I save books by certain authors so when I have read a series of mediocre books I can fall back on a book I haven’t read and thoroughly enjoy it. John Connolly books definitely fit this description.
Bad Men is classic Connolly. Dark, chilling and a story you just can’t stop reading. No other author nails pure evil as well as this author, and he nails it again with Bad Men! ( )

En el remoto año de 1693, los colonos de una pequeña isla de Maine —llamada no por casualidad Santuario— fueron exterminados por unos asesinos armados de mosquetes y cuchillos. Desde entonces, la isla se ha repoblado y ha disfrutado de trescientos años de paz. Hasta ahora. Porque una banda de criminales se dirige hacia allí en busca de la mujer que traicionó al cabecilla de todos ellos y lo envió a la cárcel. En su camino sólo se interponen dos personas: Sharon Macy, una agente de policía novata, aunque decidida, y el jefe de policía de la isla, un hombre gigantesco, extraño y taciturno conocido con el nombre de Joe Dupree, alias Melancolía. Pero Dupree no es un hombre cualquiera. Es el guardián de todos los secretos que alberga la isla: sabe que Santuario vio correr sangre inocente en el pasado y que no tolerará una nueva matanza. En Santuario, el mal encontrará quien le plante cara.

Bad Men was an enjoyable read. I liked that Charlie Parker makes a couple of cameos in the book, tying it into the same universe as the Parker novels. The book had an atmospheric feel to it and the descriptions of the storm and supernatural entities really complimented the story. ( )

In the late seventeenth century Indians consistently raided the various islands in the area outside of what is known today as Portland, pushing the white settlers away. But in 1691 thirty individuals arrived to Dutch Island, which at the time was also known as Sanctuary, and decided to give it a try. Bauer, one of the men that formed part of the group, was justly accused of attempting to rape another man's wife. When he asked his own wife for shelter against his pursuers she did not comply and he was captured. However, he was able to escape and he returned years later with renegade Indians as his "hired help" bringing mayhem to the village. After the horrible events that developed in the island, the ghosts of the dead were left behind to cohabitate with the living. Usually, they do not interact much with humans, but now something is growing, and some people in the island can feel it. I don't want to give too much away. So, sit back forget all you know about "what scares you" and delve into a novel that blends the best of everything.....the undead, cannibalism, adultery, compassion, honor and revenge.
As it has been said: "Sanctuary does not always mean safety"! ( )

Extraordinarily frightening, tense and grisly read from a master of suspenseful storytelling. Difficult to set aside from the first few paragraphs to the last satisfying word. So beautifully crafted one can hardly accept that the action and riveting story line are merely a work of fiction. A thrilling read! ( )