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The Violin Maker's Secret
The Brand New Book from the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Lost Bookshop!Hewn by a master and passed down through generations, one violin charts its own course through history…
Baggage claim agent Devlin, retired teacher Walter, and appraiser Gabrielle should have nothing in common, but when a single choice sets in motion a new chapter in the violin’s story, they finally feel a part of something – something that matters, and which makes them matter.
Because as their search for the violin’s origins unlocks a mystery stretching back decades, the instrument teaches them a melody they never expected.
Baggage claim agent Devlin, retired teacher Walter, and appraiser Gabrielle should have nothing in common, but when a single choice sets in motion a new chapter in the violin’s story, they finally feel a part of something – something that matters, and which makes them matter.
Because as their search for the violin’s origins unlocks a mystery stretching back decades, the instrument teaches them a melody they never expected.
416 pages, Paperback
First published February 24, 2026
3290 people are currently reading
16217 people want to read
About the author
Evie Woods
9 books4,478 followersEvie Woods is the author of The Lost Bookshop, the #1 Wall Street Journal and Amazon Kindle and Sunday Times bestseller, which has now sold over half a million copies. She is also the author of The Story Collector, The Heirloom and The Mysterious Bakery On Rue De Paris under her real name, Evie Gaughan.
Living on the West Coast of Ireland, Evie escapes the inclement weather by writing her stories in a converted attic, where she dreams of underfloor heating. Her books tread the intriguing line between the everyday and the otherworldly, revealing the magic that exists in our ordinary lives.
Living on the West Coast of Ireland, Evie escapes the inclement weather by writing her stories in a converted attic, where she dreams of underfloor heating. Her books tread the intriguing line between the everyday and the otherworldly, revealing the magic that exists in our ordinary lives.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 555 reviews
January 24, 2026
I've read the author's previous works and when I found this on NetGalley, I quickly requested it. Best one yet! I've been stingy with 5-star ratings in 2025, so I surprised myself when I thought this was clearly a 4.5 stars and while waffling between and 4 and a 5, I found myself leaning toward the higher number. The love imbued in the wood and strings of the violin magically carried into the pages and storyline. The different characters clinging to a reason for holding on to the violin were heartfelt. The stories of its previous owners were delightful, poignant, and complex. So many great parts to this book. Reminded me why Woods is becoming a quick "auto-yes" for new releases.
November 30, 2025
4.5⭐
If you can overlook 9 instances of swearing, a weird insertion about a training bra that had no relevance to the plot, an OTT ‘find’ towards the end of the book, and deal with a jumbled timeline, this is a FANTASTIC story!
In fact, except for those few personal preference things that irritated me, this could have been a five-star book.
What’s it about?
A “Kafka-quoting baggage handler” at Heathrow airport comes into possession of a violin, and it turns his life upside down.
Things I loved:
💜the violin’s point of view! This was a great idea and added to the enjoyment of the story.
💜the author’s ability to seamlessly insert facts into the prose (not easy to do)
💜how much I learned about violins
💜the unique characters
💜the history of this particular violin
💜the idea that things can be custodians of a voice that helps them find their own
Things that I noted:
✔️Dendrochronologist, Dendocosmology, ikigai, luthier, why murmurations form, FBIs top ten unsolved cases: 1727 Davidoff-Morini Strad
✔️The quote about egos and masks
✔️The quote about nature’s reminders
✔️The quote about loving oneself enough to create a better future
✔️How consuming revenge and regret can be
I binge-read this book and now I can’t stop thinking about it. It’ll be in my top reads for the year!
If you can overlook 9 instances of swearing, a weird insertion about a training bra that had no relevance to the plot, an OTT ‘find’ towards the end of the book, and deal with a jumbled timeline, this is a FANTASTIC story!
In fact, except for those few personal preference things that irritated me, this could have been a five-star book.
What’s it about?
A “Kafka-quoting baggage handler” at Heathrow airport comes into possession of a violin, and it turns his life upside down.
Things I loved:
💜the violin’s point of view! This was a great idea and added to the enjoyment of the story.
💜the author’s ability to seamlessly insert facts into the prose (not easy to do)
💜how much I learned about violins
💜the unique characters
💜the history of this particular violin
💜the idea that things can be custodians of a voice that helps them find their own
Things that I noted:
✔️Dendrochronologist, Dendocosmology, ikigai, luthier, why murmurations form, FBIs top ten unsolved cases: 1727 Davidoff-Morini Strad
✔️The quote about egos and masks
✔️The quote about nature’s reminders
✔️The quote about loving oneself enough to create a better future
✔️How consuming revenge and regret can be
I binge-read this book and now I can’t stop thinking about it. It’ll be in my top reads for the year!
