Read Between the Wines Book Club

Details:

• Date: September 16, 2025
• Time: 6pm → Happy Hour, 7pm → Dinner
• Ticket: Free
• Reservation: Required
• Book: Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann

Description:

Join us this month as we gather for an evening of bookish conversation, good company, and a glass of something delicious. We’ll be reading Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann.

Set in 1920s Oklahoma, the book unravels a chilling true story of greed, conspiracy, and violence that targeted the Osage Nation, whose oil wealth made them some of the richest people per capita in the world. Grann’s meticulous storytelling brings to light both the tragedy of the Osage murders and the birth of modern criminal investigation in the United States.

We’ll sip, relax, and share our reflections on this powerful book in a cozy setting perfect for conversation. Whether you’ve finished every page or are still working your way through, you’re welcome to join us.

Discussion Questions

• 1. Killers of the Flower Moon combines the fast pace of a true-crime mystery with the depth of narrative history. How does Grann balance these elements, and was it effective for you?

  2. What do the media reports on the Osage’s wealth reveal about white perceptions of Native Americans? How did these views shape law enforcement’s handling of the murders?

  3. How did U.S. government policies toward Native Americans affect individuals like Mollie Burkhart and her family? In what ways did the guardianship system and headrights contribute to corruption?

  4. What was your first impression of William Hale? How does Grann portray both his charm and his darker side? Why do you think he held so much influence?

  5. What were your thoughts on the beginnings of the FBI, especially Hoover’s role in using this case to transform the Bureau and his own image?

  6. In what ways did Tom White embody both the Old West lawman and the modern bureaucrat Hoover wanted? Would you consider him the hero of the book, or does that title belong to someone else?

  7. The marital and familial connections between murderers and victims were especially chilling. How do you explain Ernest Burkhart’s actions while remaining married to Mollie?

  8. During Hale’s trial, an Osage observer asked whether the jury viewed the killing of an Osage as “murder—or merely cruelty to animals.” Why does this statement still resonate today?

  9. What does the evidence Grann uncovered in 2012 reveal about the lasting legacy of the “Reign of Terror”?

  10. Are there modern examples of racial prejudice and injustice that parallel this story? How much has really changed in terms of law enforcement and societal attitudes?

  ---

  Additional Questions

  11. Did you know about the Osage murders before reading? Why do you think this history was forgotten?

  12. What did you think of Mollie Burkhart as a central figure? How did she navigate her heritage and assimilation into white culture while fighting for justice?

  13. When do you think Mollie began to suspect Ernest’s involvement in her family’s murders?

  14. How did the influx of white settlers, oil prospectors, and the guardianship system distinguish the Osage experience from that of other tribes?

  15. What is the significance of the murders of Barney McBride and W. W. Vaughan, who tried to help the Osage?

  16. How did you react to the depiction of law enforcement in the 1920s? What aspects of the Osage County situation made investigations especially chaotic?

  17. How were manufactured evidence, coerced testimony, and false confessions used to obstruct the truth? What role did private investigators and informants play?

  18. Who, beyond the direct conspirators, profited from or was complicit in the crimes? How did cultural norms enable corruption and silence?

  19. What does Grann’s portrait of J. Edgar Hoover reveal about his character and ambitions?

  20. What key takeaways did you leave with about U.S. history, Native American policy, or systemic injustice?

  21. Why do you think the Osage murders haven’t received the same cultural attention as other crimes from the early 20th century?

  22. How did Grann’s description of Lizzie’s death illustrate the impact of white culture on Osage spiritual traditions?

  23. Beyond Mollie’s family, there were other mysterious deaths never solved. What does this suggest about the broader scope of the crimes?

  24. What role did new forensic methods play in solving the case?

  25. Martin Scorsese adapted this story into a film. Which aspects do you think translate best to the screen, and what should not be left out?

  26. Did you like the book overall? What surprised or stuck with you the most?

Similar Events:

Piece & Pour Puzzle Night → Tuesday, September 23rd

Bottles & Board Games Night → Tuesday, October 7th

Sip & Cinema → Tuesday, October 14th

Read Between the Wines → Tuesday, October 21st

Sign Up:

Call: (417) 882-0399

Reserve Online