Publisher: Lake Union Publishing / Brilliance Audio
Published: October 5, 2021
Source: ARC Paperback via Amazon Publishing / ALC via Brilliance Audio
Summary:
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.
My thoughts:
I have really become a fan of Wendy Webb’s Gothic ghost stories and this latest is no exception. I was completely mesmerized by this story – once I started reading it, I had a hard time putting it down.
This book is just perfect to pick up right now – it’s so eerie and atmospheric and I loved the way the author wove in family lore and ancient legends. While it’s certainly not an uber scary book, it certainly is one that is sure to give a few chills here and there.
I love the way Webb is able to make her settings come to life. The haunted house and forest really work well here and keep you completely engaged in the story, wondering just what is coming next and the characters are full of life. There is just the right amount of paranormal activity to work here – it adds just the hint of darkness and creepiness that keep you flipping the pages wondering just what is going on. Believe me if I ever woke up in a forest, I’m not sure what I would do…but I have to say that pretty much freaked me out when that happened to Anni and that’s saying something coming from the girl who lives right across the creek from the Amityville Horror House! Not too much really bothers me in books but for some reason, that got to me!
I really enjoyed this one for both the mystery as well as the folklore and I can’t wait to see what comes next from this author. I’ve read almost all her books and she hasn’t disappointed me yet!
Audio thoughts:
When I saw that Xe Sands was narrating this one, I knew I had to listen to it. She is one of my favorite narrators and I thought she did a fantastic job bringing this book to life! Her pacing and intonation was spot on and I just loved listening to this one!
