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Miss Mary: The Legend of Miss Mary Mack
Mary Mack was a beautiful, young, and all-too-soon widow (without the official title) when her Union soldier fiancé, Benjamin Watts, disappeared during battle. The tragic event left Mary alone, wearing a black mourning dress for the remainder of her life. Present day, Mary’s spirit has been in mourning for over a century and a half in the town of Cannon Falls, PA. Students sneak into Mack House historic home with lanterns and recite the rhyme anticipating a paranormal encounter with Mary according to town legend. Anna Ipswich, a high school junior, unexpectedly discovers her inner talent to communicate with the Civil War era widow during a visit to Mary’s home with Boston Tate, Anna’s long-term crush. Anna vows to end Mary’s eternal torment and piece together the puzzle of Benjamin’s mysterious disappearance. Can Anna balance high school, the pressure of helping Mary’s spirit find peace, and manage a new love story of her own all without losing herself?
Based on the centuries old nursery rhyme Mary Mack , the origin of which is unknown, Miss Mary brings life to Mary Mack. Although classified as young adult, this cozy paranormal mystery romance can be enjoyed by a reader of any age 13+.
Look for the concluding sequel in the Miss Mary duology coming in 2024!
Based on the centuries old nursery rhyme Mary Mack , the origin of which is unknown, Miss Mary brings life to Mary Mack. Although classified as young adult, this cozy paranormal mystery romance can be enjoyed by a reader of any age 13+.
Look for the concluding sequel in the Miss Mary duology coming in 2024!
- GenresYoung Adult
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 6, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
September 9, 2023
I finished this one in a few hours, it was a fun and quick read.
The author’s storytelling capabilities was amazing, I mean who else could sit there and think “what if miss Mary Mack had a backstory?” and then create one so beautifully.
To me this book is a 3.5, but I did round up to 4 stars as this is the authors debut book.
The book was just a little too juvenile for me as there was a lot of high school “drama” with her friends and boyfriend. But when the mystery parts were happening, I was hooked on those parts, and they were well written and fast paced.
There will be a sequel and I will most definitely read it when it is out. Happy reading :)
The author’s storytelling capabilities was amazing, I mean who else could sit there and think “what if miss Mary Mack had a backstory?” and then create one so beautifully.
To me this book is a 3.5, but I did round up to 4 stars as this is the authors debut book.
The book was just a little too juvenile for me as there was a lot of high school “drama” with her friends and boyfriend. But when the mystery parts were happening, I was hooked on those parts, and they were well written and fast paced.
There will be a sequel and I will most definitely read it when it is out. Happy reading :)
September 17, 2023
Very YA - writing style felt like a good older middle school/young high school read, which is exactly who this is geared towards as its main characters are in high school. I felt like the story was mainly about high school relationships with some ghost mystery aspects sprinkled in.
The spooky parts of the book were my fave and some of them honestly left me a little jumpy! 👻👻
First half of the book mainly focused on the love interests between the main characters. Was very cheesy at times, but again, it’s written for a younger audience which I think would enjoy it.
Ending left me with SO MANY unanswered questions that will hopefully be answered in the future sequel, but I also didn’t get much “closure” finishing this one. Honestly felt like it just cut off at the end of a chapter and didn’t have a rounded off ending. While I didn’t just love this aspect of the book, it also makes me want to read the second to find out what happens.
Thank you so much to the author, Kathbell Stumpf, for a copy of your debut book! Can’t wait to read your next one!!
The spooky parts of the book were my fave and some of them honestly left me a little jumpy! 👻👻
First half of the book mainly focused on the love interests between the main characters. Was very cheesy at times, but again, it’s written for a younger audience which I think would enjoy it.
Ending left me with SO MANY unanswered questions that will hopefully be answered in the future sequel, but I also didn’t get much “closure” finishing this one. Honestly felt like it just cut off at the end of a chapter and didn’t have a rounded off ending. While I didn’t just love this aspect of the book, it also makes me want to read the second to find out what happens.
Thank you so much to the author, Kathbell Stumpf, for a copy of your debut book! Can’t wait to read your next one!!
