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.

76 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 16, 2025

Reviews

[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!

[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!

[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.

[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!

[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!

[⌞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!

[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.

[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.

[Elonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this take on the childhood nursery rhyme. However, Miss Mary was not to be played with! If you enjoy thrills, you’ll enjoy this one!

[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!

[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.

[Kenna Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deandre Kralevic’s writing is absolutely incredible. This story is both sad and riveting. It is well written and will keep you on your toes I finished this in less than an hour total because I couldn’t stop reading. I would 10/10 recommend

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect, dark, paranormal, feminine rage revenge story! It’s a shorter novella read but it’s packs a big punch, I absolutely loved this story!

This is a Miss Mary Mack retelling and we follow Mary Mack, the towns female mortician. Mary is happy staying to herself and doing her work that she takes a lot of pride in, in giving her clients their best send off into the afterlife.
There’s two morticians in town, her and one asshole, bitter, racist man who’s determined to see her fail. Mary, being a woman and black, two things these awful men despise, goes through trials dealing with him and the rest of the bigoted, racist men of the town until they take it too far one day.
This, is Mary’s revenge story and it’s the sweetest revenge that I loved every minute of.

Well written and delightfully vengeful, I definitely recommend giving this a read!

[Authoress Hurricane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will Have You On The Edge Of Your Seat!!!

Review: Miss Mary Mack by DeAndre K.
​DeAndre K.’s Miss Mary Mack is not just a great read; it is a masterclass in compulsive, emotionally charged storytelling. This narrative quickly moves beyond simple entertainment, drawing the reader into a state of visceral engagement that few books achieve.
​The heart of the story lies with the protagonist, Miss Mack, whose defining struggle is as infuriating as it is captivating. The author masterfully constructs a scenario where her devastating mistreatment and apparent self-imposed constraints create an almost unbearable narrative tension. At several points, the frustration with Miss Mack’s situation became so potent that I felt an irresistible urge to intervene in the pages—the kind of intense frustration that makes a reader want to put the book down just to breathe.
​Yet, DeAndre K.’s pacing proves unputdownable. Despite the dramatic emotional highs and the urge to protest the injustices unfolding, the narrative grip never loosens. The story is a demonstration of potent drama, forcing the reader to witness the struggle until the very last page. Miss Mary Mack is a challenging, absorbing, and ultimately rewarding experience that demands to be read.

[Kimberlee Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a quick one sitting read this book was fabulous!!! Dark, twisty, captivating and gives new meaning to the childhood song of "Miss Mary Mack". I could put it down or turn the pages fast enough....Such a great creepy read!!!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this one down.My first read by this Author. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I remember the Miss Mary Mack Rhyme from childhood.... I didn't sing it then, and sure will not sing it now .. Hope he writes more in this genre.

[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.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good quick read! Probably shouldn’t have finished this before bed??? Anyways, Deandre crushes it again with this one!