February 24, 2026
🎉Happy Release!🎉
This was so charming!
Do you own a secondhand item? Have you ever wondered who used it before you?
I don’t know if that was the author’s intention, but I’m looking around me now, wondering about the stories of the items I dragged home from my local giveaway shop. 👀
There’s a touch of magical realism in this story, but it’s very subtle. The main character is the violin. Not exactly a sentient being, but it carries the soul and memories of a young woman. It also makes new memories and changes the lives of the people who play it. Everyone is drawn to it, though they don’t really know why.
The story begins when Devlin, an airport employee, buys the violin at the airport’s lost and found. When he realizes it’s not an ordinary instrument, he seeks help from his old history teacher, Walter, who introduces him to Gabrielle, a violin appraiser. While the trio investigates the violin’s origins, the gang that lost it tries to get it back…
I love the concept of this book. I only just realized it’s told in a double timeline, which is usually tricky to win me over, but it’s so seamlessly done that I can’t imagine the story told any other way. The contemporary part is fast-paced and gripping; the historical timeline is a little slower, but no less engaging.
It’s not a typical romance (though there is a romance with a happy ending unfolding throughout, so my romance-loving heart is happy 😌). I’d call it a feel-good story, with little snippets of life wisdom subtly woven in. There’s found family, but also hardship and loss, so it’s not overly sweet, just well-balanced and wholesome.
I will definitely read more from this author!
Thanks to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, and One More Chapter for the arc. All opinions are my own.
Pub Date Feb 24 2026
This was so charming!
Do you own a secondhand item? Have you ever wondered who used it before you?
I don’t know if that was the author’s intention, but I’m looking around me now, wondering about the stories of the items I dragged home from my local giveaway shop. 👀
There’s a touch of magical realism in this story, but it’s very subtle. The main character is the violin. Not exactly a sentient being, but it carries the soul and memories of a young woman. It also makes new memories and changes the lives of the people who play it. Everyone is drawn to it, though they don’t really know why.
The story begins when Devlin, an airport employee, buys the violin at the airport’s lost and found. When he realizes it’s not an ordinary instrument, he seeks help from his old history teacher, Walter, who introduces him to Gabrielle, a violin appraiser. While the trio investigates the violin’s origins, the gang that lost it tries to get it back…
I love the concept of this book. I only just realized it’s told in a double timeline, which is usually tricky to win me over, but it’s so seamlessly done that I can’t imagine the story told any other way. The contemporary part is fast-paced and gripping; the historical timeline is a little slower, but no less engaging.
It’s not a typical romance (though there is a romance with a happy ending unfolding throughout, so my romance-loving heart is happy 😌). I’d call it a feel-good story, with little snippets of life wisdom subtly woven in. There’s found family, but also hardship and loss, so it’s not overly sweet, just well-balanced and wholesome.
I will definitely read more from this author!
Thanks to NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, and One More Chapter for the arc. All opinions are my own.
Pub Date Feb 24 2026
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 rounded down to a 3
This one was a little harder for me to get into, it has a very slow start. I did not find it as good as the authors other books. However, it is a charming story, with a very good ending.
Thank you to Net Galley and Harper 360 for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This one was a little harder for me to get into, it has a very slow start. I did not find it as good as the authors other books. However, it is a charming story, with a very good ending.
Thank you to Net Galley and Harper 360 for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 1, 2026
I have to confess I came to this book because of the cover. Beautiful. Tempting. I didn’t know the author or her writing at all… and what a surprise.
As I kept reading, I got more and more hooked, to the point where I grabbed a notebook and started taking notes. It might sound like a bit much, but names, places… nothing was there by chance, and I didn’t want to miss a thing. Indiana Jones-ish, searching for hidden treasures.
Everything moves to the rhythm of music. A concert written with words.
Along the way, I surprised myself by smiling more than once (and that’s not easy), and also by frowning at other moments. Not everything here is beautiful. There are hard moments, very hard ones, treated with delicacy and, above all, given a voice.
By the end, all I could really say was wow. There’s a huge amount of work and research behind this book. At times, it felt like a lot, but it was worth it.
Straight onto my favourites shelf.
And if you decide to read it… explorer’s hat on, baton in hand.
One, two, three…
As I kept reading, I got more and more hooked, to the point where I grabbed a notebook and started taking notes. It might sound like a bit much, but names, places… nothing was there by chance, and I didn’t want to miss a thing. Indiana Jones-ish, searching for hidden treasures.
