Killers of the Flower Moon

1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• What aspects of this story surprised you most? Which revelations about the systematic nature of these crimes had the greatest impact on your understanding of this historical period?
• Grann structures Killers of the Flower Moon in three distinct sections: the murders, the investigation, and his own research. How does this organization affect your reading experience? What insights does each section offer? How does it compare to other works of historical nonfiction that you’ve encountered?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

• Consider Mollie Burkhart’s position, discovering that her husband participated in the murders of her family members. How might you process such a profound betrayal of trust?
• The book illustrates how entire communities can become complicit in terrible crimes. What do you think motivates people to remain silent in such circumstances?
• Although racism certainly abetted the Osage murders, the ultimate motive for the crimes was monetary. Do you agree with the adage that money (or the love of it) is the root of all evil? Why or why not?
• Think about Tom White’s methodical investigation style. What can his approach teach you about seeking truth in your own life when confronted with difficult situations?

3. Societal and Cultural Context

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

• The book reveals how local law enforcement often protected the perpetrators rather than the victims. What lessons can contemporary police reform movements take from this history?
• Consider how the discovery of oil transformed the Osage Nation’s relationship with white society. How does this story illuminate the complex intersection of wealth, power, and racial discrimination?
• The author shows how newspapers of the era wielded racist stereotypes in their portrayals of wealthy Osage people. How have media representations of Indigenous peoples evolved—or not evolved—since the 1920s?
• How did reading about the guardian system affect your understanding of systemic discrimination? What modern parallels do you see to this type of institutional control?

4. Literary Analysis

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

• Analyze Grann’s portrayal of William Hale. How does the author build a complex portrait of this figure while avoiding simplistic villainization?
• Consider the symbolism of oil in the narrative. How does Grann use it to represent both promise and destruction for the Osage people?
• Examine how Grann transitions between different time periods in his narrative. How does this technique strengthen his argument about the lasting impact of these crimes?
• Analyze Grann’s decision to include his own research process in the final section. How does this choice alter your understanding of the previous chapters?

5. Creative Engagement 

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

• Imagine you are designing a memorial to honor the victims of the Osage murders. What elements would you include to help future generations understand both the crimes and their broader historical significance?
• If you could interview one person from this story, who would you choose and what three questions would you ask them? Consider both the historical figures and their descendants.

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