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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
1161 people are currently reading
9724 people want to read
About the author
Evie Woods
9 books4,309 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 301 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.
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
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!
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…
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
February 24, 2026
The Violin Maker’s Secret is an unexpected gem, warm, whimsical, and wonderfully charming. The story begins simply, with three ordinary people and a lost/stolen violin, but it quickly unfolds into something much richer. The violin carries secrets that lead our characters on an adventure to who can uncover its mysterious origins. Because the violin was stolen, those who took it are going to reclaim it any way possible, adding suspense throughout the novel.
As we follow the trio and the violin across time and the violin's memory, we learn how this remarkable instrument ended up in Heathrow Airport’s Lost and Found. The characters are endearing, each bringing heart and humor to the journey. My favorite element is the magical realism woven through the story. The violin is a spirit guiding presence that connects everyone it encounters.
It is a sweet, imaginative novel, and now I want to read more of Evie Woods’ work. 4.5 Stars rounded up
As we follow the trio and the violin across time and the violin's memory, we learn how this remarkable instrument ended up in Heathrow Airport’s Lost and Found. The characters are endearing, each bringing heart and humor to the journey. My favorite element is the magical realism woven through the story. The violin is a spirit guiding presence that connects everyone it encounters.
It is a sweet, imaginative novel, and now I want to read more of Evie Woods’ work. 4.5 Stars rounded up
February 15, 2026
A beautiful, enchanting dual timeline read spanning centuries as we follow the ‘life’ of a very special violin, told by Clara who is the soul of the violin.
An old violin is purchased from Heathrow airport’s lost and found department, and Devlin the baggage handler who buys it for his girlfriend, has no idea how this violin is going to change his life and even save the life of Walter, his retired history teacher. Together with Gabrielle, a violin appraiser, the unlikely trio begin the difficult task of determining its origin. Realising it is the violin which has recently been stolen from Christie’s, they are intimidated and threatened by the dangerous ‘V’ who wants the violin.
The violin’s story is fascinating as Paganini becomes her guardian for a short period of time, and I just had to carry on reading with some beautiful music by Paganini playing in the background.
I now have some wonderful knowledge of the history of violin makers (luthiers as I now know) and will never forget the beautiful forests of music which provided the wood for Stradivarius violins.
There are so many strands in this story and lives which surprisingly overlap and then tie up nicely at the end, with a few tears shed along the way too.
I was fully invested in the journey of Devlin, Gabrielle and Walter, seeing them all grow and bloom under the spell of the violin.
It is clear from this story how much the author loves violins and their history, and how much research has been undertaken.
Evie Woods is now firmly on my must read author list and I look forward to reading more, having also enjoyed The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris.
Huge thanks to One More Chapter for an advance copy to review via NetGalley.
An old violin is purchased from Heathrow airport’s lost and found department, and Devlin the baggage handler who buys it for his girlfriend, has no idea how this violin is going to change his life and even save the life of Walter, his retired history teacher. Together with Gabrielle, a violin appraiser, the unlikely trio begin the difficult task of determining its origin. Realising it is the violin which has recently been stolen from Christie’s, they are intimidated and threatened by the dangerous ‘V’ who wants the violin.
The violin’s story is fascinating as Paganini becomes her guardian for a short period of time, and I just had to carry on reading with some beautiful music by Paganini playing in the background.
I now have some wonderful knowledge of the history of violin makers (luthiers as I now know) and will never forget the beautiful forests of music which provided the wood for Stradivarius violins.
There are so many strands in this story and lives which surprisingly overlap and then tie up nicely at the end, with a few tears shed along the way too.
I was fully invested in the journey of Devlin, Gabrielle and Walter, seeing them all grow and bloom under the spell of the violin.
It is clear from this story how much the author loves violins and their history, and how much research has been undertaken.
Evie Woods is now firmly on my must read author list and I look forward to reading more, having also enjoyed The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris.
Huge thanks to One More Chapter for an advance copy to review via NetGalley.
March 3, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was so whimsical and heartwarming. I loved the dynamics between Gabrielle, Devlin, and Walter. They were the perfect little team and I loved how close they grew by the end of the book. The chapters from the magical violin’s perspective were wonderful and added so much whimsy to the book.