Everything moves to the rhythm of music. A concert written with words.
Along the way, I surprised myself by smiling more than once (and that’s not easy), and also by frowning at other moments. Not everything here is beautiful. There are hard moments, very hard ones, treated with delicacy and, above all, given a voice.
By the end, all I could really say was wow. There’s a huge amount of work and research behind this book. At times, it felt like a lot, but it was worth it.
Straight onto my favourites shelf.
And if you decide to read it… explorer’s hat on, baton in hand.
One, two, three…
March 2, 2026
Bravooooo! I'd give this book 4.5 stars. What a whimsically charming story that follows a violin's journey through time. This book hooked my attention so fast and was such a fun read! It was whimsical, sweet, heartbreaking, mysterious, informational, and so much more. The unlikely friendship between Walter, Devlin, and Gabrielle was endearing. Their individual journeys made their collective journey all the sweeter. I LOVED hearing about the journey from the violin's POV, it was so unique and really made me think about "possessions" in a whole new light. The journey of a single item throughout time was done so thoughtfully and intently; this journey Evie Woods took me on was so delightful. I usually love books about music, but this book took it to a whole new level by adding the perspective of the violin and the instrument's history.
*Friendship
*Violin/Music
*Trauma
*Mystery/Secrets
*Magical realism
Format: ebook and audiobook
Thank you to NetGalley, Evie Woods, and HarperCollins for the ARC!
*Friendship
*Violin/Music
*Trauma
*Mystery/Secrets
*Magical realism
Format: ebook and audiobook
Thank you to NetGalley, Evie Woods, and HarperCollins for the ARC!
January 14, 2026
Thank you @NetGalley for this ARC to read and review. I am already a Fan of Evie Woods and was very excited when my request was approved.
A musically inspired Romantacy full of secrets and magic. I love Evie Woods writing style and storytelling. After reading The Lost Bookshop I had higher hopes for this new novel. I was thinking this was going to be more of a historical fiction rather than current times with a backstory on Violinists.
In depth research from the author and a treat to read.
A musically inspired Romantacy full of secrets and magic. I love Evie Woods writing style and storytelling. After reading The Lost Bookshop I had higher hopes for this new novel. I was thinking this was going to be more of a historical fiction rather than current times with a backstory on Violinists.
In depth research from the author and a treat to read.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Violin Maker’s Secret by Evie Woods. It tells the story of a mysterious, almost magical violin and the luthier who created it, blending historical fiction with magical realism, touches of fantasy, contemporary drama, romance, and thriller elements.
The narrative moves between the 18th century and the present day. In the modern timeline, Devlin, an airport baggage worker, discovers an antique violin in the lost-and-found section. With his retired teacher, Mr. Walter, an appraiser named Gabrielle, he sets out to uncover the instrument’s origin and hidden past.
As they investigate, the story reveals both the violin’s history and the characters’ personal grief and healing. I especially loved the historical mystery and how it unfolds across time, though the present-day storyline near the end felt somewhat cinematic. Set between Ireland and the UK, the novel beautifully highlights the power of music and memory. I recommend it to readers who enjoy historical fiction with magical realism and a touch of romance and suspense.
Thank you, Onemorechapter, Harper Collinsuk, the author and the NetGalley for the eARC, and also for giveaway.
The narrative moves between the 18th century and the present day. In the modern timeline, Devlin, an airport baggage worker, discovers an antique violin in the lost-and-found section. With his retired teacher, Mr. Walter, an appraiser named Gabrielle, he sets out to uncover the instrument’s origin and hidden past.
As they investigate, the story reveals both the violin’s history and the characters’ personal grief and healing. I especially loved the historical mystery and how it unfolds across time, though the present-day storyline near the end felt somewhat cinematic. Set between Ireland and the UK, the novel beautifully highlights the power of music and memory. I recommend it to readers who enjoy historical fiction with magical realism and a touch of romance and suspense.
Thank you, Onemorechapter, Harper Collinsuk, the author and the NetGalley for the eARC, and also for giveaway.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Evie Woods spots the extraordinary in everyday mess, and The Violin Maker’s Secret does it well. A rare violin turns up in Heathrow’s Lost and Found clutter, drawing three strangers together: Devlin, Walter, and Gabrielle. They share nothing but nearness to this instrument, yet they end up chasing its history. It’s a quiet mystery built on character friction, not big twists.
Devlin, Walter, and Gabrielle come alive through their quirks. They’re not the slick winners from typical thrillers; they’re the sort you’d wait behind at security. Their growth feels real, won the hard way. As they track the violin’s past, they face their own stuck spots. The classical music crowd around them shows off art world pretension, which makes our main three even more relatable.
