Webb is a master storyteller! Her stories are atmospheric and ethereal. I enjoy a well drawn family drama. This one did not disappoint. Adding in the flair of the family’s folklore made me wonder about the truth behind the stories passed down from our ancestors. The acknowledgements are not to be missed.

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

An ancient family home surrounded by haunted woods, a splintered family reunited by a death, and ghostly whispers of the Vaki in the wind…. This supernatural thriller by Wendy Webb had all the tropes I love, and I’m happy to say it delivers on the vast majority of them.

After the passing of their matriarch Taika, a family gathers in their family home on Lake Superior, to pay their respects and honour their (grand-)mothers final wishes. It soon becomes clear that this won’t be the peaceful passing many of them had anticipated; tensions run high over Taika’s eccentric choices for her inheritance, strange occurrences around the house baffle the family and ghostly visions among the pines plague them all. And this is only the beginning… Can granddaughter Anni uncover the ancient secrets of Metsan Valo, before more harm can come to her family?

The Keepers of Metsan Valo did an amazing job of hooking me in from the start with its mysteries, ambience and sense of place. By far its biggest selling-point to me being the latter. With every sentence Wendy Webb brings to life the ancient isolated home, the misty groves surrounding them, and the Nordic spirits that may or may not reside within them. I could vividly picture every scene and even though I had to put the book down a few times during my reading, I always found myself quickly drawn back into the immersion. As a result of the authors talent for creating a vivid setting, the book has some incredibly strong imagery as well. Without spoiling any particular scenes, but some of them are a combination of beautiful, haunting, mystical and supercreepy…

Within this isolated and at times almost claustrophobic setting, the tension between these characters is palpable. Our protagonists Anni and her twin brother Theo are down to earth and likable from the start, yet many of the other family members feel emotionally a bit “off”. In all honesty, I’m not sure if this was intentional or due to some at times clunky character writing, but it added to the creepiness nonetheless. I would have personally liked a bit more depth and development regarding this family, their relationships and their history with each other. There’s a very strong set up here, reminding me almost of Festen by David Edlridge, and it almost felt like a missed opportunity that the story didn’t go down that psychological horror-route of familiar trauma.
Instead we focus on the unexplained occurrences: are they supernatural, or is there a rational explanation for all of it? Past the halfway point, I just couldn’t stop turning the pages to find out…
That is also however, when parts of the novel encounters some serious pacing problems, that left me feeling unsatisfied in the end. The set-up is ironclad, but by the time that was over, I could already tell there were too few pages left to tie it all together into a satisfying conclusion. And it was: as much as I enjoyed the journey, the ending felt hollow and rushed to me.
I’d nonetheless still recommend it for the journey alone, especially as an autumnal or early-Halloween mood-setter.

As a final note; as a medical student I have to point out some of the inaccuracies on this front, but I will have to spoil an element of the story to do so. BEWARE SPOILERS AHEAD

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1. I realise that there’s a supernatural element at play here, but THIS IS NOT HOW COMA’S WORK! Arden could not have woken up after what happened to her. If you lay submerged in water long enough for a school of minnows to take up residence in your mouth, you have irreparable brain damage and/or are braindead. No matter how many Vaki protect you, you do not wake up unharmed from something like that…

2. ““Nutrition and hydration” he said. The words made Anni’s skin crawl. She looked down at her sleeping mother, and tears stung at the back of her eyes. That was what doctors did for patients who were dying. Beyond care.”

I literally don’t know where the author gets this and I hope they correct it in the final version, as this just makes no sense. Giving a patient an IV with hydration and nutrients DOES NOT mean they are dying! Please authors, don’t spread misinformation about medical interventions….


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Many thanks to Lake Union publishing for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was an excellent read. Deliciously creepy while at the same time examining family traits that we can all recognize and relate to. I loved the way Finnish legends and tales were interwoven with the narrative, I totally have a hankering to read up on them now.

A solid 4 star book you won't regret picking up.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this novel. My opinions are my own and never influenced by anyone. Ever.

Annie Halla returns to her family home, Metsan Valo, for the reading of her grandmother’s will. Metsan Valo has a history of strange almost magical events often followed with stories and myths from the Halla family history. Annie doesn’t believe any of it, until she starts to see visions, hear strange noises, and finds herself and the ones she loves in dangerous and unexplainable situations.

