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! ( )

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! ( )

Part crime novel, part mystery/suspense novel & part paranormal novel this story involves an island with a dark past, a past that is now starting to resurface.

This is the first John Connolly novel I've read and it was very enjoyable, the writing is detailed and atmospheric really drawing you into the story and environment.

I've heard some people say that it is too violent however I did not particularly feel this to be the case, and it wasn't at all gory. Whilst there is death and some characters meet their ends in an unfortunate manner it does not delve into the intricate manner of their deaths. I consider this to be a positive as often some otherwise good stories get bogged down in the gore, most times rather pointlessly.

Overall, an excellent crime/mystery/suspense novel. ( )