The story highlights the idea of "lost and found" as a metaphor for people, not just luggage. In a world that feels increasingly disconnected and digital, the focus on a physical, handcrafted object that requires human touch to sing is a poignant choice. It suggests that we are all carrying around untapped potential or forgotten histories. There is an intellectual satisfaction in watching the characters navigate the ethics of art appraisal and ownership, reminding us that the things we value most often have the most complicated shadows.
Woods uses a tone that is warm but never sugary. She avoids the flowery language that can sometimes bog down magical realism or mystery, opting instead for a style that feels efficient and observant. The pacing reflects the careful work of a luthier; it doesn't rush, which might frustrate those looking for a fast-paced hunt. However, this slower tempo allows the atmosphere of Heathrow and the dusty shops of violin dealers to feel authentic. It fits well within the genre of "up-lit," though it carries a bit more weight and mystery than your average feel-good novel.
I know this genre’s sentimental traps all too well, and this one stays hopeful without veering into fake. The book is unique because it treats music and history as a bridge between very different social classes. It is a solid reminder to look at the "clutter" in our own lives with a bit more curiosity. While the resolution of the mystery might feel a little convenient for some, the emotional payoff of seeing these three strangers find their footing is genuine. It is a thoughtful read that suggests your own second chance might be sitting in a pile of things you’ve ignored.
Devlin, Walter, and Gabrielle come alive through their quirks. They’re not the slick winners from typical thrillers; they’re the sort you’d wait behind at security. Their growth feels real, won the hard way. As they track the violin’s past, they face their own stuck spots. The classical music crowd around them shows off art world pretension, which makes our main three even more relatable.
The story highlights the idea of "lost and found" as a metaphor for people, not just luggage. In a world that feels increasingly disconnected and digital, the focus on a physical, handcrafted object that requires human touch to sing is a poignant choice. It suggests that we are all carrying around untapped potential or forgotten histories. There is an intellectual satisfaction in watching the characters navigate the ethics of art appraisal and ownership, reminding us that the things we value most often have the most complicated shadows.
Woods uses a tone that is warm but never sugary. She avoids the flowery language that can sometimes bog down magical realism or mystery, opting instead for a style that feels efficient and observant. The pacing reflects the careful work of a luthier; it doesn't rush, which might frustrate those looking for a fast-paced hunt. However, this slower tempo allows the atmosphere of Heathrow and the dusty shops of violin dealers to feel authentic. It fits well within the genre of "up-lit," though it carries a bit more weight and mystery than your average feel-good novel.
I know this genre’s sentimental traps all too well, and this one stays hopeful without veering into fake. The book is unique because it treats music and history as a bridge between very different social classes. It is a solid reminder to look at the "clutter" in our own lives with a bit more curiosity. While the resolution of the mystery might feel a little convenient for some, the emotional payoff of seeing these three strangers find their footing is genuine. It is a thoughtful read that suggests your own second chance might be sitting in a pile of things you’ve ignored.
December 5, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins 360 for gifting me an ARC of this book. This review is my own. I am so excited that I received the ARC for this book!! Evie Woods is an absolute must-read author for me, as I’ve loved all of her books. The Violin Maker’s Secret is another brilliant and moving novel with an incredible amount of heart, engaging characters, and a masterfully woven story told in multiple timelines. Gabrielle is a former violin prodigy with a painful past and a hopelessly narrow existence. When Walter and Devlin show up on her doorstep with a violin seeking her services as an appraiser, Gabrielle has no idea that her whole life is about to change. The violin changes everyone it touches throughout the centuries as it seeks the fulfillment of its own destiny. Excellently written, lovely, and wonderful.
March 15, 2026
4.5⭐️ quite good! 🎶🎼🎻
April 2, 2026
Soooooo schön und es gab eine Perspektive aus der Geige 💚
February 24, 2026
This book felt like a quiet song that slowly worked its way into my heart. 🎻✨
This story unfolds like music: soft at first, then layered, emotional, and impossible to forget. I loved how a single violin becomes the thread connecting three very different lives Devlin, Walter, and Gabrielle, each of them feeling a little lost until this unexpected mystery pulls them together.
What really got me was the sense of purpose woven through every page. Watching these characters realize they matter, that their choices ripple through time, feel incredibly human and quietly powerful. The historical mystery surrounding the violin isn’t loud or flashy; it's tender, meaningful, and full of heart, just like the people chasing its story.