This story is filled with folklore, myth, mystery, and suspense that I ate up. I really enjoyed the plot of the novel: a family’s heritage to protect a mystical past. It was a compelling tale that was unique to anything I’ve read and held my interest throughout. The tone and mood of the book were also well done. There was just the right amount of spookiness and darkness to keep it atmospheric and just right for a supernatural thriller. The setting of Metsan Valo and the forest surrounding it were glorious; I love a good “haunted” house and dark forest. Because I was so excited about this, I wanted more of the story to occur here rather than jump around to different settings.

This was a fantastic tale and I will definitely be reading more books by the author. Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an advanced copy in return for an honest review.

Well done story with a great otherworldly vibe to the whole thing. It makes you want to get lost in the setting of the story for a bit. It’s easy to read and one to enjoy.

Regretfully I am putting this book down at 25%, conceding that it just isn't for me. I love stories with a supernatural element, but it's always a fine line for me whether I find them credible or not, and this one just didn't connect. There were too many elements I found far fetched, too early in the story. I much prefer a very subtle feeling of creepiness, which is purely my own reading preference.

Anni Halla and her twin Theo grew up spending summers at Metsan Valo, the estate on the shores of Lake Superior that has been in the Halla family for generations. Some of their favorite memories are of their grandmother's storytelling of ancient Nordic folklore, of the Vaki, spirits of the forest and water who can heal or harm. After their grandmother's unexpected death, the Halla family gathers at Metsan Valo for the reading of the will. But when strange and sinister things start happening, Metsan Valo seems less welcoming and more warning. Could the old folktales be true?
I've read several of Wendy Webb's books now, so I was excited to get a chance to read this before it publishes. I was happy that it was set near the town of Wharton where some of her previous books took place and this book even includes some of those characters! The descriptions of the forest and estate were both beautiful and eerily sinister. The circumstances throughout the book leave just enough doubt that it could all be a dream... but "there's no such thing as a coincidence". I couldn't put this book down and finished it in one day!
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

Oh how I enjoyed this book! Definetly not what I normally read but it was a great story! Such an easy read and hooked me from the start. Family drama, lots of mythical elements and a mystery as well. Loved the twins relationship and how they always backed each other up. The ending explained everything very well. A great story!! Thanks to Netgalley for the arc for my honest review!

FULL DISCLOSURE: I was given early access to this book by netgalley in exchange for writing an impartial review. Thank you Amazon Publishing. Scheduled Publication Date: October 5, 2021.

Since I am primarily a fan of historical fiction, I need to acknowledge that mystery is NOT my preferred genre, I am not an experienced mystery reader, and I have not read any other Wendy Webb books-- an author known for writing mysteries and thrillers, with elements of magic realism. So please keep that in mind.

The KEEPERS OF METSAN VALO is a mystery with supernatural undertones that takes place around an ancient family home on Lake Superior. Mummo, the family matriarch has just died and the clan gathers for her funeral and the reading of her will. Twins Anni and Theo (who were exceptionally close to Mummo - their grandmother), their free spirited mother Arden, Arden's sister Gloria, Gloria's family, and a few others gradually come together, just as a series of strange dreams, unexplained events, and unusual accidents begin to occur.

Drawing on her own Finnish background, the author interweaves Finnish folk stories and folk creatures into an increasingly suspenseful story around the complex relationships that often exist among extended family members. Especially when inheritance comes into play. As a mystery, it seems well constructed and I was eager to see how Wendy Webb would resolve all of these elements.

However, I found the final explanation fell quite a bit short of my hopes and expectations. I'm definitely not sorry I read the book, but I doubt I'll look at others by this author. But, remember, I am NOT a mystery lover. So, you may experience this book differently.

This is the first time I have read something by this author, and I can safely say that it won´t be the last.

I found this book extremely easy to read, totally encaptivating and thoroughly enjoyable. It has a lovely mystical feel to it, allowing you to escape from the rigors of life.

My thañks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced copy in exchange for giving an honest review.