This was so whimsical and heartwarming. I loved the dynamics between Gabrielle, Devlin, and Walter. They were the perfect little team and I loved how close they grew by the end of the book. The chapters from the magical violin’s perspective were wonderful and added so much whimsy to the book.
February 22, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins 360 for an advanced copy of this book! This one releases in just 2 days and I recommend it, especially to music lovers. It is a heartwarming tale of friendship and mystery with a sweet love story woven in. The elements of magical realism were fun, as the violin itself was a character & offered POVs sprinkled in. I enjoyed the appearances by famous composers in this tale of a violin's adventures through two centuries.
February 25, 2026
3.5 Stars Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the eARC. Fun story. See my full review on instagram @robertsonsreadingrecs.
March 4, 2026
A light enjoyable tale.
February 24, 2026
On any given day, there are thousands of items slowly gathering dust in the Lost and Found of Heathrow Airport. Unknown to anyone, hidden among the clutter, is a very special object that can change the fortunes of those who possess it – a violin of rare beauty and power.
Now, as if by chance, it has fallen into the hands of three strangers…
Baggage claim agent Devlin, retired teacher Walter, and appraiser Gabrielle have nothing in common, but can these three unlikely guardians unlock the secrets of the violin?
With heartfelt moments, unexpected connections, and a mystery that lingers long
after the final page, this is Evie Woods at her very best.
Tropes: Magic, Fantasy, Paranormal, Contemporary, Lost Baggage, Lost & Found, Change Fortunes, Heartfelt Moments, Unexpected Connections, Mystery, Character Driven, Dual Timelines, Historical Fiction, Magical Elements, Coming-of-Age, Found-Object Magic, A Haunting, Elegant Symbol, Three POVs that complete Each Other, Cozy Cinematic Setting, Themes of Loss/Legacy/Second Chances/Magical Realism, Found Family, Father in prison, Second Chance, Friendship, Love, Enemies, Danger, Passion, Finding Your Own Voice, Mesmerising Moments, Heart Thumping Experiences, Incredible Surprises
The Violin Maker’s Secret by Evie Woods. This was one of those books that you stumble upon by accident and can’t help but pick up and read even though you’ve never read anything else by that author.
I grew up around music, in fact I grew up playing several instruments, so any time I get the chance to pick up a book that surrounds music or instruments for me, that’s an automatic read for me. And I have to say that The Violin Maker’s Secret was one of those rare books that I stumbled upon and just fell head over heels in love with.
Evie has woven this complex plot with intricate sub-plots about a violin of stunning rare beauty and influence at its very core, and it’s a violin that has its own story to tell. And through The Violin Makers Secret we have the chance to witness its journey through all the different hands it travels through. All those who hold it, change it in small minute ways that somehow seem to empower them. And of course, for some, this causes many others to want to pursue it.
We get to see how for those who possess this special violin some good things happen, but we also watch as bad things also happen. And it’s not only that good or bad things happen to those who possess the violin. Sometimes the violin can draw out the best or the worst in human behaviour. (It honestly in a way took me back to Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings and made me think of the One Ring.) Now, I don’t know if the violin’s troubled birth is the reason that we see bad things happen or the worst being drawn out in some who hold the violin, well that we can honestly only imagine. We do learn that the violin was crafted as a wedding gift for a man who is haunted with a ‘love that could never be.’
There are those who claim that the violin who has ‘a touch of the dark arts’ about it. For me, whatever the case, I found The Violin Makers Secret to be this absolutely fascinating story that any music lover or lover of violins will love. I always felt as though each instrument I touched felt as though it has the capability of anything – including exposing the deepest darkest regions of your heart that you never planned to reveal.
Over and over again The Violin Maker’s Secret shows us and reminds us that that any instrument has the ability to reveal what we hide deep in our hearts, and does it quite vividly. In this story, the violin, also adds dramatic texture and such intense emotional depth to any piece of music. A single instrument can take our heart soaring through the sky on the wings of eagles to feeling the greatest sorrow.
The entire time I was reading I found myself spellbound by all the incredibly beautiful passages and all the thoughts displayed within. The Violin Maker’s Secret took me on this journey through fascinating stories of each violin owner or caretaker of the past.