If you love character-driven novels, hidden histories, and books that make you slow down and feel, this one is a beautiful choice. I closed it, feeling calmer, softer, and strangely hopeful. 💛
✨️Thank you, HarperCollins and Evie Woods, for sharing The Violin Maker's Secret with me!
This story unfolds like music: soft at first, then layered, emotional, and impossible to forget. I loved how a single violin becomes the thread connecting three very different lives Devlin, Walter, and Gabrielle, each of them feeling a little lost until this unexpected mystery pulls them together.
What really got me was the sense of purpose woven through every page. Watching these characters realize they matter, that their choices ripple through time, feel incredibly human and quietly powerful. The historical mystery surrounding the violin isn’t loud or flashy; it's tender, meaningful, and full of heart, just like the people chasing its story.
If you love character-driven novels, hidden histories, and books that make you slow down and feel, this one is a beautiful choice. I closed it, feeling calmer, softer, and strangely hopeful. 💛
✨️Thank you, HarperCollins and Evie Woods, for sharing The Violin Maker's Secret with me!
March 20, 2026
This book was erratic and hard to follow from the start, it seemed fast paced but like I had missed something. Nothing like the other books and style by Evie Woods. With all the comments of at her best etc I thought this would be superior, it was not and falls hugely short.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is my first Evie Woods book and wow is it beautiful!!!!!!!!!! Her style of writing spoke to my soul and it is so astounding!!!!!!!! On to check out her other books and I pray they will be just as beautiful as this book is.
March 9, 2026
I thought about rating this book “4” because the concept is so cool. However, parts of it (the Verity schtick) are confusing and, quite frankly, annoying. Grrrrr!
March 4, 2026
I had such high hopes for this book. It started off strong and petered off about halfway through at which time I decided it was boring and dnf’ed
March 16, 2026
This is Evie Woods’ fourth book and it’s the fourth book of hers I’ve read. Her books are a perfect blend of everyday life, the arts, and magic.
Told in the same dual timeline as her other books, The Violin Maker’s Secret is the story of a girl with an extraordinary voice, a novice luthier, and a violin that is the commonality between all of the characters in this book.
The magic in this book is a little different than in Ms. Woods’ other books, but still very much a part of the story. While I wouldn’t classify this as a romance novel, the love story arcs are beautiful and sweet. Filled with amazing characters who leap off the page and beautiful descriptions of music (I could hear the violin playing in my head as I read this) this is one book not to be missed.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK: One More Chapter for an advanced copy of this. The Violin Maker’s Secret hit the shelves on February 24th.
Told in the same dual timeline as her other books, The Violin Maker’s Secret is the story of a girl with an extraordinary voice, a novice luthier, and a violin that is the commonality between all of the characters in this book.
The magic in this book is a little different than in Ms. Woods’ other books, but still very much a part of the story. While I wouldn’t classify this as a romance novel, the love story arcs are beautiful and sweet. Filled with amazing characters who leap off the page and beautiful descriptions of music (I could hear the violin playing in my head as I read this) this is one book not to be missed.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK: One More Chapter for an advanced copy of this. The Violin Maker’s Secret hit the shelves on February 24th.
March 10, 2026
Other than how they sounded, I really had no clue how much work or history was involved in violins. This is like a love story and history lesson all in one. A beautiful violin brings 3 random people into each other’s lives and so begins a story of trust, friendship and new beginnings.
There are chapters from the violin, weird I know but they work and help unfold the story of this amazing instrument. I loved Walter, he gave me Ove vibes from the start (IYKYK), and Devlin was fun and a great character. Gabrielle wasn’t my favourite to begin, she seemed very off with the guys from the start, a bit too formal but she had her reasons as we found out. They all had some flaw to their character and maybe this is why they were drawn together.
I really enjoyed this book, I’ve read this author before and will definitely read more of hers in the future. Great writing and story telling, both book I’ve read have been un-put-down-able!
There are chapters from the violin, weird I know but they work and help unfold the story of this amazing instrument. I loved Walter, he gave me Ove vibes from the start (IYKYK), and Devlin was fun and a great character. Gabrielle wasn’t my favourite to begin, she seemed very off with the guys from the start, a bit too formal but she had her reasons as we found out. They all had some flaw to their character and maybe this is why they were drawn together.
I really enjoyed this book, I’ve read this author before and will definitely read more of hers in the future. Great writing and story telling, both book I’ve read have been un-put-down-able!