November 2, 2025
Probably a good book for struggling middle school readers. It might keep their attention and keep them reading.
January 3, 2024
Loved the storyline. I agree with one of the other reviews, it was written for a very young adult audience. If I was rating for early teens I would give 4 stars. The story could have gone into much more detail and direction. I was very eager to read this but felt a little disappointed.
September 27, 2023
Let me just say... THIS BOOK IS A-MAZ-ING!! I was so captivated by the authors writing and detail in this novel. Such a great read. If it wasn't for my best friend telling me how good it was I would've been the one missing out. All I really have to say is I need the next book and BRAVO!!
September 25, 2023
I LOVE THIS BOOK!!
I don't even know where to begin this review... and how to express how much I enjoyed this book. It is so well written, and the world building and character development is just spectacular. It is set in modern times with the main characters in high school. They have adventures around their hometown. They go to the Mack house and meet the ghost of Mary Mack. This story then follows the main character in her decision to try to help the ghost solve her past. This book is in my top 5☆ reads of all time. I really don't have enough positive things to say. I cannot wait for the second book in this series 😍 please add this to your fall tbr or just to your tbr in general!
I don't even know where to begin this review... and how to express how much I enjoyed this book. It is so well written, and the world building and character development is just spectacular. It is set in modern times with the main characters in high school. They have adventures around their hometown. They go to the Mack house and meet the ghost of Mary Mack. This story then follows the main character in her decision to try to help the ghost solve her past. This book is in my top 5☆ reads of all time. I really don't have enough positive things to say. I cannot wait for the second book in this series 😍 please add this to your fall tbr or just to your tbr in general!
October 1, 2023
Title: “A Cozy Yet Mystical Adventure: ‘Miss Mary: The Legend of Miss Mary Mack’ Review”
In “Miss Mary: The Legend of Miss Mary Mack” by Kathbell Stumpf, readers are swept into a cozy paranormal mystery that bridges the gap between the past and the present. The story centers around Miss Mary, a young widow from the Civil War era, and a modern-day teenage girl who together unravel the mysterious disappearance of Mary’s fiancé.
The book exudes a warm yet eerie ambiance that keeps the pages turning. The quaint town of Cannon Falls, PA, becomes a character in itself, shrouding the mystery with its historical charm and ghostly whispers from the past.
Miss Mary, despite being a spirit, is portrayed with a depth of emotion that resonates well with young adult readers. Her plight, coupled with the determination of the young protagonist, creates a narrative filled with suspense, empathy, and a sense of adventure.
Kathbell Stumpf wonderfully intertwines the cozy mystery elements with the paranormal, making the investigation into the old legend an intriguing journey. The blend of historical narrative, the soft eeriness of the paranormal, and the engaging mystery makes this book a delightful read for young adults seeking a gentle thrill.
“Miss Mary: The Legend of Miss Mary Mack” not only provides an engaging mystery but also a heartwarming look at the bonds that transcend time.
In “Miss Mary: The Legend of Miss Mary Mack” by Kathbell Stumpf, readers are swept into a cozy paranormal mystery that bridges the gap between the past and the present. The story centers around Miss Mary, a young widow from the Civil War era, and a modern-day teenage girl who together unravel the mysterious disappearance of Mary’s fiancé.
The book exudes a warm yet eerie ambiance that keeps the pages turning. The quaint town of Cannon Falls, PA, becomes a character in itself, shrouding the mystery with its historical charm and ghostly whispers from the past.
Miss Mary, despite being a spirit, is portrayed with a depth of emotion that resonates well with young adult readers. Her plight, coupled with the determination of the young protagonist, creates a narrative filled with suspense, empathy, and a sense of adventure.
Kathbell Stumpf wonderfully intertwines the cozy mystery elements with the paranormal, making the investigation into the old legend an intriguing journey. The blend of historical narrative, the soft eeriness of the paranormal, and the engaging mystery makes this book a delightful read for young adults seeking a gentle thrill.