A story about a family's matriarch passing away and leaving behind a house with a mysterious legacy to her granddaughter. This story is wrapped up with interesting Finnish folklore, mystery, and a family figuring out how everything keeps going when the glue that kept everything together is gone. The setting of the story was beautiful and the progression of the relationships between the family members from beginning to end was really well done. However, I found that the plot progressed very slowly and I was disappointed that we didn't learn more about the Vaki and other spirits. Overall an enjoyable read.

I do love this author’s books!
The family comes together after Anni’s beloved Grandmother dies. Unexplained things start to happen after the reading of the will and Anni finds she’s the new Mistress of Metsan Valo.
This book has a mystical, sometimes eerie feel to it. I found myself engrossed in the story and had a hard time putting it down. I really enjoyed this tale.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

Wendy Webb writes such intriguing stories. The keepers of Metsan Valo has lots of themes. Family, grief, local lore and becoming who you are meant to be. Set in the great Lake superior, if you've read one of her books before it feels like coming home to such a friendly and supportive place. If this is your first time reading you will have a feeling of having a home and wanting to go to this place.

A wonderful cast of characters, I especially loved Anni and her brothers relationship. We have some characters who are mysterious and their actions help build up the slightly unsettling atmosphere. The whole time I was trying to figure out the mystery behind what was going on, trying to peer into everyone's actions to see if I could find a clue. I couldn't.

The grief aspect was done well. It felt like you knew Anni's beloved grandmother personally. The way that some of the family reacted to it is unfortunately just what happens these days. I enjoyed the tales of the spirits in the woods and the way Wendy Webb made it all unfold was not to quick, nor to long.

This is a light read and not to scary. Although there were a few times that shivers raced up my spine.

I received this ARC from Netgalley and the publisher Lake Union Publishing in exchange for an honest review so thank you. All opinions are my own.

4+

Annalise (Anni) returns from Paris to her ancestral home of Metsan Valo full of sadness following the sudden and unexpected death of her beloved Mummo (grandmother) who is of Finnish extraction. Just as when she was a child the voices of the Vaki are calling her from deep within the ancient pine forest. Metsan Valo is a place where truth and legend intertwine.

First of all the setting in Lake Superior is absolutely perfect for this atmospheric novel. There are some very good descriptions of the house and all of it’s surroundings which makes it easy to visualise. I really like the concept of the novel where present day mystery meets ancient supernatural legend and folklore of Finland. The power of the ancestral hold and its pull on the characters especially Anni is extremely well done. I thoroughly enjoy those parts and I guess I’m a tailor made reader for this one as I’m interested in the folktales of different cultures. The ghostly element is very good and the house feels alive, we have pine forests that feel enchanted and a variety of apparitions, some benign and some not, that point Anni in the direction her Mummo wishes her to go in her unusual bequests. This leads to the potential of cats among pigeons! The characters are a really good mixture of some to like, dislike or be wary of. As the well paced plot progresses there are some intriguing undercurrents within the family network and as things escalate and become dangerous to life with some creepy coincidences, you wonder if it’s as the spirits intended or is it someone of this earth? You find yourself immersed in the suspenseful atmosphere and really wanting to know the outcome.

Overall, this is a well written and compelling novel, it’s easy to read and just a little bit different. It’s worth reading the afterword to understand the origins of the book. Finally, one character remarks that we have lost the ability to be in tune and in harmony with our surrounding and all that inhabit it as our ancestors were. How true.

With thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

In my opinion Wendy Webb never disappoints, and The Keepers of Metsan Valo is another sparkling gem. Filled with mystery, enchantment, folklore, legends, and magic. Webb brings you back to the shores of Lake Superior, a location that many of her books take place. This time on the small island of Ile de Colette. Where the matriarch, Taika Halla (Mummo), of the family has passed. With the gathering of her family converging on Metsan Valo, which means Forest Light in Finnish, to hear the last wishes of Taika. There is bound to be some family drama at every turn, with so much as stake.

Annalise (Anni) is the granddaughter of Taika and she is the first to arrive at her home away from home. She is brought back to her childhood as soon as she crosses the threshold. She can hear herself and her twin brother's laughter as they tear down the hall, watch them causing mischief in the yard, and an overall peace that settles over her. This feeling of tranquility is short lived, as strange occurrences begin to happen.

