FULL DISCLOSURE: I was given early access to this book through 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 first 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 apparently well-known for writing mysteries and thrillers, with elements of magic realism. So please keep that in mind. Awarded three stars on Goodreads.
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. Adult 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.
Photo from her Website
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.
More about the author, Wendy Webb.
Toby A. Smith 