I have two things to tell you, and the first is one you may well have already heard. The news broke around noon, and word of mouth got a big helping hand from the social media.
The second, not so much.
(1) A Walk Among the Tombstones, the tenth book in the Matthew Scudder series, is scheduled to begin filming in February. Scott Frank, who wrote the screen adaptation, will direct; the extraordinary Liam Neeson will star as Matthew Scudder.
I couldn’t be happier. Neeson as Scudder struck me as a wonderful idea back when I saw him portray Michael Collins in the eponymous film. I can’t think of anyone I’d rather see in the role.
(2) If you’ll look at the top of your screen, where each of the various pages of this blog site gets its own tab, you’ll see one that wasn’t there yesterday. It’s LB’s Bookstore, and I’m pleased to call it to your attention despite the fact that it’s very much a work in progress. For years I’ve had an online bookstore at my website, and a cumbersome thing it’s been; I’ve decided to replace it with an eBay store, and the brand-new shelves of LB’s eBay Bookstore are already stocked with 25 titles. (And there may be more by the time you read this.)
There’s a link on the blogsite page that goes straight to an eBay master list, and there are individual links on the blog’s LB’s Bookstore page for each of the individual items on eBay. I can see already that it will make my end of every transaction much simpler, and I believe it will do the same for you. Just find what you liked and click on it, and eBay and PayPal will see to the rest.
That’s (1) and (2), and what better way to tie them all together than to point out two fine editions of A Walk Among the Tombstones in the new bookstore? There’s Orion’s UK hardcover first edition, hard to find on either side of the ocean, and there’s the brand-new Telemachus Press trade paperback.
I just thought of (3), but that’s enough for now. It’ll be in a newsletter which I plan on getting out tomorrow. (And a blank email to lawbloc@gmail.com, with LB-Newsletter in the subject line, will get you on the mailing list.) Meanwhile, though, why not come on over to the store and peek in the window?
Thanks!
LB
You are just a busy bee, Larry! The store looks great. Am saving my pennies so as to add to my hoard… er, collection.
That is just so cool about Liam Neeson playing Scudder. He’ll be perfect for the role. So, will you go to the premier and will we get pictures of you hobnobbing with the stars? Congrats to you.
Thanks, Jaye. This one’s been a long time coming. The book was still in the stores when Scott Frank first went to work on the screenplay.
I could not be happier about the Scudder news! I will have to reread Tombstones ASAP. Congrats, Mr. Block!
Thanks, Hawkmoon!
Congratulations, Larry… that’s one of my favorite books, and that’s fantastic news. As much as I like Jeff Bridges, I think Mr. Neeson will be the definitive screen Scudder. I can’t wait to hear who plays Mick Ballou.
Thanks, Tommy. I’ve a feeling Ballou’s not in the screenplay. This is the book where he goes to Ireland to dodge a RICO subpoena, and his participation is thus limited to a couple of phone calls. But if the film works, they’d love to do more. So perhaps we’ll see.
Oops. I read this and A Dance With the Slaughterhouse back to back- a bloody two-fer- and forgot this is the one where Matt has to deal with some very bad people without his very bad friend. I love how you wrote the opening scene for this one. Still gives me shivers.
I learned about Matt Scudder from a 12-step friend in the mid-nineties and after reading “A Dance at the Slaughterhouse” I read the series in order. I soon after rented (on VHS) “Eight Millions Ways To Die.” I thought Jeff Bridges was an excellent choice but was disappointed with the setting change to California. I will re-read “A Walk Along The Tombstones” as I anticipate the film. Any chance an avid bookworm fan gets to attend the premier?
Be well and stay well…….
Buddy Ontra
Thanks, Buddy. I thought Jeff was very good—he pretty much always is, whatever the role—and Andy Garcia, too, but the film had a lot wrong with it.
That is excellent news regarding Neeson and Tombstones. Looking forward to the product.
Wonderful, Larry. This is going to be a hell of a movie, and I cannot think of anyone who could do Scudder better. Truly a match made in the proverbial place. Congratulations!
Jerry, Theofloinn, thanks. This film’s been a long time coming, but I think it just might turn out to have been worth the wait.
Great news! It’s a long awaited return of Scudder to the screen, and like you I think Liam Neeson will do a good job.
The way things went with the Burglar movie, I feared they might have cast someone like Nicki Minaj as Mattilda Scudder.
A close escape, eh?
Congratulations on the Scudder movie!
You are a wonder.
