Before the Tracks Were Laid

A cursed plantation. A haunted legacy. A girl who must carry the weight of generations.

Before the Tracks Were Laid is the prequel to the Shadows of the South series, a chilling Southern Gothic historical thriller that plunges readers into the heart of Georgia’s red clay countryside, where the land itself seems alive, and angry.

Lucy, a young orphan brought into the Cheney household, quickly learns that Peachtree Plantation holds more than just family secrets. The trees watch. The ground remembers. The past refuses to stay buried. As storms gather and cruel forces rise, Lucy must protect those she loves from both the living and the dead.

Blending historical fiction, women’s resilience, and gothic suspense, this novella lays the foundation for the saga to come. With echoes of cursed land, generational trauma, and survival against unthinkable odds, this is a story that lingers long after the last page.

If you love atmospheric historical fiction with strong female leads, haunting settings, and a touch of supernatural dread, this book is for you.

Author Biography

Leia Kay writes Southern Gothic historical fiction that blends haunting dual timelines with rich regional history. Her Shadows of the South series explores the hidden past of Georgia plantations and the lingering effects on families today.Her work is known for weaving suspense, folklore, and history into narratives where the land itself feels alive. Leia draws inspiration from the oral traditions of the South, family history, and her lifelong love of historical mysteries.She publishes under Leia Kay, LLC and engages actively with readers through BookFunnel, Goodreads, and social media communities.Website: www.LeiaKay.com