Bestial

by Ray Garton

Book Overview

Something dark and sinister is spreading through the California town of Big Rock. Something more brutal and animalistic than normally lurks in the shadows of our daily lives. And its numbers are... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0843961856
• ISBN13: 9780843961850
• Release Date: January 2009
• Publisher: Leisure Books
• Length: 339 Pages
• Weight: 0.42 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 4.3" x 6.7"

Customer Reviews

Werewolves, Sex, and Violence--What More Do You Want?

"Bestial" is the sequel to Ray Garton's "Ravenous", which I have not read. I have read another Garton novel and have learned to appreciate his many talents, especially his tight storylines and very credible characterizations. Reading Garton is a delight because his carefully crafted characters and their interactions with the world of horror (werewolves, vampires, etc.) read so comfortably and flow so believably that the reader has to occasionally stop and remember that he/she is reading a work of horror. Private Investigators, Gavin Keoph and Karen Moffett, are sent to Big Rock by horror writer and researcher, Martin Burgess, to investigate strange animal attacks and missing persons. They are soon up to their eyeballs in danger and gore as they discover the town is, indeed, infested with werewolves who have gained control of the sheriff's department as well as key areas of the community. If their evil leader, Sheriff Taggart, is able to gain control of the local Seventh Day Adventist Church, he hopes to cement the beginning of an empire not only for himself and his "pack" but for the new generation of lycanthopic monsters that are evolving from babies born of human mothers who were raped by a werewolf. Yes, in "Bestial" Garton takes a different approach to werewolf lore by using a virus spread by sexual intercourse as the vehicle to change or "turn" a human into a werewolf. There are many harrowing moments for our protagonists as well as for several lesser characters in "Bestial". Although there are several "good" werewolves, there is no attempt to explain why every human turned into a werewolf becomes evil and bloodthirsty except for the three "good" ones. Keoph and Moffett aren't winning any prizes for being swift thinkers or master planners as they often stumble through stupid mistakes. But ultimately, they do exhibit the courage and the determination to set things right in Big Rock. Much has already been said about Garton's unflattering depiction of the Seventh Day Adventist church and its founders in this novel. However, for me that was not a distraction, although it was heavy-handed and over powering in its intensity at times. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book for the sheer joy of reading a fast-paced horror novel that was well crafted and sprinkled with interesting characters. There are some untied threads at the end that could augur for another sequel but there is closure enough for the casual reader to enjoy this fun escapist romp into werewolf lore.

Bestial, what a werewolf experience!

Finished reading Ravenous a month ago and had to read the second in the series. I simply could not put this one down. It is even better than Ravenous and that is saying a lot! Highly recommend these two books if you like monsters and gore. Ray Garton is becoming one of my favorite authors!

Garton Thrills Again

"Bestial" moves at a blistering pace. Where "Ravenous" succeeded by instilling a creeping sense of horror, "Bestial" triumphs in its intrigue as the werewolves spread their influence throughout Big Rock. The humans aren't toothless in this installment, however, as surprise guests from another Garton novel make an appearance. Private investigators Gavin Keoph and Karen Moffet have been hired to investigate the strange events in Big Rock, and they're packing loads of silver. Since the werewolves' first strike, they've moderated their virulent spread. Slowly, they've worked their way through town, planting their roots. Next up is a large Seventh Day Adventist Church. Through it, the werewolves hope to strengthen their position. Numerous unexplained "animal attacks" haven't escaped outside notice, however. Successful horror novelist Martin Burgess - always interested in the occult - is convinced something is amiss in Big Rock. He hires Gavin and Karen to investigate. They've been through territory like this before, however, (with an entirely different nocturnal, sub-human species), and they both bear scars from Burgess' miscalculations. Both wonder if Burgess has miscalculated again, and if this time their lives will be the payment. They're right to wonder. A horrifying change has come to the werewolves. They're evolving, becoming something new. Better. Perfect. All the silver in the world may be useless, and it's very likely that Gavin and Karen's scars may be mere scratches compared to what they'll endure this round. "Bestial" is a gripping follow-up to "Ravenous", primarily because it invokes an entirely different set of emotions. That's what makes for a truly successful series: installments that build, rather than rehash themes. "Ravenous" throbs with tragedy as jaded, disconnected, abused and naive townspeople spread the werewolf virus all by themselves. In "Bestial", there's not only the sense of impending comeuppance, but also the revelation the werewolf virus isn't necessarily the curse it seems. Even though there's more closure here, Garton still leaves trailing threads, hinting at an explosive confrontation in the next installment.

Great intense read!!!

Bestial picks up right where Ravenous left off and it never slows for a breath!!! Ray has a knack for weaving a great story with well-rounded characters that you can't help but care about. Great read!

Garton continues reign of terror!

Ray Garton returns with a sequel to RAVENOUS. Garton's strength lies in believable characters, tightly planned-out plot lines and dialogue that is crisp and true. Garton continues the tale of the werewolves in Big Rock and a their bid to take over the town...then the world! Garton brings back Gavin andhte gang to fight them and the climax is explosive! Another great read by Garton and lok forward to the next sequel.