Unveiling the Osage 'Reign of Terror': Grann's 'Killers of the Flower Moon' Exposes Dark Conspiracy
April 29, 2025
During this period, many Osage individuals were murdered through shootings, poisonings, and staged accidents, a dark chapter referred to as the 'Reign of Terror.'
Grann's compelling narrative is bolstered by extensive research, utilizing primary and unpublished sources along with period photographs to enhance the story.
'Killers of the Flower Moon' by David Grann explores the tragic Osage murders and the formative years of the FBI, highlighting the rampant greed and violence that afflicted the Osage Nation during the 1920s.
The Osage Indian Nation's immense wealth, derived from oil reserves, made its members vulnerable to exploitation and violence from unscrupulous individuals.
The local law enforcement's corruption and incompetence allowed these heinous crimes to persist until the FBI, under J. Edgar Hoover, intervened to bolster its image.
The narrative follows Special Agent Tom White as he investigates the murders of an Osage family, set against a backdrop of greed, bigotry, and systemic corruption.
Grann uncovers a broader conspiracy involving local elites, revealing a complex web of deceit that extended well beyond the initial murders.
'Killers of the Flower Moon' was published in April 2017 and has garnered numerous accolades, including recognition as one of Kirkus Reviews' Best Books of 2017 and a finalist for the National Book Award.
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Univ. Press of Florida • Apr 29, 2025
ON A RISING SWELL | Kirkus Reviews