Miss Mary Mack

by Deandre Kralevic

They burned her once, they laid her low,
They thought her name would never grow.
But whispers spread and children play,
And now she stirs when voices say...
Miss Mary Mack, Mack, Mack...
Some songs don't die, some names don't fade,
And some come back when they are made.

Genres: Horror

129 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 17, 2025

Reviews

[Peter Topside · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Absolutely fantastic! When crafting a story, it’s always a tall task to create a new legend. How much should be established and pushed versus goading the readers into believing it all on their own. Here, the author nailed both ends of that. Mary Mack was a caring, strong, and empathetic woman, working in a very specialized trade, despite her many detractors. And when she was pushed into becoming this supernatural entity, the background, the spooky encounters, the general eerie aura, the vengeance, the ongoing legend, all of it just came together beautifully. I’m always so thrilled to stumble onto a new horror author that creates something so memorable, meaningful, and unique. And those feats were all accomplished, without an overcomplicated plot, too many characters, or too much gore. Simple can be better. This is a prime example of that. Well done!

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miss Mary Mack Mack Mack.. Got her lick back back back.

Wow! Loved this one. This was spooky, thrilling & heartbreaking at the same time. This story gave the classic example of do to others as you want done onto you. I love when authors bring life to fairytales and nursery rhymes, & Deandre did just that! The chilling twist he did it with this story has me wanting to dive more into his catalog. First read by this author, but certainly won’t be my last.

[Tanisha Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolute fire 🔥

This was my first read by this author and as soon as I finished I went running to see if he had written any other thriller or horror type books. He knocked it out of the park. This was a gripping and disturbing tale but it felt so real. I hope he writes more books in this genre. I will be ready to read them when he does!

[Octavia Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this

This was my first book by this author and I can honestly say I loved it. I think we’ve all heard the nursery rhyme, but the story brought it all together. I loved how he crafted this tale.

[Veronica ☠️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you asked around town, the majority would say that Miss Mary Mack was the best in her profession. She took great pride in embalming the dead and making them look good before their final rest. Her people really respected her and always thought she did a great job. The other half of town disliked her. Not only because she did a better job, but also because she was a black woman doing a white man's job.

They continuously taunted her and tried to bully her but Miss Mary Mack always stood her ground. Until one day she couldn't. They thought they would see the end of Miss Mary Mack but not everything stays buried forever. Sometimes a simple song can wake the dead.

What a story! This had some creepy vibes to it. We all grew up with the song Miss Mary Mack, but this story gives it a whole new meaning. It made me angry to see how they treated her because of racism, because she was a woman, and because of just stupid hatred. But this revenge was super sweet. I really enjoyed this story. Think twice before you sing Miss Mary Mack!

[Renada Boddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will never sing this song again in life. I remember this as a child and had no clue what I was singing. Mary just wanted to help the people in the town. She didn’t deserve that but she made sure everyone knew her name and what was coming after.

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was exactly what a novella should be. I enjoyed this writing style from Deandre, it was very different from his Perfect Series.

I would describe this as the perfect revenge story for Mary Mack! I felt there was enough depth for what this novella was. You got what lead up to Mary’s revenge. I was engaged from the beginning to the very last page of this book! I can’t say too much because it would literally spoil the book.

But would highly recommend if you’re looking for a short story that’s fast paced!

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Mary Mack was a riveting, unforgettable revenge story that had me completely locked in from start to finish. I was so glad to see Miss Mary Mack finally get her lick back on the men who did her dirty — and yes, their families too. The way this story twisted a childhood song and hand-clap game into something dark, powerful, and horror-filled was incredibly creative and honestly brilliant.

This book took me through so many emotions. I felt anger watching how the racist white men treated Miss Mary Mack. I felt deep compassion for her as she struggled to keep her business running while dealing with the white undertaker trying to sabotage her. And I felt so much satisfaction watching her take control of her story and get the justice she deserved. What really stayed with me was how her revenge wasn’t just about pain — it was about reclaiming her dignity, her legacy, and her peace.