You could see how each past owner or caretaker had been affected by this unique instrument. And as we read the timeline in the present, I found that to be just as enthralling.
We learn how the violin ends up in the Lost and Found at Heathrow Airport in the hands of three very different strangers who find themselves brought together by this beautiful violin.
Devlin: the baggage claim agent. Devlin is happy that he is able to still live in the same place we also learn that he had once been a student in Walter’s history class and those classes meant a lot to him. It was only in Walter’s classes, that Devlin truly felt like himself, that he felt truly seen and believed by this special teacher.
Walter: the retired teacher, who has only been retired for the last few months but now that he’s lost his routine, he finds that he’s having trouble with his memory. Walter finds that now he keeps forgetting things and while he has always been on his own and done all his activities alone, he didn’t always mind, at least he did not used to mind, now he finds that’s changing.
Walter knows that women aren’t attracted to him, but now at 66 he realizes he feels lonely. So, without his teaching job to give him purpose, he finds himself at a standstill, not sure what to do with his time anymore. Sitting alone in his apartment with a single glass of brandy in one hand, the contents of an entire bottle of painkillers in the other, Gustav Mahler’s 5th Symphony playing softly in the background as Walter ponders the meaning of his life. Then suddenly his doorbell rings….
Devlin is the one who is standing at the door when Walter opens the door. And he stuns Walter with his appearance, his hands shaking. And he can tell that Walter has been stunned back into reality, surprised to see a student from his past, standing on his doorstep, coming to see him of all people with this urgent request.
We are shocked along with Devlin when he realizes what Walter was about to do when he stepped up to the door and rang the bell. And then this strange yet heartwarming scene unfolds. Slowly Walter’s wits come back to him and into focus and he begins to recall this young man who stands before him.
He recalls the young boy he once taught, the one who loved guitars, wrote great song lyrics, came alive in his history class, and in that moment, Walter realizes that fate has given him a new mission.
He longs to know everything about this special violin that Devlin brought from the Lost and Found at Heathrow Airport. And Walter wants to know why Devlin believes that the criminals who had originally stolen it will now be after him.
Gabrielle: the appraiser. I found her to be this solid character who feels most at home in the Irish National Museum. She’s learned a lot about ‘rare and antique musical instruments’ over the years. I love how we learn so much about the history on this beautiful instrument and music through this novel. One thing she tells Devlin sticks out to me, she tells him that the violin was modelled on the human voice. And Evie knits lots of fascinating tid-bits of knowledge like that through this book, both through the dialogue and the narrative. And despite how much Gabrielle knows, she ends up turning to her father, who is in prison, for help in identifying the violin’s design, style and markings to lead her to its maker, original owner, and maybe its current owner.
The current relationship between father and daughter isn’t the best, and I’m not going to say why Gabrielle’s father is in prison or how things are going to change for father and daughter. But I will say that they do get their second chance.
Devlin, Walter, and Gabrielle find themselves brought together by this precious violin and now its new guardians. And together they work to try and find not only the master craftsman who created it, it’s providence, but also its rightful owner.
I found that Evie wrote so many absolutely brilliant scenes in this book that are just ingenious. There’s just this one special scene that I want to mention. It’s this one when Devlin and Gabrielle are sitting on a plane. She pushes one of her earbuds in Devlin’s ears and suddenly he gets lost in what he feels is the most beautiful music he’s ever heard.
Suddenly Devlin finds himself ‘floating across this timeless cityscape’ and for the next nine minutes Devlin finds that he’s become someone else. And Gabrielle has helped him forget his fear of flying for a short period of time. And honestly what Gabrielle does for Devlin is in my opinion is a perfect comparison to reading. In both reading and listening to music we can get lost and transported to another world. We are given a short reprieve from the mundane reality we live in and at the same time it also equips we with all the tools to deal with the day-to-day struggles in our lives. And that’s one of the things that I love about both literature in any form and music, it helps to slacken all the tight strings that live inside us, it helps us to relax, it inspires us, and improves our mental health and our overall health.
I loved the way that the first few chapters set up the plot and sub-plot for the entire storyline. This story carries so many themes: friendships, love, enemies, danger, passion, second chances, and of course finding your own voice when you think you’ve lost it forever. There’s also themes of: mystery, magic, the mesmerising moments, heart thumping experiences, and so many incredible surprises.
