The Beast of Talbotton: An All Hallows' Eve Tale

By Kevin Matthew Hayes

Readers seeking chills and thrills to go along with their Southern Gothic historical novel will find just that in this intense tale of tragic star-crossed lovers and a werewolf stalking a town.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Live Oak Key Publishing LLC
• Release date: Aug 5, 2024
• ISBN: 9781965315057

Book preview

© 2024 by Live Oak Key Publishing LLC

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

ISBN: 978-1-965315-03-3 (paperback)

ISBN: 978-1-965315-04-0 (hardcover)

ISBN: 978-1-965315-05-7 (ebook)

CONTENTS

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1864

THURSDAY NIGHT, OCTOBER 13, 1864

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1864

FRIDAY NIGHT, OCTOBER 14, 1864

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1864

SATURDAY NIGHT, OCTOBER 15, 1864

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1864

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1864

IT WAS LATE AFTERNOON when we rode into Talbotton, Georgia. We had been riding through the countryside, admiring the changing colors of the trees and bright, white cotton fields. The cool air brought by the fall season was a great relief. I did not plan to stay in town long, so I directed both of my lieutenants to keep pushing the cavalry column through the main street. People in this war-weary town lined the road just to get a glimpse of my soldiers.

As I watched my troops, a man wearing a fine suit and top hat approached me on horseback. He spoke first. Good evening, sir. Welcome to Talbotton. My name is James Persons. I serve on the city council. Where, may I ask, are you boys from?

We are from Micanopy, Florida, I replied. I’m Captain O’Connor, but everyone calls me Dave. This is the Micanopy Mounted Company.

You boys are a long way from home, but we’re glad to have you here, Councilman Persons said. Many people in town have been uneasy since Atlanta fell to the Union. Everyone is concerned that Sherman will march south—our way. I think the sight of soldiers may put some of the townsfolk at ease. Are you just passing through, or do you plan to set up camp here?

I received a change in orders, I began. We have been rerouted to meet some supply wagons here before we join up with forces south of Atlanta. I would like to head a little farther up the road, just outside of town. Do you know of a good area north of here where we can set up camp?

I have a ranch a few miles north, Councilman Persons replied. You are welcome to stay there if you would like. I raise sheep. It shouldn’t be too hard to find. Just follow the smell.

We laughed, and I thanked Councilman Persons for his generosity. I called my lieutenants over, and he gave us directions to his ranch. They saluted and went back to work, directing the company. It was getting late, and I could see the nearly full moon beginning to rise.

As I watched the end of the column come near, I noticed several familiar faces from my past. Among them was Elizabeth Baron. I couldn’t believe it. She was riding in