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

by David Grann
Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI cover
Good Books rating 4.35
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Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99–£10.99
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  • ID: 860
  • Added: 2025-09-21
  • Updated: 2026-03-04
  • Formats: 44
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
John Walters Writer · 2024-07-27
thought-provoking 4.30

The book presents a complex story with skill and acuity, ensuring readers are never lost in the intricate details. It is a well-crafted and engaging narrative.

This reviewer praises the author's ability to present a complex story with skill and acuity, ensuring that readers are never lost in the intricate details. They find the book to be a well-crafted and engaging narrative that effectively conveys the gravity of the events. The reviewer appreciates the depth of the research and the way the story is presented, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read. They highlight the book's ability to build suspense and intensity with each passing chapter, making it a page-turner despite the heavy subject matter.

Quick quotes

    It is a complex story, but Grann presents it with skill and acuity so that readers are never lost in the maze of plots and subplots.

    Really good writing, clear and concise.

    Definite page-turner, even if I had watched the movie and knew the events, the book explains so many details.

voyager-online.org · Unknown · 2023-11-07
captivating 4.50

The book, though not widely popular, is a captivating true crime story that leaves readers on the edge of their seats. Grann's journalistic style and thorough research make it a must-read for history and true crime enthusiasts.

Killers of the Flower Moon is a compelling read that delves into the horrific murders of the Osage people in the 1920s and the formation of the FBI. David Grann's journalistic background shines through in his short, choppy, and easy-to-digest writing style. Despite his neutral tone, he manages to create a gripping narrative that keeps readers engaged. The book leaves many questions unanswered, reflecting the FBI's own unresolved mysteries. Grann's exploration of Osage County and interviews with descendants highlight the lasting impact of these crimes. This book is highly recommended for those interested in history and true crime, offering a chilling look at a dark chapter in American history.

Quick quotes

    Grann is a master at leaving you on the edge.

    Even though the majority of the questions are answered. A lot of questions were left unanswered.

    This book is a must read for anyone interested in history, as well as anyone interested in a little bit of true crime.

Bookmarks Reviews · Dwight Garner · 2017-04-28
devastating 4.50

This is a powerful and devastating read that is more fascinating than entertaining. It is a book that will stay with the reader long after finishing.

Dwight Garner describes this book as a powerful and devastating read, emphasizing that it is more fascinating than entertaining. They appreciate the depth of the research and the way the story is presented, making it a compelling and unforgettable experience. The reviewer notes that the book is not light reading but is a crucial piece of history that needs to be acknowledged. They highlight the outrageous and devastating nature of the events described, making it a book that will stay with the reader long after finishing.

Quick quotes

    The result is a powerful book — not entertaining, no, but fascinating; an outrageous, devastating read.

    An amazing book that builds in suspense and intensity with each passing chapter.

    It is a complex story, but Grann presents it with skill and acuity so that readers are never lost in the maze of plots and subplots.

Goodreads · 2017-04-18
shattering 4.10

This book is a stark reminder of a dark chapter in American history. It is a compelling and necessary read that should be discussed widely.

This review highlights the book as a powerful and unsettling account of a largely overlooked period in American history. The reviewer emphasizes the importance of this story being taught and discussed, suggesting it should be compulsory reading. They find the book to be a stark reminder of the injustices faced by the Osage people, and the reviewer's sentiment is one of shock and a call to action for greater awareness.

Quick quotes

    What a horrible stain on our history.

    I wish it was a compulsory book for high school kids to read and discuss today.

    A shattering history of oil greed, racism and serial murder targeting the Osage Indians is uncovered.

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