I have to say that I loved this beautiful, enchanting dual timeline that you can easily read that spans centuries as we get to follow the ‘life’ of this very special violin, and it’s told by Clara. Clara this musical soul of the violin itself.
I have to say that this is a great book, an easy read, and a book that I highly recommend.
Of course, I couldn’t pick just one quote that I just loved, so some of my favorite quotes are:
“I dunno. Guys like girls who don't take themselves too seriously.”
“Girls like guys who write them poetry
and then die in a war.”
'Nature has such an exquisite way of reminding us how beautiful life can be, doesn't she? If only we could remember to value the simple things. They are the true miracles'
‘They say that paper will take any ink, but I've never found that to be true of history books and the achievements of women'
‘What a fleeting thing love was. And yet we would each of us sacrifice an eternity to spend just one moment longer in the arms of the one person who possessed the key to our heart.’
‘It finally struck him that it didn't really matter what you did or didn't do in this life. The point was just to experience it, to witness it all through your own unique perspective.’
‘How many of them felt as though they were in the wrong life, struggling against their reality for a childhood dream that promised a happy ever after? How many of them were blind to the wonderful life they'd created, their gaze permanently caught in the rear-view mirror?’
"The object is a violin, one of rare beauty and with a strange intoxicating power, she is built of birdsong and promises, crafted from wood and bone. An ancient provenance that can change the fortunes of those who possess her, sometimes for good, or ill."
“What a fleeting thing love was. And yet we would each of us sacrifice an eternity to spend just one moment longer in the arms of the one person who possessed the key to our heart.”
‘Awakening desire in the hearts of musicians for almost two hundred years, she is built of birdsong and promises, crafted from wood and bone.’
Now, as if by chance, it has fallen into the hands of three strangers…
Baggage claim agent Devlin, retired teacher Walter, and appraiser Gabrielle have nothing in common, but can these three unlikely guardians unlock the secrets of the violin?
With heartfelt moments, unexpected connections, and a mystery that lingers long
after the final page, this is Evie Woods at her very best.
Tropes: Magic, Fantasy, Paranormal, Contemporary, Lost Baggage, Lost & Found, Change Fortunes, Heartfelt Moments, Unexpected Connections, Mystery, Character Driven, Dual Timelines, Historical Fiction, Magical Elements, Coming-of-Age, Found-Object Magic, A Haunting, Elegant Symbol, Three POVs that complete Each Other, Cozy Cinematic Setting, Themes of Loss/Legacy/Second Chances/Magical Realism, Found Family, Father in prison, Second Chance, Friendship, Love, Enemies, Danger, Passion, Finding Your Own Voice, Mesmerising Moments, Heart Thumping Experiences, Incredible Surprises
The Violin Maker’s Secret by Evie Woods. This was one of those books that you stumble upon by accident and can’t help but pick up and read even though you’ve never read anything else by that author.
I grew up around music, in fact I grew up playing several instruments, so any time I get the chance to pick up a book that surrounds music or instruments for me, that’s an automatic read for me. And I have to say that The Violin Maker’s Secret was one of those rare books that I stumbled upon and just fell head over heels in love with.
Evie has woven this complex plot with intricate sub-plots about a violin of stunning rare beauty and influence at its very core, and it’s a violin that has its own story to tell. And through The Violin Makers Secret we have the chance to witness its journey through all the different hands it travels through. All those who hold it, change it in small minute ways that somehow seem to empower them. And of course, for some, this causes many others to want to pursue it.
We get to see how for those who possess this special violin some good things happen, but we also watch as bad things also happen. And it’s not only that good or bad things happen to those who possess the violin. Sometimes the violin can draw out the best or the worst in human behaviour. (It honestly in a way took me back to Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings and made me think of the One Ring.) Now, I don’t know if the violin’s troubled birth is the reason that we see bad things happen or the worst being drawn out in some who hold the violin, well that we can honestly only imagine. We do learn that the violin was crafted as a wedding gift for a man who is haunted with a ‘love that could never be.’
There are those who claim that the violin who has ‘a touch of the dark arts’ about it. For me, whatever the case, I found The Violin Makers Secret to be this absolutely fascinating story that any music lover or lover of violins will love. I always felt as though each instrument I touched felt as though it has the capability of anything – including exposing the deepest darkest regions of your heart that you never planned to reveal.
