This book covers a very important piece of history that I would assume most people are undereducated about. It does so in a very approachable and well written way, but it very much centers the white people’s stories—following the white detective, murderers, and suspects in depth at the expense of some of the victims stories. That being said, it is well worth the read as long as you keep that in mind throughout. 

I could not put this down. I finished in less than 48 hours. Even having already watched the movie (which I loved), this book still left me gasping and in tears. The book has a much broader scope and obviously gets into the weeds more than the movie. They are two separate entities for sure (I mean, obviously -- one is nonfiction and the other is a dramatized account). 

LOVE the way the book is divided up and I love the self-reflexive nature of the last third. Hearing about the author's experience performing research and talking to relatives of victims and seeing how these harrowing events have impacted the future is stunning. This is the kind of history we need to be reading about -- the absolutely systemic and widespread nature of these murders exemplifies so much about how America operates. It definitely makes me want to read more about the west/southwest United States around the turn of the century, particularly from indigenous perspectives. Will be seeking out Osage authors writing about the reign of terror for sure. One of those stories that, unfortunately, is not at all surprising, but terrifying nonetheless. 

Excellent and thorough account of the atrocities committed against the Osage nation in the 1920s. Well written, interesting, and thought provoking.