"Loved" feels like the wrong word to use when describing a film about multiple murders of Indigenous people in the early 1900s. But after receiving 10 Oscar nominations—including the first-ever Native American nominee, Lily Gladstone, and the most nominated living movie director, Martin Scorsese—"Killers of the Flower Moon" is certainly getting its due.
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The film, directed by Scorsese and starring Gladstone, Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Brendan Fraser, is based on the 2017 true crime non-fiction book "Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI" by David Grann. It details the horrific murders of members of the Osage Nation, a Native American tribe that became incredibly wealthy after oil was discovered on their land in Oklahoma. As white settlers and corrupt officials descended upon the area, dozens of Osage people were killed for their wealth, making it one of the most sinister and forgotten crimes in American history.
But Gladstone told Deadline that the Osage people haven't forgotten.
"Even though it's opening old wounds and bringing up traumas, that's a big step in the process of healing," the actress said. "And I think ultimately, art helps us do that, helps us process these horrendous histories in a way that is more living, is more animate and is more lasting."
After the release of "Killers of the Flower Moon," many people were left wanting more true crime stories that shed light on forgotten and marginalized communities. Luckily (and also, not so luckily), there are plenty of books out there that explore similar cases and bring attention to those who have been historically silenced.
If you want to continue learning about the impact of these crimes and the resilience of those affected, here are 10 titles to check out next.
'The Wager' by David Grann
Amazon
Grann's most recent piece of narrative nonfiction dives into the mutiny that occurred aboard the 1740 British vessel ship Wager. It's a violently colorful example of how human behavior shifts during extreme times and what it takes to survive in unimaginable circumstances.
'The Lost City of Z' by David Grann
Amazon
Another captivating read from Grann, this book explores the disappearance of British explorer Percy Fawcett and his search for an ancient city deep in the Amazon rainforest. Not only does the author investigate what happened to Fawcett, but he also details his own journey into the unforgiving jungle.
'Yellow Bird' by Sierra Crane Murdoch
Amazon
A missing oil worker prompts a search that spirals into a profound investigation of the oil industry in North Dakota, Native American land rights, and one woman's journey to understand her own identity. Lissa Yellow Bird, an activist, and unofficial private eye navigates her own demons while searching for a missing man.
'Highway of Tears' by Jessica McDiarmid
Credit: Amazon
In British Columbia, dozens of Indigenous women have gone missing or been found murdered along Highway 16, nicknamed the "Highway of Tears." McDiarmid delves into the individual cases and the systemic issues that have allowed this violence to continue for decades.
'Under the Banner of Heaven' by Jon Krakauer
Amazon
If you want to read true crime novels so captivating that the stories have been adapted for the silver screen, "Under the Banner of Heaven" is a must-read. It tells the disturbing story of two brothers, Ron and Dan Lafferty, who committed a double murder in the name of religious faith. And once you're finished reading, you can check out the Hulu miniseries based on the book that stars Andrew Garfield and Daisy Edgar-Jones.
'In the Spirit of Crazy Horse' by Peter Matthiessen
Amazon
In 1975, a shoot-out on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota resulted in two FBI agents and a Native American dead and four members of the American Indian Movement charged with murder. Matthiessen's book dives into the controversial case, painting a complex picture of both sides and exposing flaws within the justice system.
'Missing from the Village' by Justin Ling
Amazon
Cases involving marginalized communities are often overlooked by law enforcement, as seen in the tragic story of eight men who went missing from Toronto's gay community between 2010-2017. Ling uncovers a story of police neglect and institutionalized homophobia that allowed a killer to remain undetected for years.
'Radium Girls' by Kate Moore
Amazon
The true story of young women who worked in factories painting watch dials with radium paint that gave off an ethereal—and deadly—glow. Despite being told that it was safe, these women suffered horrific health consequences from the toxic substance. Moore's meticulously researched book sheds light on the exploitation of female workers and the fight for justice.
'The Devil in the White City' by Erik Larson
Amazon
Larson's investigative non-fiction book tells two parallel stories: that of Daniel Burnham, the architect behind Chicago's 1893 World Fair, and that of Henry H. Holmes, a serial killer who used the fair to lure his victims. The juxtaposition of beauty and horror makes this a chilling read.
'Devil in the Grove' by Gilbert King
Amazon
In 1949, four young Black men were falsely accused of raping a white woman in Florida. King's book follows the legal battle that ensued and how it became a pivotal case in the Civil Rights Movement. It also sheds light on the dangerous and violent tactics used by the KKK to intimidate and oppress marginalized communities—and the lawyer, Thurgood Marshall, who fought for justice.
