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Mary Kay McBrayer

Mary Kay McBrayer is the author of "America’s First Female Serial Killer: Jane Toppan and the Making of a Monster." She co-hosts Everything Trying to Kill You, the comedy podcast that analyzes your favorite horror movies from the perspectives of women of color. Mary Kay also enjoys building creepy dollhouse miniatures, Middle Eastern dance, and watching detective shows.

Stories By Mary Kay McBrayer

Hidden History

The Pregnant Woman Who Led a Legendary Slave Rebellion

Story by Mary Kay McBrayer | April 22, 2021

In 1794 the people of Guadeloupe briefly tasted freedom. A woman named Solitude decided she’d rather die than go back into chains — but her heroism was nearly lost to history.

Hidden History

The 19th-Century Nurse Who Was Secretly a Serial Killer

Story by Mary Kay McBrayer | February 20, 2020

“Jolly Jane” Toppan overcame a miserable Dickensian childhood to become a medical professional patients adored. She was also slowly murdering them one by one.

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