Is A Walk Among The Tombstones Based On A True Story?

Among the many action-packed entries under Liam Neeson's belt following his iconic turn as phone-negotiating hardcase Bryan Mills in the "Taken" franchise, "A Walk Among the Tombstones" is deemed one of his more enjoyable entries. Earning a 68% on Rotten Tomatoes, the film tells the story of former NYPD detective-turned-private investigator Matthew Scudder who hits the New York streets after being given a case laced with corruption and blood.

Following the kidnapping and murder of his wife, a drug trafficker (Dan Stevens) turns to Scudder for help to find out who is responsible. The job naturally comes with a body count that only grows as he concludes and confirms (as with all shady crime thriller cases) that things are not as they seem. Given the core character is a cop that's gone independent, it's a wonder just how much of "A Walk Among the Tombstones" holds truth. Plenty of classic thrillers have either been inspired or had the guidance of on-set law enforcement to give the story a real edge. With that in mind, just how much is there, if any, in this overlooked Neeson flick? Well, as it turns out, not much — just like the other over 20 stories Matthew Scudder has appeared in.

Based on the book of the same name from 1992, "A Walk Among the Tombstones" is a fictional story written by revered mystery writer Lawrence Block. The tenth book containing Block's beloved private investigator, it's the second effort to adapt the character for the big screen after the 1986 film "8 Million Ways to Die" starring Jeff Bridges, which didn't earn the same level of success. Following its $18 million budget, the film was a box-office bomb, earning only over $1 million following its release (via The Numbers). 

While the characters and story in Neeson's movie are fictional, the authenticity regarding Scudder's cases does hold some truth. The ex-cop walks the same streets as the New York-based writer, and as a result, the geography of his adventures does line up. Unfortunately, as for everything else involved, "A Walk Among the Tombstones" is just another of many creations from Block, himself.

"A Walk Among the Tombstones" is available to stream on Netflix, among many other top thrillers.