Wendy Webb is a master at writing a compelling and fun story with just the right amount of romance, magic, and suspense. This one is no less than any of her other stories and I loved the subplot of fairies. This would be a great seasonal read!

A dark atmospheric fantasy/mystery novel set in Lake Superior, this novel is perfect for curling up under a blanket during the coming fall months. The addition of local folklore was an added plus. Interesting characters and spooky magical scenes rounded out this tale of family magic. Fantastic read for magical realism and mystery lovers alike, this book takes you on a perfect fantasy ride from beginning to end.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

I received an advanced copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to NetGalley, Lake Union, and Wendy Webb. ❤️

Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

I appreciate the publisher allowing me to read this book. I really enjoyed reading it the plot was interesting and the characters made me want to know more about them. I highly recommend.

Folklore, Gothic Suspense, then this is the perfect read for all the lovers of Goth. If you loved Mexican Gothic, then this is the read for you.

Finnish Folklore stories. Yes please sign me up. I loved this one! Anything folklore, dark woods has my attention and it didn’t disappoint!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the advanced reader copy. This is my honest review.

Thank you to #NetGalley for providing the advance review copy of this novel by Wendy Webb.

I was hoping for a bit more with this one, I tend to get review copies of upcoming works in genres I don’t usually pick up to purchase (not many review copies of fantasy or sci-fi of the type I would usually get for myself), which allows me to try out stuff like police or legal procedurals, mass-market thrillers and similar stuff. I think this novel wanted to be a thriller with a deep and fantastical family past, but it missed the mark in a couple of areas, in my view. I think if it would have concentrated one being a family thriller OR being more of a spirit-fantasy story it would have been better, but splitting efforts and trying to do both it lost out a bit in the end.

This review has been posted to Amazon.co.uk, Netgalley.co.uk and Goodreads, as well as my own site Frankthewriter.wordpress.com

As a Minnesotan, stories about the great lake of Superior always captivate me and Wendy Webb is one of the best at it.

Atmospheric and supernatural sum up her writing and this story was no different. I do wish it had more about the lake interwoven in, but loved the glimpse of past characters in Wharton.

'The Keepers of Metsan Valo' is a story set around Lake Superior where a family is brought together due to a loss and finds themselves at the heart of a strange mystery that may have something to do with the eerie woods surrounding their family home.

This was a dark magical realism story that featured folklore, creepy relatives, and a beguiling mystery. I have read my share of magical realism stories, usually taking place in the southern United States full of charm and wit, but this was a darker interpretation that had a captivating supernatural puzzle that had me hooked from the first page. As a Canadian, I absolutely loved the northern setting which is often missing from this genre.

I am glad this story didn’t venture far into the fantasy realm, because the folkloric elements could have taken it there. Instead, the author made this story about the power of ancestry and the magic that can be found in every family if one looks hard enough. There were quirky characters and spooky scenes that made this a very enjoyable read for me. The author did a great job at keeping the story suspenseful and leaving some questions unanswered.

I would highly recommend this book for fans of southern gothic magical realism and magical women’s fiction who are looking for something a little different.

Thank you to the publisher for providing this ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Another light and enjoyable supernatural read by Wendy Webb. Loved the Lake Superior woods/lake setting so much! Sometimes I’m just in the mood for one of her books (this being my third) 3 1/2 Stars

I am a huge fan of Wendy Webb. I was excited to read her latest novel! I have to say that this was everything I expected it to be. The novel is full of romance and mystery with a dash of paranormal. The setting is very haunting and atmospheric! Thus, I recommend this fans of Susanna Kearsley, Kate Morton, and Simone St. James!

I love anything folklore/magic/myth related so I was psyched to get this book. But what even is this book? Honestly, it was all over the place. The folklore and magic actually played a shockingly small part and was left kind of hanging there. The book was like "ok here's some folklore" then "here's some family drama" then "here's a missing person mystery" then "here's a little more folklore" then "wait here's a little romance." It was too much and nothing felt resolved.

Growing up in Oregon, I always imagined magical creatures in our forests as I'd play among the canopy of our beautiful trees with the sun winking between the leaves and hear whispers and faint laughter as I chased the dragonflies along the bubbling streams.

The Keepers of Metsan Valo brought me back to those youthful, magical days and I loved every minute of it.

