No, Where the Crawdads Sing is not based on a true story. The novel and its film adaptation are works of fiction created by author Delia Owens. There is no public record of a woman living alone in a marsh who was accused and acquitted of killing a man as depicted in the story

. However, some elements in the story are inspired by real-life experiences from Delia Owens's past. Before becoming an author, Owens worked as a conservationist in Africa with her then-husband, Mark Owens. Their work involved protecting wildlife from poachers in Zambia, and a documentary about their efforts included a controversial incident where an alleged poacher was shot, leading to an ongoing homicide investigation. This real-life event and Owens's experience of isolation and connection with nature influenced the themes and setting of Where the Crawdads Sing

. In summary, while the plot and characters are fictional, the novel draws on Owens's personal history and real events related to conservation work, lending authenticity and depth to the story's emotional and environmental themes