“Miss Mary: The Legend of Miss Mary Mack” not only provides an engaging mystery but also a heartwarming look at the bonds that transcend time.
November 26, 2023
Critical Rating: ⭐️⭐️💫 / 5
Entertainment Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
Thank you to Kathbell Stumpf for sending me a copy of her novel in exchange for my honest review!
Miss Mary is a YA novel about a group of high school students who discover the ghost of Miss Mary Mack, from the children's rhyme. The main character, Anna, discovers that she can talk to ghosts when she hears the ghost of Miss Mary talking to her when she visits Mary's home. Anna hears Mary to ask for help finding her long-lost love who never came back from fighting for the Union in the Civil War. Anna and her friends try to talk to Mary and learn more about her story. This is planned to be a series, so be prepared for a cliffhanger!
For me, this was a very promising premise. I thought the idea of a group of kids finding Miss Mary Mack's ghost and helping her was unique and fun, but I thought the execution was a little lacking. The dialogue seemed forced, and that really took me out of the story. I also felt the pacing was a bit off where details were over-explained, and too much time was spent on more mundane things, which left less time for the more important plot points. I did enjoy the relationship between Anna and Boston, but there was so much focus on it that it made me forget that this was supposed to be a paranormal novel and not a romance one.
All in all, I think it was a good idea that could've used better execution.
Entertainment Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
Thank you to Kathbell Stumpf for sending me a copy of her novel in exchange for my honest review!
Miss Mary is a YA novel about a group of high school students who discover the ghost of Miss Mary Mack, from the children's rhyme. The main character, Anna, discovers that she can talk to ghosts when she hears the ghost of Miss Mary talking to her when she visits Mary's home. Anna hears Mary to ask for help finding her long-lost love who never came back from fighting for the Union in the Civil War. Anna and her friends try to talk to Mary and learn more about her story. This is planned to be a series, so be prepared for a cliffhanger!
For me, this was a very promising premise. I thought the idea of a group of kids finding Miss Mary Mack's ghost and helping her was unique and fun, but I thought the execution was a little lacking. The dialogue seemed forced, and that really took me out of the story. I also felt the pacing was a bit off where details were over-explained, and too much time was spent on more mundane things, which left less time for the more important plot points. I did enjoy the relationship between Anna and Boston, but there was so much focus on it that it made me forget that this was supposed to be a paranormal novel and not a romance one.
All in all, I think it was a good idea that could've used better execution.
September 11, 2023
Miss Mary Mack Mack Mack
all dressed in black,black, black
with silver buttons,buttons,buttons,
all down her back,back,back. "
I enjoyed reading this book! The wonderful character group Anna, Abbey, and Jay are high school students in Canon Falls,PA. Anna is my favorite character in this book. She tries to be honest with her mom and maintain her friend group when life takes a turn. Anna's not friendly classmate Brianna wants her and Boston (Anna's crush) to go into the historic Mack house. When they enter the house and repeat the classic rhyme, Anna doesn't expect to see or hear anything. In one moment, she sees and hears more than she wants to. Boston, along with Anna's friends, helped her understand what really happened in the Mack house. Boston and Anna are adorable in this book! This gives me classic high school students with a great mystery and more respect for the characters. I wanted more thoughts from Anna & information about Miss Mary. This is the perfect spooky book for spooky season!
*This is part one of a series, and I can't wait to read more from Kathbell Stumpf. *
Thank you, Kathbell Stumpf, for sending me a copy of this book for my honest review!
Happy cozy reading! 💚
all dressed in black,black, black
with silver buttons,buttons,buttons,
all down her back,back,back. "
I enjoyed reading this book! The wonderful character group Anna, Abbey, and Jay are high school students in Canon Falls,PA. Anna is my favorite character in this book. She tries to be honest with her mom and maintain her friend group when life takes a turn. Anna's not friendly classmate Brianna wants her and Boston (Anna's crush) to go into the historic Mack house. When they enter the house and repeat the classic rhyme, Anna doesn't expect to see or hear anything. In one moment, she sees and hears more than she wants to. Boston, along with Anna's friends, helped her understand what really happened in the Mack house. Boston and Anna are adorable in this book! This gives me classic high school students with a great mystery and more respect for the characters. I wanted more thoughts from Anna & information about Miss Mary. This is the perfect spooky book for spooky season!
