The Mullendore Murder Case

by Jonathan Kwitny

The story of the biggest murder case in the history of northeastern E. C. Mullendore III, the 32-year old scion of the most famous family was murdered at his home on the Cross Bell Ranch in Osage County, Oklahoma in September, 1970. Still unsolved.

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime, Crime, Mystery, History

305 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1974

Reviews

[Gaytha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The characters are fantastic- larger than life. They're eccentric and ridiculous and it's hard to believe they're real people. My family is from the Osage and I grew up hearing stories about the Mullendores.

The book is a little heavy in the financials and sometimes you get a little lost in the who's who- especially because there were so many players involved. Still a very interesting read.

[Ryan Anthenat]

i retired oil man, now building houses with habitat for humanity told me about the murder and said i would dig the book. that's enough for me.

[Hannah: my_traveling_bookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really interesting but it dragged on for a bit at the beginning. This was my Local Story for my 2021 book challenge.

[Steven Sterling · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the most famous Murder Mysteries in Oklahoma history. This true crime murder has all the elements that make for a good story. The writing is concise and well researched. There are a lot of clues to sift through and perhaps some of the people are not always being honest. I read this years ago and then the follow up story about the same crime by a different author, Footsteps in the Dew, published recently.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very thorough research regarding the case. Only disappointment is we will never know for sure who committed the murder.

[Lauren Thoene · Rating 5 out of 5]

A classic “must read”, especially if you’re in Oklahoma. Wild story!

[Avis Black · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's possible to get completely lost in all the financial dealings of the murder case, but the last chapter after E. C. Mullendore is killed has to be read to be believed. The confusion and ineptitude on everyone's part is both astonishing and hilarious.

[Alyssa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a recount surrounding murder at a prominent Bartlesville area ranch. I enjoyed it merely for that fact. The validity of the author's sources remains in question to this day. It's a good read.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a good local read about a famous Oklahoma murder case, but it is sometimes tedious due to the journalistic style of the author. Some of the financial and legal details of the case are difficult to follow.

[Dale · Rating 5 out of 5]

True Oklahoma murder story. A coach at my school coached the murder victim at Pawhuska High School. Good story. The book is out of print.

[Patricia Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's been years since I read this book. I would like to read again if I can find a copy that doesn't cost an arm and a leg!