Congratulations! That is fantastic news. Neeson is a wonderful actor who brings so much passion to his roles. Can’t wait to see this on the big screen! Best, Leonard
Mason, Leonard—thank you.
I now have at least two copies of all the Scudder books. A phyical copy of them all, plus kindle versions of them all. Plus a couple of first editions, and I bought one of your $50 boxes of books. You’re personally on a mission to break me, aren’t you? Now I’m intrigued with the first edition of A Walk Among the Tombstones. Perfect.
Great news on the movie. I’d have never thought of Liam Neeson for the role, but now that someone has, it fits nicely. Fingers crossed that the script doesn’t get “Starship Troopered.”
Well, Brian,we don’t have to worry about conflict between the writer and the director, since the estimable Scott Frank is wearing both of those hats. Unless he turns schizy overnight, that shouldn’t be a problem.
Fortunately, I think very highly of the source material, so I think the movie will survive the normal tinkering. I hope you don’t lose the extremely well done side story of the brother, even to the sad end.
Lol!
Oh wowee! Congratulations, LB. This is wonderful news and I’m so excited about your store. Liam Neeson is the perfect choice for Matthew Scudder. Totally cool!
Thanks, Julia. I have to say it’s been a pretty good week…
Honey, savor the sweetness!
Congratulations, Mr Block!
A Walk Among the Tombstones is my favourite.
I’m curious about updated phone technologies, if the adaptation is in the present time.
Thanks, Gustavo. I suspect there’ll be a lot changed in that respect, though it’s hard to know. Last I heard, the movie’s to take place around the time the book came out, in the 1990s. But that could change.
Excellent news. I can’t wait to see Scudder done right. If anyone’s worried about Scott Frank, don’t be. Just rent The Lookout. One of the best movies of the last decade.
No argument, Joey. Scott’s terrific.
I like this comment by Gustavo too. re ”I’m curious about updated phone technologies, if the adaptation is in the present time.” It is very interesting how tech has changed so much over the past 20 years, in 1992, there was no email or internet or facebook or twitter or blogs or cellphones or smartphones or dumb Blooms. This shoudl be FUN movie from this angle too!
That’s great Lawrence. When I write my secret agent character Lester King I picture the character
being played by Tom Cruise. Wish it would happen. Just entered a writing contest – wish me luck.
Laszlo, you never know. The dream came true for Lee Child, didn’t it?
Apparently Writer’s Block is not in your vocabulary. If you have a patented way to beat it, I’d love to hear it. Laszlo
Laszlo, since you ask—I don’t have a patented way to beat Writer’s Block, but my good friend Jerrold Mundis does, and I sell his book in LB’s Bookstore. His method really works. The books is Break Writer’s Block Now!
This is great news Mr Block, I’ve enjoyed the series since around the time of Ticket to the Boneyard and have read the catalogue plus a few of the Rhodenbarr/ Hitman novels.
I’m just hoping they’ll shoot the majority of the outdoor scenes around Columbus Circle and Hell’s Kitchen (Clinton) or the locations specified in the story. It will be challenging getting the feel of those neighbourhoods from the early-nineties (if they time-stamp it) plus the seediness of 42nd St when he meets TJ.
I also hope Liam will be directed to play the understated, dogged nature of Scudder. I have no doubt, however, that when violent action is called for, Neeson will deliver. In my minds eye, I see Liam getting artificial acne scars put on, maybe a few extra pounds, a gruff, no-nonsense faint Bronx accent and a wardrobe from some large retail chain, running to windbreakers, grey slacks and heeled loafers…
Plus, lots of coffee. Oh so much coffee.
Thanks, Paul. I think they’re planning on setting it back in the 90s, but not sure. Be interesting to see the choices they make.
Kudos Mr. B—looking forward to the new movie!
Though I will have to add my two cents: As a Lee Child fan I had to cringe when I heard that Tom Cruise will be playing Reacher. He is a talented actor but I think he’ll need a half apple and a muscle suit to portray Reacher.
I gather Lee’s taking it in stride.
Mr. Block I shall immediately go out and by your new paperback. A Walk among the Tombstones.
I find Matt Scudder intriguing. I’m currently in the process of editing a 900 page novel about a serial killer in New York, and my private detective who’s sent to find him. I feel this may be the one. I will polish it up with my already published sister’s help and hopefully, Jackpot.
Wish me luck.
Laszlo
Sok szerencsét, Laszlo!
A Walk among the Tombstones is a good book to film,lots going on and some seriously gruesome bits that could make really good cinema. Liam Neeson is a great actor but hardly an old bear, ah well