Swarming fireflies that vanish into thin air, sleepwalking into the forest and waking back up in bed, whispers, singing, menacing images that fleet through Anni's mind. Is she going insane, or is it something else? Mummo always spoke of the Vakis or the spirits of the forest, water, and air. They can help you or cause you harm, make you sick or heal you, they can be happy go lucky or downright menacing and evil. Depending on their mood or whim. Could there be more to Mummo's tall tales?

Webb has a way of creating an atmosphere with the setting of the story. Metsan Valo was built by the Hala Finnish ancestor's generations ago. The area borders along the turbulent waters of Lake Superior and runs along the magical forest of the island. You can picture yourself walking amongst the majestic trees and hear the lapping of the waves. You also feel the spine-chilling fear as Anni and her family dive deeper and deeper into the unknown. With only the folklore of her Mummo to guide them.

I completely devoured this fantastical book. I love how Webb took inspiration from her Finnish ancestors basing the book on folklore, legends, and magic. I was also delighted that Webb brought back characters from her previous books. The connections sparking in my brain, as I think wait that sounds familiar. Quickly reaching for my other Wendy Webb books or looking it up on Goodreads. As you are waiting for this book to be released you can brush up on her other books in the meantime. They are all fantastic, spelling binding, hair raising reads. Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Authors for allowing me to read this advance copy. Do yourself a favor and preorder this today!

Thank you for the opportunity to review this amazing book. So nice to read something quick paced and original. I am off now to get a few more Wendy Webb.books.

I have posted a review within TV Book club a Facebook group I have been a regular contributor to for several years. There are 11k plus members.
I will also post on good reads . Thank you once again

Metsan Valo is an ancient family house on Lake Superior. After her Mummo’s (grandmother) death, Anni Halla goes back to the house to meet the rest of the family and know about Mummo’s will. Anni and Theo, her twin brother, grew up in Metsan Velo, listening to stories about forests, vaki (forest spirits), and the pact between the Halla family and vaki.
As the family arrives, one after another, tension fills the house, and mysterious events take place around them. The caretakers, Martin and Meri, talk in circles and don’t make much sense. Why are the woods angry? Who wants to harm the family that’s still grieving the loss of their beloved elder?
Even before Anni can find answers, a tragedy strikes, followed by another. Things are spiraling out of control, and Anni has no idea how to find a way out. Can she believe in her Mummo’s tales and find a solution before it is too late?
This is my first book by the author, and I thoroughly enjoyed her prose. It is evocative and strong. The setting is my ever favorite- an old home in a forest full of secrets. The hint of paranormal suspense and the setting are the main reasons I requested this book.
The characters are well-written, and some of them have a surreal touch. This complements the storyline very well. The relationship between the twins felt warm, loving, and comforting. The family drama is controlled and sorted (a little too easily solved, maybe).
I liked how Anni is neither overly eager to believe in the folklore. But at the same time, she doesn’t hesitate to consider the possibility. It added to her character and made her quite real.
The suspense builds during the first half and continues in the second. The consistent increase in suspense led me to believe that there would one a major climax (a showdown of sorts) to match the rise. That’s where I was disappointed. The climax drifted and settled without any drama. I kept waiting for it, and the ends were already being tied and tidied.
That one scene I felt was crucial to the central plot was mentioned in less than a page (more as an afterthought)! What started as a 4 + book ended up less than 4. Still, the book has closure and even a happy ending. And I could finish it in two days (though I read past my reading time).
I’ve added 2-3 previous books of the author to my TBR just to enjoy her prose and the paranormal elements. Some reviewers mentioned this book is different from the previous ones, and that got me curious. Let’s see how I feel about them.
Overall, The Keepers of Metsan Velo is a lovely book if you like the same elements as I do. However, don’t expect much in terms of unfolding the suspense and acting on it.
Thank you, NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing, for the ARC.

P.S: I’m off to read more about vaki and Nordic folklore.

This book is great! Would definitely recommend. Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

This book just isn’t for me. It’s a shame as I quite liked the author’s Halcyon Crane and Brynn Wilder books. The characters and the folklore stories are not interesting me after a number of chapters. .

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to try an ARC.

Metsan Valo is a place of magic and wonder. After the death of her beloved grandmother, Anni returns to her childhood home and is told of the secrets of her ancestors. This is a beautiful tale of ancestors and magic. Wendy Webb did a splendid job of bringing folklore to life.