*This is part one of a series, and I can't wait to read more from Kathbell Stumpf. *
Thank you, Kathbell Stumpf, for sending me a copy of this book for my honest review!
Happy cozy reading! 💚
September 25, 2023
This book is a cute and cozy read! I finished in one sitting and enjoyed the basis of the story. I love history so I love the historical facts the author creates surrounding the setting of the town, Cannon Falls. I also adore that we have a back story to the childhood rhyme Miss Mary Mack! What an awesome and unique idea to write about! This book reads more middle grade and gave me The Babysitters Club vibes which I love; especially since that was my favorite series when I was younger! There’s a lot of high school drama but I loved how well the characters are portrayed for that age group. Add in the paranormal aspects this makes for the perfect quick and comfy read for the Fall Season 🍂🍁☕️ (I also love all the Starbucks drinks they order 😂)
September 16, 2023
This isn’t the typical book I go for. Being in the high school mindset took me BACK yall. But the creepy parts, I could feel them happening. I was in it. I love scary movies and every books, especially when there’s a supernatural element to them. If you enjoy giving yourself the heebie jeebies (like I do), if you enjoy mysteries, budding friendships and relationships, new love, old love, and giving ghosties peace, MAJOR Scooby Gang vibes, Miss Mary is for you. This author has a lot of promise and potential and I’m excited to see what else she writes! Thank you Kathbell, for giving me the opportunity to read and review your book baby 🖤.
September 16, 2023
This book is so good! I cannot wait for the next one! I connected with the characters, the settings, the overall story just hooks you and keeps you turning the pages. You know when a book is good when you are kind of sad that you finished it. That’s this book. the author develops the characters very well! Just when you get worried that she will hide something from Kim and may get her into trouble, she come clean with mom! Love that relationship. Bring on the next book and I hope we meet grandma! Very well done and I recommend this book to anyone who loves to read. You too will be a fan!!
September 23, 2023
Miss Mary is based on the children's rhyme Miss Mary Mack and I remember singing it when I was younger!
This was a quick and fun read for me that I really enjoyed!
Anna and her friends sneak into Mary's historic home to recite the rhyme and anticipate a paranormal encounter with Mary. Anna discovers she has an inner talent to communicate with the Civil War ear widow during one of the visits there. Anna vows to end Mary's eternal torment and piece together what happened to Mary's fiance, Benjamin, who disappeared during the war.
This book ends on a cliffhanger and I can't wait for the next one to come out so I can find out what happened!
This was a quick and fun read for me that I really enjoyed!
Anna and her friends sneak into Mary's historic home to recite the rhyme and anticipate a paranormal encounter with Mary. Anna discovers she has an inner talent to communicate with the Civil War ear widow during one of the visits there. Anna vows to end Mary's eternal torment and piece together what happened to Mary's fiance, Benjamin, who disappeared during the war.
This book ends on a cliffhanger and I can't wait for the next one to come out so I can find out what happened!
September 14, 2023
I received this book as an ARC. This was a quick read paranormal mystery set in small town PA, where our characters are a group of teenage friends. I thought this was a great debut novel centered around a classic nursery rhyme Miss Mary Mack. I thought the storytelling was great and the mystery really unfolded in a unique way with a cliff hanger I didn’t see coming. My only note is that the dialogue seemed a little un-teenage like at times, but it didn’t detract from the overall story. Definitely check this out if you are looking for a quick spooky season read!
September 20, 2023
Miss Mary is set in a small town in the fall which happens to be my favorite setting so I was in love right away. The audience of this book is YA but I enjoy YA books and loved it. The characters are in high school and the author wrote them perfectly! The language and feelings brought me back to my high school days (although the sayings I had are not the same as today). I really enjoyed reading this book and already can’t wait for the sequel! If you enjoy ghost stories and fresh characters you will love this book!
