Wolf Winter by Cecilia Ekbäck

This is a haunting tale of life in Lapland in 1700.  The land was hard to grow a crop in, the woods hid wolves, and the people tended to be loners.  Maija and her family had moved here to escape the father's fears.  He grown to hate water, so they moved to the mountains and traded houses with his Uncle.  His Uncle didn't tell him about the problems that plagued the village or the dangers in the woods.

Weinstein Books and Net Galley allowed me to read this book for review (thank you).  It will be published November 3rd.

When the older daughter finds a body in the woods, Maija learns who her neighbors are.  Her husband hangs behind, not strong enough to face his neighbors.  The more Maija learns, the more confusing it gets.  There's a new priest in the village.  He knows no more than she does.  There are whispers, rumors and truth all bundled together and hidden in the minds of those remaining.  Did the other priest fall or was he pushed from the roof?  Who were these people and why were they there?

When the wife of murdered man kills her children and then herself, the village doesn't know what to do.  Hiding in the midst of the village is a pedophile.  The priest is not a priest.  And they all carry secrets.

This is not a pleasant story.  It kept my attention and I wasn't sure just what was going to happen.  This is about life, myths of the north, and revenge on all sides.  I don't think I'd move to that small village.