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

The mystery began with the disappearance of Anna Brown in May 1921. Her disappearance would coincide with the disappearance of Charles Whitehorn. Both were Osage Indians, both would be found murdered. Anna’s death would attract more attention, but her inquest, other than determining murder, was shoddy at best. Anna’s sister, Mollie Burkhart, wanted justice. Her connections through marriage led to an initial investigation that turned up possible suspects but little else. Soon other members of the tribe along with several townspeople would die untimely deaths, and the young FBI would take a second look at the deaths. J. Edgar Hoover’s Bureau would blaze a path through Oklahoma seeking answers. What they would find would lead to a sensational murder trial involving the depraved depths of greed. When the trial was over, justice would be served….Or would it?

The travails of the Native American people have been chronicled historically over many books. David Grann’s narration of a particularly heinous aspect of the subjugation of a native tribe is even more appalling. The shocking finds of years of investigation are the instances of murder for money carried out. This is a spectacular read with fascinating characters….Do not miss out! A new true-crime classic.