March 14, 2026
What a charming story that follows a violin’s journey through time. I loved the alternating POV and the alternating journey through time. This was my first book by Evie Woods and I see why her books are at the top of many TBRs. I learned so much about violins and their history and found it intriguing that the author could tell parts of the story from the violin’s point of view. I enjoyed the characters and their individual journey and how it was the violin that brought them all together. I echo what many other readers say, it was a fast read that was mysterious, heartbreaking, and informational.
“Music helps us to feel what words cannot say.”
“Music helps us to feel what words cannot say.”
April 1, 2026
Got as far as page 170. But had to give it up then, it was just getting too ridiculous.
March 13, 2026
A somewhat magical story about a lost and found Violin and the lives that it affects. Easy read and very enjoyable!
March 23, 2026
Three people with secrets are brought together when one ends up with an unusual and special violin. The narration alternates between them trying to discover its provenance and the violin's history up to present day. In addition to this mystery, the story is infused with magical realism, romance, and some cheesy parts.
March 19, 2026
Unfortunately I just didn’t like it as much as her other books it felt a bit rushed in places
February 1, 2026
Thanks to Goodreads Giveways for the advanced copy of this book!
Devin secures a rare violin from the lost and found at Heathrow Airport. What starts off as an object he wants to give as a gift leads him on a mystery adventure with his former teacher and a violin appraiser.
What struck me most about the book was how the characters each dealt with loss, grief, trauma and healing. The hurt and love and passion is elegantly expressed through each lost soul. You want Devin, Walter and Gabrielle to heal, to succeed, to find themselves again. I found myself just as invested as the characters to put the puzzle pieces of this mystery violin into place. The Violin Maker’s Secret is a story of second chances, and the need for connection, told through a love of music.
Devin secures a rare violin from the lost and found at Heathrow Airport. What starts off as an object he wants to give as a gift leads him on a mystery adventure with his former teacher and a violin appraiser.
What struck me most about the book was how the characters each dealt with loss, grief, trauma and healing. The hurt and love and passion is elegantly expressed through each lost soul. You want Devin, Walter and Gabrielle to heal, to succeed, to find themselves again. I found myself just as invested as the characters to put the puzzle pieces of this mystery violin into place. The Violin Maker’s Secret is a story of second chances, and the need for connection, told through a love of music.
January 10, 2026
A easy to read book with two adorable main male characters and a somewhat complex female main character. The story starts with a violin that has been forgotten at the airport and ends up at the lost and found section. From there a sequence of events happen (not all are that believable, but hey, it’s a historical fiction so it’s okay).
One particular sub storyline that is woven in the story didn’t really suit my style and felt somewhat forced into it to add some suspense. This didn’t take the joy away from the overall story. The history of the violin, the people that held her throughout history and how it brings people together was heartwarming. The feeling that we as people can be lost as well and that with the right people you can find your place in the world again.
Overall a lovely story, which makes you realise that magic can be found in the most unexpected places and time. Will definitely check out her other work.
Thank you Netgalley and Harper Collins UK for this E-arc.
4 stars🌟
One particular sub storyline that is woven in the story didn’t really suit my style and felt somewhat forced into it to add some suspense. This didn’t take the joy away from the overall story. The history of the violin, the people that held her throughout history and how it brings people together was heartwarming. The feeling that we as people can be lost as well and that with the right people you can find your place in the world again.
Overall a lovely story, which makes you realise that magic can be found in the most unexpected places and time. Will definitely check out her other work.
Thank you Netgalley and Harper Collins UK for this E-arc.
4 stars🌟
December 10, 2025
This is my third Evie Woods’ read, and this one did not disappoint! From the magical realism elements with the violin to the connecting threaded characters woven to its life, to the lessons learned about violins, I really enjoyed reading this book. I loved the foreshadowing details describing Gabrielle as a fighter and how Devin turns to a former teacher for help when he needs a different kind of history lesson. Overall, this is a great read for anyone who wondered if there is a connection between an instrument and its owner, as well as the connection we have with one another. My favorite lessons in this book are that the person who makes you stumble over your speech and see stars in your eyes is worth fighting the bad days for, no matter how few days we get together. I adored the little snippets of love stories throughout the mystery to find the rightful owner of the violin.
March 15, 2026
4.25 stars. In The Violin Maker’s Secret, Evie Woods tells a story where the true central character is not a person but a legendary anthropomorphic violin whose mysterious disappearance sets the entire plot in motion. The instrument—revered for both its beauty and the extraordinary craftsmanship behind it—goes missing at an airport baggage claim, leaving its owner desperate and launching an unexpected chain of events. What begins as a simple lost-item mystery gradually unfolds into a deeper exploration of history, artistry, and the enduring power of music.