The ending hit especially hard for me. Seeing Miss Mary Mack finally laid to rest properly with her family so she could truly rest in peace after everything she endured was both heartbreaking and healing.

I literally read this book in one sitting — I could not put it down. The imagery was so vivid that I could see every scene playing out like a movie in my head. Even though there were a few typos and grammatical errors here and there, they didn’t take away from how powerful and well-written the story itself was.

This book would translate beautifully to a TV series or movie. The storyline is that strong.

Highly recommended if you love horror, revenge, and stories that hit you right in the heart.

[Saiko Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an amazing revenge novella that had me both creeped out and cheering for Miss Mary… I read plenty of horror stories but this one had me peeking over my shoulder. I’m not even sure I wanna sing the rhyme anymore 😂 The details and plot were on point as always!

[Casandra Kane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read every one of Deandre’s books and not a single one has disappointed!!!! MMM is a short thriller novella. It has all the goods. Hate, revenge, violence, death, return of a vengeful spirit. Everything that’s needs for an amazing horror story!!


Absolutely amazing job Deandre!

[lucky 13 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars A short fast read full of revenge

[⌞giselle⌝ · Rating 5 out of 5]

damn scary & satisfying. artfully reminiscent of an old negro folktale. bravo to the author for keeping spooky storytelling tradition within the Black community alive.

[Sierra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not gonna lie this book had me feeling some type of way when I finished it right before going to bed last night 😆. The story hooked me from the very first page and the way the tension just ratchets up with every chapter is perfection! I don’t think I’ll ever hear this childhood song the same way. If you’re in the mood for an atmospheric spooky story that’s on the level with King, Koontz, and others in the genre then I highly recommend adding this one to your TBR!

[🐷Shay loves books🐷 · Rating 4 out of 5]

best revenge story ever!

I don’t want to give too much away, because this is just a short story, but man what a ride! Deandre man, you’re a master at writing! This story kept me in a chokehold. It was brilliant! Miss Mary Mack got her revenge and I was cheering her on the whole time!

[Eros Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I say let them sing it. They all deserve it for what they did to her.”

Wow. THIS is how you write a dark horror/thriller & it actually give scary vibes. Well done.

-“Candyman” vibes
-a classic nursery rhyme reimagining
-Black town vs white town
-death, grief & burial
-reaping what you sow
-vivid gore
-delightfully vengeful
-feminine rage
-dark fantasy
-one sitting novella
-10/10 concept
-120 pages

This was so good from the concept & pacing to the small details & descriptions. I was locked in from start to finish. The layering of emotions throughout this was really good. I was sad, devastated, angry, excited, & amused. Mary Mack deserves her lick back and then some.

No matter if it’s fiction or nonfiction, white people always choose to learn the hard way.

This was my 1st book from the author & it won’t be my last.

[J.J. J. Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miss Mack

Oh, my the version of Miss Mary Mack told in this voice with DeAndre writing is simply chef's kiss. Thank you sir.

[Reading with Yolandas Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Mary Mack lord have mercy!!!! I enjoyed the story line and action in this book. I think the writing was easy to follow and put a statement on black history month. The thrill was not over the top but doable.

[Samyra Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes!!!!

This was a great read that held my attention throughout. All Miss Mack wanted to do was work and tend to her life, but…. The song brought back childhood memories, so it was awesome to attach a story to it. I highly recommend this to horror lovers who enjoy a good old revenge story.

[Rhina M. Finley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haunted & Chilling!

This was the most haunted and chilling book I read this year!! The beginning will pull on your heartstrings. Makes me want to research the origins of the Rhyme and the real Miss Mary Mack. If you thought the movie Candyman was the eeriest wait to read this story.

[Gabby Penn Farmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is how you get revenge!

