The Keepers of Metsan Valo – Wendy Webb

Its only the 12th and I already feel behind with getting reviews typed up. Just a never-ending battle

Thanks to Amazon Publishing for the free copy in exchange for my honest review

THE KEEPERS OF METSAN VALO – Wendy Webb (Released October 5th, 2021)

Book Description:

The spirits of Nordic folklore come calling in this entrancing tale of family secrets and ancient mysteries by the #1 Amazon Charts bestselling author of The Haunting of Brynn Wilder.

In Metsan Valo, her family home on Lake Superior, Anni Halla’s beloved grandmother has died. Among her fond memories, what Anni remembers most vividly is her grandmother’s eerie yet enchanting storytelling. By firelight she spun tall tales of spirits in the nearby forest and waters who could heal—or harm—on a whim. But of course those were only stories…

The reading of the will now occasions a family reunion. Anni and her twin brother, their almost otherworldly mother, and relatives Anni hasn’t seen in forever—some with good reason—are all brought back together under one roof that strains to hold all their tension. But it’s not just Annie’s family who is unsettled. Whispers wind through the woods. Laughter bursts from bubbling streams. Raps from unseen hands rupture on the walls. Fireflies swarm and nightmares stir. With each odd occurrence, Anni fears that her return has invited less a welcoming and more a warning.

When another tragedy strikes near home, Anni must dive headfirst into the mysterious happenings to discover the truth about her home, her family, and the wooded island’s ancient lore. Plunging into the past may be the only way to save her family from whatever bedevils Metsan Valo

My Thoughts: 4/5 stars

I will say that it was rather exciting and different to see my mother’s maiden name, Valo, in the title of a book. My mom’s side of the family is Finnish so when I read the synopsis and saw that there was some Finnish folklore throughout the book I was even more curious. THE KEEPERS OF METSAN VALO is my first by Wendy Webb and it will not be my last and thankfully I already have one of her other books on my shelves at home.

This book is so atmospheric and the setting almost feels like a character on its own. Webb creates such a mesmerizing scene for us and you’ll find yourself getting lost in it. After the death of Anni’s grandmother she returns to Metsan Valo and is reunited with her family. While back home the stories from her Mummo are playing again and again in her head as strange things in the forest begin to happen. Are these welcoming things or warnings of something sinister to come?

I loved the inclusion of the folklore. I’ll read anything with any type of folklore but this was particularly special because my family is Finnish. I loved the tension, the mystery, and how truly magical some parts were in this book. I highly recommend this for those looking for a good suspense read in a rich and vivid setting.