The magical happenings of The Vaki make this story entertaining. But there is a sinister presence here as well. A couple of frightening scenes will stay with me for a long while - the imagery was brilliant! But overall, the magical elements of The Keepers of Metsan Valo made me tear through each page, needing to know what would happen next.

Characters that feel like family members allow for an easy connection and empathy.

I have to wonder, If I found out that I had inherited a beautiful home on a northern, wooded island, with magical creatures that aren't always sweet.... would I sign on the dotted line? I think so!

Thank you to @lakeunionpublishing and @netgalley for allowing me to review this wonderful title. I'm in love with #WendyWebb 's writing!

This book was just what I needed at this time in my life--strange and mysterious without actually being horrific. The best way I can describe the story is Agatha Christie meets folk tales in a huge house in the dark, dark woods.

Anni returns to Metsan Valo, the ancestral home that her great-great-grandparents built on a secluded island, for her grandmother's wake and the reading of the will. Strange things begin to happen, first to Anni and her twin brother Theo - sights and sounds that come from the surrounding forest, strange dreams and sleepwalking, cryptic messages from the ancient caretakers. Then the rest of the family shows up--Anni and Theo's free spirit mother plus aunts, uncles, and cousins. Strange things turn into dangerous things, and Anni must face the idea that the legends her grandmother always told her about their lands are true, and that as the new Keeper of Metsan Valo, it's now up to her to keep things from descending into chaos.

A mystery and a family drama, interspersed with Finnish folklore and and sense of the uncanny, this story gave me goosebumps in some places and make me cry in others. It's a great little cozy horror to curl up with on a rainy day.

" Babe, I am so exhausted after my day at work, I think I am going to bed early tonight," I swear I had the best of intentions and yet once I cracked open this delicious read inspired by Finnish folktales, I was suddenly very alert.



* I was originally granted an ARC by NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing but it was archived before I could
download and review it. My review today is based on my recently purchased copy.

Publication Date 05/10/21
Goodreads review 01/02/22
#TheKeepersofMetsanValo #NetGalley.
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I had no idea what to expect with this book, but it was a great read! I loved the authors writing style, and look forward to reading more.

This book was a nice read. I hope to get to read more books like this.
I would like to suggest this book to others, for the nice plot and it sure is an interesting read.

I was put off by the title for quite a while and fantasy is not really my go to so I went into the story skeptical but I was pleasantly surprised. I liked it a lot. Metsan Valo is on an island in Lake Superior. I could imagine the house built of rough hewn logs, honey colored floors, wrought iron railings and lots of plaids. Oh and gorgeous views of the woods and lake beyond. Annaliese and her twin, Theo spent a good deal of time there with their grandmother who they called Mummo, Finnish for grandmother. Anni and Theo were raised by their mother, Arden, who wasn't always attentive but loving. The story begins with the death of Mummo and the family gathering at Metsan Valo for the reading of her will. Gloria, Arden's sister, shows up with a new husband and has morphed into Jackie O. She brings her daughter, Vicky, Vicky's husband, Yale, and their daughter, Lichen. At first none of the characters seem likeable but as stranger things happen the family realizes the power of the house and the Vaki, spirits in the woods.

As I said, I enjoyed the story and liked the fantasy part of it. I wish though that some of the things that occurred were a bit more explained other than being a product of nasty spirits.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Lake Union for allowing me access to this book.

The Keepers of Metsan Valo was an interesting read. My first book by this author, and I would look forward to reading another. When Anni returns home to her ancestral home after leaving for France a decade ago, she is faced with many things that have stayed the same and others that have not. Her grandmother has recently died and. Her family all comes to the reading of the will. Anni must face her grandmothers last words and all it means for her future and for her family’s legacy. Interwoven with an interesting combination of mysticism, realism and suspense I enjoyed this story. I received an ARC of this book, all opinions are my own.

The Keepers of Metsan Valo is based on Finnish folklore and stories. Very atmospheric and a little bit eerie at times it is the story of Halla women and their relationship with nature through generations.
The setting of this novel near an enchanted forest gives it a very atmospheric and mysterious vibe which makes it hard to put down. The ending is predictable but I read well into the night to finish it. My only complaint about the novel is that the characters lacked depth and some of their stories were not explained much. Having said that I really enjoyed reading this book. 3.5 Stars