1. What were your initial impressions of the book's title, "Killers of the Flower Moon"? How did it relate to your expectations for the story?

2. Discuss the historical and cultural context of the Osage Indian murders. How did the government's policies and actions toward Native Americans impact the events in the book?

3. Throughout the story, the descriptions and characterizations of certain individuals evolved as the events unfolded. How did the depiction of the following characters change throughout the narrative:
• Mollie Burkhart?
• Ernest Burkhart?
• William Hale?
• Tom White?

4. Commenting on the trial of Ernest Burkhart, a prominent member of the Osage tribe said: “It is a question in my mind whether this jury is considering a murder case or not. The question for them to decide is whether a white man killing an Osage is murder – or merely cruelty to animals.” Do you believe his perspective is valid? To what extent was it proven or disproven in the course of the trial?

5. The press, and investigative journalism were almost omnipresent throughout this narrative. What kind of role did the media play in the story?

6. How well do you think this book depicted the impact of murder on the victim’s closest people who are left behind to grapple with the aftermath?

7. Consider the role of family and community in the book. How did the crimes affect the bonds within the Osage community, and how did they come together to seek justice?

8. In the words of one Osage community member, “We may not realize it, but it is there, especially if it was a family member that was killed. You just have it in the back of your head that you don’t trust anybody.” In your opinion, how much did the Osage murders, or the reign of terror, impact subsequent generations of the Osage people?

9. The author delved in with some detail on the early development of the FBI, did you find these details interesting? Did they enhance or detract from the narrative, the book’s atmosphere, or your experience as a reader?

10. The final part of the book discusses the multitudes of Osage murder cases that were left open or unpursued, why do you think this happened?

11. What do you think the author wanted readers to take away from "Killers of the Flower Moon"? What lessons or insights can we gain from this dark chapter in American history?