Printable Book Club Questions for Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann

Did you know anything about the Osage murders prior to reading this novel? Why do you think these murders were forgotten?
The Osage came to Oklahoma, expecting to be left alone. But then after the discovery of oil on their land, they became extremely wealthy and also a target. In addition, the government installed a racist system—not allowing the Osage to spend their own money. Let’s talk about the ways the Osage tribe was failed and how they weren’t protected at all from what was to come.
Mollie Burkhart is a central figure in this novel. In many ways, she was caught between trying to honor her heritage while also being forced to assimilate to the white culture of Oklahoma. She was very intelligent and did everything in power to help solve the murders of her loved ones. Let’s talk about our thoughts on Mollie.
Why do you think William Hale had such an influence on the town and the larger community?
The crimes were so calculating and many times, the criminals would befriend and even marry and have children with those they targeted. But it went beyond that—doctors help to cover up the crimes, neighbors didn’t say anything, etc. Let’s discuss all of this.
When do you think Mollie started to suspect that her husband Ernest was involved in her family’s murders? Or do you think she believed he was innocent until he confessed during the trial?
Beyond Mollie’s family, there were other shootings and people dying of mysterious illnesses there were never solved. Let’s talk about this.
What were your thoughts as you read about the beginnings of the FBI? If they hadn’t taken the case, do you think Hale and the others would have gotten away with the murders?
What are some of the other key takeaways from this book?
Martin Scorsese is working on the movie version of this story that will star Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro. Which aspects of the story do you think will make it to the screen?