The Keepers of Metsan Valo

A Novel

By: Wendy Webb

Narrated by: Xe Sands

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 Anni’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.

©2021 by Wendy Webb. (P)2021 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Wendy Webb once again spins a magical web in The Keepers of Metsan Valo, weaving Nordic folklore, family legacy, and the bonds that unite us to each other and to the natural world. She is the sorceress of Lake Superior. Get ready to be ensnared!” (Carol Goodman, two-time Mary Higgins Clark Award-winning author of The Lake of Dead Languages and The Stranger Behind You)

“A novel taut with threats and secrets, family lore, and folktales. Who - or what - truly guards and keeps the magnificent house and grounds of Metsan Valo? That is the question that thrums through the novel. And who - or what - is threatening and haunting the family who calls it home? Dark, brooding, and mysterious, as all good Gothics should be. Loved it.” (Kim Taylor Blakemore, author of After Alice Fell and The Companion)

Excellent

Wendy Wedd has such a unique style of writing that I would recognize her work even if I didn’t know who wrote the book. her stories that speak of these grand old houses that are around Lake Superior are very enchanting, mystical and mysterious. I eagerly look forward to new books by her! As always, Xe Sands is over the top in narrating it. Great read and listen!

Another great book by Wendy Webb!

I really enjoyed this book....as I have all four of the books I've read by this author to date. I love how closely she intertwines the past with the present and how family connections and ties always play key elements in her books. She sets such an atmospheric stage and with Xe Sands incredible talent as a narrator, this book really came to life!

The best yet

I have enjoyed all of the books by this author but this one was special, I wanted it to go on and on.

Narrator spoiled the story for me.

Is it me or all characters sound like an old lady? The narrator messed up this story for me. No matter who the character is, it sounds like an old lady. The "dreamy" cadence she attempts to spin is as annoying as sleep inducing. I struggled to pay attention, it made it so boring. That being said, the storyline was great, another hit by Wendy Webb. You just have to get over that horrible narration and try to keep up without falling asleep.

Not categorized well

I was attracted to this because I saw the mystery and gothic tags. I think that does what might be a fine book a disservice. If that’s what you’re looking for, keep looking.