October 14, 2025
I couldn’t even finish it, even though I clicked that I finished, I couldn’t. I couldn’t handle the phony teenage banter. It was incredibly ridiculous and seemed to drag on and on and on. I tried to keep going hoping it would get better but it didn’t. Hopefully this author finds her groove and her writing matures. She gave it a good effort and I applaud her courage in putting her writing out there, but this just wasn’t my cup of tea.
August 5, 2026
I found it very creative for the author to spin a yarn about the old rhyme that I used to sing as a child.
All though there is a lot of teen drama and it felt very juvenile, my intrigue continued because of the desire to find out what happened to Mary Mack’s beau. I loved the Fall season vibe and was left wanting more.
Waiting patiently for the second book to find out more about Mary and Benjamin…
All though there is a lot of teen drama and it felt very juvenile, my intrigue continued because of the desire to find out what happened to Mary Mack’s beau. I loved the Fall season vibe and was left wanting more.
Waiting patiently for the second book to find out more about Mary and Benjamin…
September 17, 2023
Loved this book! I enjoyed meeting and getting to know the characters, the back story of Mary Mack, and the mystery of her fiancé’s disappearance. Well written and the story line is very captivating. Can’t wait to read book two! This is a great YA novel for teens and anyone who enjoys a paranormal romance. I would high recommend this book, it’s a great read!!
September 17, 2023
I just finished reading this YA novel this afternoon. It's perfect for high school students interested in the paranormal and Civil War history, with a touch of romance. I liked the characters, with the exception of the "mean girls", of course. There was even a little plot twist near the end that I wasn't expecting. I can't wait to read the sequel now!
September 30, 2023
I LOVED this book! A great quick read to start my spooky season reads! Anna is a senior and likes a cute football player. While on a date she goes to the local haunted house and she thinks she hears the ghost of Mary Mack. This book is a great mix of historical fiction and a cozy spooky vibe. Great for anyone 13+
October 1, 2023
I enjoyed the book immensely and found the mystery aspect captivating. We all grew up with the nursery rhyme "Miss Mary Mack" and it was intriguing how the author weaved a very interesting back story about Mary. I also liked the young love aspect from the high school perspective. Really looking forward to the second book to find out what happens!
June 4, 2024
While I was not totally impressed, this book will find it’ snitch with teens and those who like ghost stories. With a sequel in the works, young people will identify with the love life of the characters and the high school attitudes. It is nice to have a teenage female who is fairly well grounded and goes her own way.
September 11, 2023
I LOVE this book. It is the perfect fall read. I felt super close to all the characters and was sucked in to each of their stories. If you are looking for a book that keeps your attention this is the one for you!!
August 15, 2023
Exciting book, fast read! I loved getting to know the characters and can’t wait to find out what happens and how it all unfolds in book #2!
September 7, 2023
A good read about a high schooler, new love and a ghostly town legend. Can’t wait to read the second book to find out how Anna uncovers the rest of the mystery!
September 8, 2023
This book was really good!! It had a mixture of horror and romance. I couldn’t put the book down!! This was the first book I read that was horror/romance and I loved it so much!!❤️
September 8, 2023
This book was amazing!! I loved it so much!! I definitely can not wait until the other book comes out I’m so excited to read it !! This book had everything a good book needs to have!!
September 8, 2023
This book kept my attention the entire time I was reading! It was exciting and I loved the characters and story line. I can’t wait to read book number 2. Great book and great writing!!
September 26, 2023
This was a fun YA paranormal read! The characters are well developed and clever. If you are looking for a fun read then this is the story for you! Can’t wait for the next installment!
October 16, 2023
Miss Mary: The Legend of Miss Mary Mack is a YA novel by @kathbellstumpf. It is a fun read about a teenage girl Anna who encounters the spirit of Mary Mack and a mystery about her. This book reminds me of all the times me and my friends would go ghost hunting in the cemeteries by my house. We all know the rhyme from our childhoods and Kathbell gives that rhyme a backstory. I can’t wait for part two.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews