Wendy Webb is a must read author for me. As a midwesterner who is familiar with Lake Superior, I appreciate the settings of her novels and the historical aspects of her stories. This book was no exception. I loved the heroine, Anni, and her commitment to the legend of her family and its history. The setting, as always, was perfect for a haunting tale. I can’t wait to see where Wendy Webb takes us next.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Anni Halla and other members of her family return to the family home on Lake Superior following the death of her grandmother. After having been told mythical stories during her childhood, Anni is confronted with whether the stories are folklore or closer to reality. There is a thread of characters from an earlier book that make the story and setting familiar.

Review: The Keepers of Metsan Valo by Wendy Webb

The Keepers of Metsan Valo by Wendy Webb draws readers into an atmospheric and haunting tale set in a remote mansion steeped in Finnish folklore. When the matriarch of the Halla family passes away, her will brings her descendants together at Metsan Valo, a grand estate surrounded by a mysterious forest on Lake Superior.

The story begins with a strong sense of intrigue as Anni Halla and her family converge on the estate, each member bringing their own baggage and secrets. The initial setup, with the family’s tense reunion and the eerie happenings that follow, is captivating. Webb’s depiction of Metsan Valo is vividly atmospheric, and the integration of Finnish myths and legends adds a unique flavor to the narrative.

I particularly enjoyed the way the novel blends family drama with supernatural elements. The fireflies, unsettling visions, and other strange occurrences contribute to a sense of mounting dread that keeps the reader engaged. The characters are a mixed bag—some are relatable and well-drawn, while others feel less developed. The dynamics between the family members add depth to the story, though I found myself wishing for a bit more exploration of their backgrounds and relationships.

The writing style is accessible, but at times, it felt a bit simplistic. Some descriptions and phrases seemed a touch artificial, which occasionally pulled me out of the story. Despite this, the novel’s pacing is solid, with enough twists and turns to keep me interested.

One of the main drawbacks for me was the resolution. After the build-up of eerie events and suspense, the ending felt somewhat anticlimactic. The final revelations and the resolution of the supernatural elements didn’t quite hit the mark for me, leaving me with a sense of underwhelming closure.

Overall, The Keepers of Metsan Valo is a fun and atmospheric read, especially suited for the spooky season. While it may not be Wendy Webb’s strongest work, it offers an engaging blend of folklore and mystery. If you enjoy stories with a rich setting and a touch of the supernatural, this book is definitely worth a read.

A very mysterious and charming book featuring heaps of Nordic folklore. I absolutely loved the writing style in this book and the story was just beautifully nostalgic- highly recommended.

I don’t like writing negative reviews, however, as this book has connections with my culture’s mythology I feel like I need to mention a few points.

Firatly, if you’re writing terminology in a foreign language, please check how words are written in that language. Starting with the title itself, the correct way to write metsa is metsä. There’s a huge difference as we have certain letters in Finnish that are not found in English. I find it disrespectful that there were very little effort made in the written language.

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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