Plot Summary of "Killers of the Flower Moon"
David Grann's "Killers of the Flower Moon" is a gripping non-fiction narrative that uncovers one of the most chilling conspiracies in American history. Set in 1920s Oklahoma, the book delves into the systematic murders of wealthy Osage Native Americans and the birth of the FBI. Let's break down this complex and haunting story.
The Osage Wealth
The story begins with the Osage tribe, who had been forcibly relocated to a seemingly worthless territory in Oklahoma. However, this land turned out to be sitting on some of the largest oil deposits in the United States.
NoteThe Osage became incredibly wealthy almost overnight, with oil money pouring in. They were considered the richest people per capita in the world during the 1920s.
"In 1923 alone, the tribe took in more than $30 million, the equivalent today of more than $400 million."
This newfound wealth, however, became a curse that would lead to a series of mysterious deaths within the tribe.
The Reign of Terror
As the plot unfolds, we learn about what came to be known as the "Reign of Terror." Osage tribe members began dying under suspicious circumstances:
- Mysterious illnesses
- "Accidental" shootings
- Explosions
"The world's richest people per capita were becoming the world's most murdered."Common Mistake
Many initially believed these deaths were isolated incidents or attributed them to the "Indian Curse." However, as Grann reveals, they were part of a sinister, organized plot.
Mollie Burkhart's Story
The narrative centers around Mollie Burkhart, an Osage woman whose family becomes the target of these murders. Grann uses her story to personalize the broader tragedy:
- Her sister Anna Brown is found shot in a ravine