The narrative follows three key characters whose lives become intertwined through the search for the missing violin. Gabrielle, a talented musician, feels a powerful connection to the instrument and becomes determined to uncover what happened to it. Devlin, practical and curious, becomes involved in the investigation and helps piece together clues about the violin’s origins. Meanwhile, Walter, an aging and somewhat solitary violin maker, holds knowledge about the craft and history of such instruments that may be essential to solving the mystery. As the three pursue the violin’s trail, they uncover stories of the luthiers who created such instruments and the devotion required to shape wood into something capable of carrying music across generations.
As the mystery deepens, the search for the violin becomes more than just a quest to recover a lost possession. The characters discover that the instrument represents centuries of craftsmanship and human passion. The violin’s history reveals secrets about its maker, the tradition of violin making, and the emotional connections musicians form with their instruments. Each character is changed by the journey: Gabrielle grows as an artist, Devlin becomes invested in preserving something meaningful, and Walter reflects on his life’s work and legacy.
Evie Woods blends elements of mystery, historical reflection, and emotional storytelling to show how art objects can hold stories within them. Through the search for the missing violin, The Violin Maker’s Secret ultimately celebrates the power of music and craftsmanship to connect people across time and circumstance. The novel reminds readers that instruments are more than tools—they are vessels of memory, history, and human creativity. The book is a wonderful testament to music, its instruments, and those who create the instruments and utilize them in bringing beautiful storytelling to audiences.
The narrative follows three key characters whose lives become intertwined through the search for the missing violin. Gabrielle, a talented musician, feels a powerful connection to the instrument and becomes determined to uncover what happened to it. Devlin, practical and curious, becomes involved in the investigation and helps piece together clues about the violin’s origins. Meanwhile, Walter, an aging and somewhat solitary violin maker, holds knowledge about the craft and history of such instruments that may be essential to solving the mystery. As the three pursue the violin’s trail, they uncover stories of the luthiers who created such instruments and the devotion required to shape wood into something capable of carrying music across generations.
As the mystery deepens, the search for the violin becomes more than just a quest to recover a lost possession. The characters discover that the instrument represents centuries of craftsmanship and human passion. The violin’s history reveals secrets about its maker, the tradition of violin making, and the emotional connections musicians form with their instruments. Each character is changed by the journey: Gabrielle grows as an artist, Devlin becomes invested in preserving something meaningful, and Walter reflects on his life’s work and legacy.
Evie Woods blends elements of mystery, historical reflection, and emotional storytelling to show how art objects can hold stories within them. Through the search for the missing violin, The Violin Maker’s Secret ultimately celebrates the power of music and craftsmanship to connect people across time and circumstance. The novel reminds readers that instruments are more than tools—they are vessels of memory, history, and human creativity. The book is a wonderful testament to music, its instruments, and those who create the instruments and utilize them in bringing beautiful storytelling to audiences.
April 1, 2026
Thank you @harpercollins for the free book 💖.
Every year since discovering Evie Woods’ novels, I’ve eagerly awaited her next release, and she never disappoints. Her stories are beautifully written, well researched, and full of charm, heart, and a quiet kind of magic. Picking up one of her books feels like stepping away from the noise of everyday life and into a world that’s softer, richer, and wonderfully immersive. She has a gift for transporting readers to another time and place, and this year’s novel is no exception.
In this story, you’re drawn into the enchanting world of music, rare violins, and three unlikely characters: a baggage claim agent, a retired teacher, and an appraiser. Their lives intersect because of a mysterious stolen violin purchased from Heathrow Airport’s lost and found. And yes, the soul of the violin is also a character in the story. So unique! What begins as a journey to find the violin’s rightful owner turns into something far more meaningful as its hidden history slowly unfolds, bonding three unlikely strangers along the way.
Through beautifully woven stories from the past, this story helps the reader discover the lives the violin has touched and the profound impact of friendship, second chances, courage, and finding your voice. It’s a reminder that the most unexpected connections can shape us in extraordinary ways. Truly beautiful.
If you’re looking for a magical, heartfelt story filled with mystery, music, and a quiet kind of power, this is one you’ll want to pick up.
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Read if you like:
🎻Magical realism
🎻Historical fiction
🎻Multiple timelines
🎻Character driven novels
🎻Multiple POVs
🎻Mystery, suspense and a little romance
⚠️CW: Some swearing, emotional trauma, mentions of domestic and mental abuse, panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, violence, murder, terminal illness, sexual assault.
