In Evil Hour (Spanish: La mala hora) is a novel by Colombian writer Gabriel García Márquez, first published (in an edition disowned by the author[1]) in 1962.

Some of the same characters and situations found in La mala hora later re-appear in Cien años de soledad.

Someone has been placing satirical pasquinades about the town, outlining the locals' shameful secrets.

However, when a man kills his wife's supposed lover after reading of her infidelity, the mayor decides that action is called for.

He declares martial law and sends soldiers (who are actually armed thugs) to patrol the streets.