Bestial

In the seemingly idyllic coastal town of Big Rock, California, a horrifying transformation is underway in Ray Garton's "Bestial." Unexplained and brutally violent deaths are plaguing the community, initially dismissed as savage animal attacks. But a chilling realization dawns: it's not mere wild beasts at work, but a growing wave of lycanthropy consuming the residents. As the full moon waxes, the infected become more powerful, their primal instincts escalating beyond control, turning neighbor against neighbor in a bloody struggle for survival. "Bestial" earns its place among Ray Garton's finest works for its unflinching depiction of societal collapse through the lens of werewolf horror. Garton masterfully blends visceral gore with a creeping sense of dread, exploring the fragility of human connection when faced with primal urges. Unlike traditional werewolf tales, "Bestial" paints a grim picture of a town succumbing entirely to lycanthropy, leaving readers questioning the nature of humanity and the potential for bestial savagery that lurks beneath the surface. The novel is a chilling and unforgettable exploration of primal fear and the slow, agonizing erosion of civilization, marking it as a standout entry in Garton's impressive bibliography.