KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON by David Grann ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Another poignant read uncovering the chaos of the past. And one I just couldn’t put down.

The west (technically whatever’s past the Mississippi River in this case) was a near-lawless place. Now, living just a few hours away from Osage County and the tragedies that took place (a nod to the Kansas City mob popped up a few times, prompting wonder at what remnants might be found down the street), I still can’t believe or imagine what the world looked like back then. But this book does a perfect job trying.

No surprise after reading Grann’s Lost City of Z a few years ago, this belongs in the same tier as that and Devil in the White City. Those illuminating and gut-wrenching tales of time periods that could fill their own textbooks, yet hide dark secrets beneath the pages. It makes you wonder what kind of seedy underground will be researched and discovered in 100 years about today. God knows it’s there, somewhere. It never seems to go away.

Nothing beats a well-timed read, and this became a surprise same-but-different account of the government and white man’s abuse toward a people of color. A theme that’s been pounding for recognition harder than ever the last year. The more these personal stories of injustice are spread (this one to be made into a Leo DiCaprio movie soon), the better. This is one I highly doubt most people know about, and one not to be missed.

There’s characters to root for, characters to despise, a twisting narrative filled with mystery and terror, and the entire Osage tribe to thank for their openness in letting this story be told after a century of heartache. I’d recommend this to any reader of any kind, including myself for a second time, third time, fourth...

I’d struggle to find a better nonfiction—or fiction—thriller. And the best part is that it’s so much more.