Every year since discovering Evie Woods’ novels, I’ve eagerly awaited her next release, and she never disappoints. Her stories are beautifully written, well researched, and full of charm, heart, and a quiet kind of magic. Picking up one of her books feels like stepping away from the noise of everyday life and into a world that’s softer, richer, and wonderfully immersive. She has a gift for transporting readers to another time and place, and this year’s novel is no exception.
In this story, you’re drawn into the enchanting world of music, rare violins, and three unlikely characters: a baggage claim agent, a retired teacher, and an appraiser. Their lives intersect because of a mysterious stolen violin purchased from Heathrow Airport’s lost and found. And yes, the soul of the violin is also a character in the story. So unique! What begins as a journey to find the violin’s rightful owner turns into something far more meaningful as its hidden history slowly unfolds, bonding three unlikely strangers along the way.
Through beautifully woven stories from the past, this story helps the reader discover the lives the violin has touched and the profound impact of friendship, second chances, courage, and finding your voice. It’s a reminder that the most unexpected connections can shape us in extraordinary ways. Truly beautiful.
If you’re looking for a magical, heartfelt story filled with mystery, music, and a quiet kind of power, this is one you’ll want to pick up.
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Read if you like:
🎻Magical realism
🎻Historical fiction
🎻Multiple timelines
🎻Character driven novels
🎻Multiple POVs
🎻Mystery, suspense and a little romance
⚠️CW: Some swearing, emotional trauma, mentions of domestic and mental abuse, panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, violence, murder, terminal illness, sexual assault.
February 12, 2026
Evie Woods gives us a beautiful and mystical story about a lost object and its hidden stories. We meet a magical violin imbued with a soul that has ended up in Heathrow’s Lost and Abandoned Department and will now continue a journey that began in Ireland two hundred years ago — a voyage that needs to come full circle back to where its wood was first harvested and carved.
Aiding in the journey are three people/POVs who become fascinated with the instrument’s provenance:
Luke Devlin: a baggage handler, feels an immediate connection with the unusual instrument and decides to buy it (as handlers are allowed) as a birthday present for his girlfriend, who was really expecting an engagement ring (hey, she got a special manicure).
Walter Pickering: retired school teacher, contacted by the now jilted Devlin, to assist in the return of the violin back to a rightful owner — an idea now complicated as they realize auction house Christie’s has just announced the theft of a rare violin.
And Gabrielle Wilding, daughter and successor of the late master violin maker/appraiser Gregory Wilding (who was once a friend of Walter’s).
Determining the origin and maker of the violin (a true character/narrator who narrates her centuries-long travels through the arms of virtuoso musicians, pawnshops, esoteric collectors, and dusty attics), is also fraught with the interference of the hired criminals who liberated the violin prior to the planned auction. Another mysterious person will spare no expense to possess the instrument.
Woods unfolds a romantic and suspenseful plot that travels across historical Europe and uniquely gives us the perspective of the violin. Cameos by famous people and a side quest for some mysterious missing music added to my utter enjoyment. I loved this! 5 stars!
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES Gabrielle has green eyes.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO But we learn about the “Musical Woods” of an Italian mountain valley where Stradivarius sourced the spruce for his best instruments.
Thank you to Harper 360 and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!
Aiding in the journey are three people/POVs who become fascinated with the instrument’s provenance:
Luke Devlin: a baggage handler, feels an immediate connection with the unusual instrument and decides to buy it (as handlers are allowed) as a birthday present for his girlfriend, who was really expecting an engagement ring (hey, she got a special manicure).
Walter Pickering: retired school teacher, contacted by the now jilted Devlin, to assist in the return of the violin back to a rightful owner — an idea now complicated as they realize auction house Christie’s has just announced the theft of a rare violin.
And Gabrielle Wilding, daughter and successor of the late master violin maker/appraiser Gregory Wilding (who was once a friend of Walter’s).
Determining the origin and maker of the violin (a true character/narrator who narrates her centuries-long travels through the arms of virtuoso musicians, pawnshops, esoteric collectors, and dusty attics), is also fraught with the interference of the hired criminals who liberated the violin prior to the planned auction. Another mysterious person will spare no expense to possess the instrument.
Woods unfolds a romantic and suspenseful plot that travels across historical Europe and uniquely gives us the perspective of the violin. Cameos by famous people and a side quest for some mysterious missing music added to my utter enjoyment. I loved this! 5 stars!
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES Gabrielle has green eyes.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO But we learn about the “Musical Woods” of an Italian mountain valley where Stradivarius sourced the spruce for his best instruments.
Thank you to Harper 360 and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!
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