The Danville Public Library will take another look at one of the most shocking Native American murder mysteries in the past century. Adult Book Discussion hosts Rose Sebouhian and Sean Smith will lead a discussion on the New York Times best-seller, “Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI,” on Monday, October 22, 6:30 p.m., in the Danville city council room, 512 South Market Street.
Journalist David Grann, the #1 New York Times best-selling author of “The Lost City of Z,” uses research, interviews, and photographs to shed light on a twisting, haunting true-life murder mystery about one of the most monstrous crimes in American history. After oil was discovered on their land in the 1920’s, the Osage Nation of Oklahoma suddenly became the richest people per capita. They built mansions, hired chauffeurs and traveled the world.
Then, one by one, the Osage were killed. The family of an Osage woman, Mollie Burkhart, became a prime target. One of her relatives was shot. Another was poisoned. And it was just the beginning, as more and more Osage were dying under mysterious circumstances, and many of those who dared to investigate the killings were themselves murdered.
As the death toll rose, the newly created FBI took up the case, and the young director, J. Edgar Hoover, turned to a former Texas Ranger named Tom White to try to unravel the mystery. White put together an undercover team, including a Native American agent who infiltrated the region, and together with the Osage began to expose one of the most chilling conspiracies in American history.
Copies of the book are available for checkout or can be reserved online or in person for pickup at any library location. Refreshments will be served. The program is free and open to the public.
For more information, call the Danville Public Library at 740-599-BOOK (2665), visit www.knox.net or email communityrelations@knox.net.