Meds

Ray Garton's *Meds* is a relentlessly unsettling and thought-provoking exploration of mental illness, pharmaceutical dependency, and the insidious ways in which societal expectations can warp reality. The novel follows the protagonist, Peter, as he navigates a terrifying descent into madness fueled by a cocktail of prescription drugs intended to stabilize him. Garton masterfully crafts an atmosphere of paranoia and dread, blurring the lines between hallucination and reality, leaving the reader questioning the reliability of Peter's perception and the true nature of the forces at play. *Meds* is a prime example of Garton's ability to tackle complex and sensitive themes with unflinching honesty, making it a vital and disturbing read that lingers long after the final page. Beyond its nightmarish atmosphere, *Meds* deserves a place among Garton's best for its insightful commentary on the over-medication of mental health issues and the potential for abuse within the psychiatric system. Garton uses the horror genre to explore the real-world anxieties surrounding mental illness, the power dynamics between doctors and patients, and the devastating consequences of relying solely on pharmaceuticals to address deep-seated psychological struggles. The novel's unflinching depiction of Peter's suffering and his struggle to reclaim agency over his own mind is both harrowing and ultimately empowering, showcasing Garton's talent for crafting narratives that are not only terrifying but also deeply human and resonant.