[Jerricka · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book bought back some memories. I remember this game as a child. But after reading this, I’m good on that now.
This book had me on the edge of my seat. It gripped me with a rollercoaster of emotions. That ending was very much deserved. Highly recommend if you are looking for a quick revenge/horror read.

[Patricia Quinlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A GREAT LITTLE BOOK SNACK!



*"Mrs. Mary Mack"* is an unputdownable gem for fans of supernatural shhort stories . This gripping quick read weaves together an eerie atmosphere, spine-chilling twists, and a supernatural element so vivid, it feels like the spirit might just step off the page.

The story of *Mrs. Mary Mack* lures readers into a mysterious web that escalates with every chapter. From the very first page, the pacing grips you tightly, pulling you deeper into the haunting the tale. The supernatural parts are absolutely electric—crafted with a masterful blend of suspense, dread, and unexpected wonder.

What sets this book apart is how it balances both thrills and depth. The paranormal aspects aren’t just for scare factor; they’re intricately tied to the characters and the hauntingly poignant themes. Each turn of the page evokes both chills and curiosity, making it impossible not to devour the story in one sitting.

Whether you’re a seasoned lover of ghostly tales or new to the genre, *Mrs. Mary Mack* will leave you breathless, with goosebumps and a lingering sense of awe. This is the kind of story that keeps its grip on you long after you’ve reached the final page—thrilling, haunting, and utterly unforgettable. Highly recommend!

[Ashley Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 | 4.5 stars

“You ain’t gotta fight every battle, baby.” Maybe she was too stubborn. Maybe she did carry too much. But she had never been given a choice, never known a life where she could sit back and let the world be as it was.

That line sums up everything I felt while reading Miss Mary Mack.

This story is raw, haunting, and beautifully written. DeAndre Kralevic delivers a powerful exploration of what it means to survive—and stand tall—in a world that tries to diminish you. Mary Mack is a Black embalmer working in a small, racially divided town, and every page of her story feels heavy with both pain and grace. She faces prejudice, fear, and violence, yet never loses her commitment to giving dignity to those who’ve passed.

The writing is so immersive and beautifully detailed that it feels like you’re living inside the story with the characters. The side characters, Reverend and Carver, add depth and heart to the story, showing that even in darkness, there’s community and compassion.

Miss Mary Mack is one of those stories that lingers. It’s about strength, injustice, and the quiet ways a person can leave a mark that refuses to fade.

[Alicia J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute spin on the nursery rhyme

[Leynoree Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about a scary story.. this one will keep me up for a night or two.. and I use to play this hand game when I was little.. welp.. not anymore!!

[Alisha 🦋💗 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ate this book upppp! It was giving like a twisted Candy Man retelling with Miss Mary Mack. A very short read but I was intrigued enough to encompass the whole story! I will never sing the song ever again lmaooo but this was great. Defly would recommend to anyone.

[Anna J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chile……

Mary said, “play with somebody safer.” 🤣

A bone chilling EXCELLENT read.

I loved every minute of it.

[Amber Swanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A creepy twist to a fav nursery rhyme! I don’t have any complaints. It was actually pretty creepy.scary. Frfr

[Josh S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Going in to this book, I didn’t know what to expect. However, I really enjoyed it! Nice short chapters & very easy to follow. It was so creepy & I’ll never think of Miss Mary Mack the same! Deandre did a great job of writing about a sense of dread & eerie scenes. Not to mention I love a good revenge plot. Great job Deandre! 👏🏾

[Kiara Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

😮‍💨🙌🏾 this is my type of paranormal!

I initially thought I’d be too much of a chicken to read this. I mean, do you see that cover?!? Haha, but my two friends and I read it together and it was the best short read of 2025! Deandre is intentional and sharp with his descriptive writing. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot and how the book ended. I can’t wait to read more of his books. If you’re interested in a revenge folklore, get into it asap!