70 pages • 2 hours read
David GrannKillers of the Flower Moon
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2017A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann recounts the 1920s Reign of Terror, during which members of the Osage Nation in Oklahoma were murdered for their oil wealth, often under mysterious circumstances, as authorities and private agencies failed to solve the crimes. Tom White and the Bureau of Investigation eventually uncovered evidence implicating prominent local figures, including William Hale and the Burkhart brothers. The book also explores Grann's research into the prolonged and pervasive nature of these killings. The narrative describes extreme violence and racist anti-Indigenous stereotypes.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
David Grann's Killers of the Flower Moon provides a gripping narrative of the Osage murders in the 1920s, praised for its meticulous research and compelling storytelling. While some critics find the extensive historical detail occasionally overwhelming, the book's powerful exploration of systemic corruption and racial injustice receives overwhelming acclaim. A must-read for true crime and history enthusiasts.
Who Should Read Killers of the Flower Moon?
A reader who enjoys meticulously researched historical narratives and crime investigations would be captivated by Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann. Fans of Erik Larson’s The Devil in the White City or Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood will appreciate the blend of true crime and historical insight.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
1090L