic racism and discrimination allowed white people to take advantage of the Osage and rob them of their wealth. Furthermore, it shows how justice was often denied to Native Americans at that time, as law enforcement refused to investigate or prosecute these murders. Finally, Killers of the Flower Moon looks at how greed can lead people to commit terrible crimes in pursuit of power and money.

Killers of the Flower Moon: Book Club Questions

  1. What were the main themes explored in the book?
  2. How did the Osage people’s culture and way of life differ to that of their white counterparts?
  3. Do you think the authorities at the time should have done more to protect the Osage people from exploitation?
  4. What do you think is the significance of the title, ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’?
  5. Did you find any particular character or characters particularly compelling?
  6. In your opinion, what was the most significant event or development in the story?
  7. How did David Grann use language to convey the emotions and experiences of those involved in this tragedy?
  8. In what ways did Grann attempt to shed light on a period of US history that is often overlooked?
  9. Why do you think it took so long for justice to be served in this case?
  10. What do you think David Grann was trying to convey through his writing about this incident and its aftermath?

What to say about Killers of the Flower Moon

  • I found the narrative of Killers of the Flower Moon to be extremely compelling and well-crafted.
  • The characters were complex and engaging, and I found myself captivated by the story.
  • The setting was beautifully described and created a vivid picture in my mind.
  • It was an eye-opening account of the injustices faced by Native Americans during this time period.
  • I thought David Grann's exploration into the Osage murders was remarkable and masterfully executed.
  • His research and dedication to uncovering the truth was admirable and inspiring.
  • The way he intertwined fact with fiction was incredibly engaging and kept me hooked throughout the book.
  • I think this book is a must-read for anyone interested in American history or crime stories.
  • It provides a unique look into the past and sheds light on a dark chapter in our nation's history.
  • Killers of the Flower Moon is an incredibly powerful story that will stay with you long after finishing it!

Top 5 Quotes from Killers of the Flower Moon

  1. "They had killed the buffalo, and now they were killing the Indians."
  2. "The Osage had been warned that they must be careful of the white man, or he would take away everything they had."
  3. "In the end, it was murder for money—a conspiracy so fraught with deception and betrayal that even today it defies belief."
  4. "The darkness of the past is not as distant as we think."
  5. "Money makes men crazy. It's just a fact."

Adaptations of Killers of the Flower Moon

TV: -The Killers of the Flower Moon (2021) – a film adaptation of David Grann's book directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert DeNiro. Film: -Killers of the Flower Moon (2021) – A feature film adaptation of David Grann's book directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert DeNiro. Radio: - Killers of the Flower Moon Radio Podcast (2020) – A weekly podcast featuring discussions on the history and impact of the Osage murders, in addition to interviews with experts, victims' families, and other stakeholders. Podcast: -Killers of the Flower Moon Podcast (2020) – A podcast series dedicated to exploring the history, investigation, and legacy of the Osage Nation murders that took place in Oklahoma during the 1920s. The series features interviews with survivors, family members, historians, researchers, and other experts. Theatrical: -Killers of the Flower Moon (2021) – A stage adaptation of David Grann's book by playwright Scott Z. Burns. The production will debut at New York City's Public Theater in 2021.

Other books by David Grann

  • The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon
  • The Devil and Sherlock Holmes: Tales of Murder, Madness, and Obsession
  • The Old Man and the Gun and Other Tales of True Crime
  • The White Darkness
  • The Ghost of Shackleton's Captain: A True Story of Death at Sea
  • The Strange Fate of the Malabar Princess: An Incredible Story of Survival and Peril on the High Seas

Did you know?

💬

Killers of the Flower Moon is based on true events which occurred in 1920s Oklahoma, and it tells the story of a series of murders of members of the Osage Nation people.