Mary Kay McBrayer
Mary Kay is a belly-dancer, horror enthusiast, sideshow lover, prose writer, Christian, and literature professor from south of Atlanta. Her true crime novel, America’s First Female Serial Killer: Jane Toppan and the Making of a Monster is available for pre-order, and you can hear her analysis (and jokes) about scary movies on the podcast she co-founded, Everything Trying to Kill You. She can be reached at mary.kay.mcbrayer@gmail.com.
What is Southern Noir? 8 Great Southern Noir Books
July 14, 2020Get to know the grittier side of the South and its stories about crime and the long arm of the law through these Southern noir books.
7 Weirdly Specific Libraries and Collections From Around the World
May 11, 2020From hip hop to Yiddish works to sourdough starter, explore some of the most niche libraries and collections found on the globe and online.
Which Vampire Horror is Your Perfect Next Read?
April 14, 2020They're alluring, dangerous, fanged, and they've given us some great classic and contemporary stories. Take the quiz and find your next vampire novel!
Why You Should Reread TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD as an Adult
April 9, 2020Many of us read the Harper Lee classic, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, in school, but how much of it went over our heads, and how much remains all too timely?
In Defense of Druhástrana, the Nightmare Country of GINGERBREAD
March 26, 2020Taking a close look at one fictional, shifty, fairytale region. Consider Druhástrana, the Nightmare Country of Helen Oyeyemi's GINGERBREAD.
Retellings and Reimaginings of MACBETH’s Weird Sisters
February 20, 2020Beware prophesies and powerful women who know you better than you know yourself. Get to know MACBETH's Weird Sisters and their likenesses.
What’s Your Next Thrill Ride Read, Based on Your Favorite Cocktail or Mocktail?
January 2, 2020If you enjoy a tasty beverage and a good thriller, we've got a quiz to help you find your next thriller based on cocktail or mocktail preference.
Read Harder: A Fairytale Retelling by an Author of Color
December 5, 2019Read Harder Challenge participants, we've got your recommendations for the fairy tale retellings by authors of color task.
Unique Holiday Gifts for Bookworms and Writers
November 26, 2019If you're looking for non-book, unique holiday gifts for bookworms and writers--ones they'll actually use--look no further. We got you.
New Masters of Horror: Off the Primrose Path
October 31, 2019You know the big names in horror and have all the books, but have you checked out the new masters of horror? Get in the know here.
10 Compelling Books About Villains
October 16, 2019Whether their shadowy status is textbook or complicated, the characters and their circumstances in these books about villains are shudder-worthy.
Who and What Done it? Sleuth out the Culprit based on Your Favorite YA Books
October 8, 2019Was it the kid with the Dutch oven? Was it supernatural forces or the landlady? Get on the case and find the culprit by taking this YA mystery quiz.
17 Signs That Your Tinder Date Might Be Edgar Allan Poe
September 10, 2019Hold up! Don't swipe right on the man with the seemingly ironic mustache and poetic profile just yet. Check out this list to make sure it's not Edgar.
7 of the Best Books for MINDHUNTER Fans
August 27, 2019The dynamic between criminals and those who work with them is fascinating and unusual. Want to know more? Check out these books for MINDHUNTER fans.
Noir by Women, Not Just Femme Fatales
August 15, 2019The femme fatale is a popular character in noir, but women inhabit the genre beyond those characters. Explore the world of noir by women.