Over and over again The Violin Maker’s Secret shows us and reminds us that that any instrument has the ability to reveal what we hide deep in our hearts, and does it quite vividly. In this story, the violin, also adds dramatic texture and such intense emotional depth to any piece of music. A single instrument can take our heart soaring through the sky on the wings of eagles to feeling the greatest sorrow.
The entire time I was reading I found myself spellbound by all the incredibly beautiful passages and all the thoughts displayed within. The Violin Maker’s Secret took me on this journey through fascinating stories of each violin owner or caretaker of the past.
You could see how each past owner or caretaker had been affected by this unique instrument. And as we read the timeline in the present, I found that to be just as enthralling.
We learn how the violin ends up in the Lost and Found at Heathrow Airport in the hands of three very different strangers who find themselves brought together by this beautiful violin.
Devlin: the baggage claim agent. Devlin is happy that he is able to still live in the same place we also learn that he had once been a student in Walter’s history class and those classes meant a lot to him. It was only in Walter’s classes, that Devlin truly felt like himself, that he felt truly seen and believed by this special teacher.
Walter: the retired teacher, who has only been retired for the last few months but now that he’s lost his routine, he finds that he’s having trouble with his memory. Walter finds that now he keeps forgetting things and while he has always been on his own and done all his activities alone, he didn’t always mind, at least he did not used to mind, now he finds that’s changing.
Walter knows that women aren’t attracted to him, but now at 66 he realizes he feels lonely. So, without his teaching job to give him purpose, he finds himself at a standstill, not sure what to do with his time anymore. Sitting alone in his apartment with a single glass of brandy in one hand, the contents of an entire bottle of painkillers in the other, Gustav Mahler’s 5th Symphony playing softly in the background as Walter ponders the meaning of his life. Then suddenly his doorbell rings….
Devlin is the one who is standing at the door when Walter opens the door. And he stuns Walter with his appearance, his hands shaking. And he can tell that Walter has been stunned back into reality, surprised to see a student from his past, standing on his doorstep, coming to see him of all people with this urgent request.
We are shocked along with Devlin when he realizes what Walter was about to do when he stepped up to the door and rang the bell. And then this strange yet heartwarming scene unfolds. Slowly Walter’s wits come back to him and into focus and he begins to recall this young man who stands before him.
He recalls the young boy he once taught, the one who loved guitars, wrote great song lyrics, came alive in his history class, and in that moment, Walter realizes that fate has given him a new mission.
He longs to know everything about this special violin that Devlin brought from the Lost and Found at Heathrow Airport. And Walter wants to know why Devlin believes that the criminals who had originally stolen it will now be after him.
Gabrielle: the appraiser. I found her to be this solid character who feels most at home in the Irish National Museum. She’s learned a lot about ‘rare and antique musical instruments’ over the years. I love how we learn so much about the history on this beautiful instrument and music through this novel. One thing she tells Devlin sticks out to me, she tells him that the violin was modelled on the human voice. And Evie knits lots of fascinating tid-bits of knowledge like that through this book, both through the dialogue and the narrative. And despite how much Gabrielle knows, she ends up turning to her father, who is in prison, for help in identifying the violin’s design, style and markings to lead her to its maker, original owner, and maybe its current owner.
The current relationship between father and daughter isn’t the best, and I’m not going to say why Gabrielle’s father is in prison or how things are going to change for father and daughter. But I will say that they do get their second chance.
Devlin, Walter, and Gabrielle find themselves brought together by this precious violin and now its new guardians. And together they work to try and find not only the master craftsman who created it, it’s providence, but also its rightful owner.
I found that Evie wrote so many absolutely brilliant scenes in this book that are just ingenious. There’s just this one special scene that I want to mention. It’s this one when Devlin and Gabrielle are sitting on a plane. She pushes one of her earbuds in Devlin’s ears and suddenly he gets lost in what he feels is the most beautiful music he’s ever heard.
Suddenly Devlin finds himself ‘floating across this timeless cityscape’ and for the next nine minutes Devlin finds that he’s become someone else. And Gabrielle has helped him forget his fear of flying for a short period of time. And honestly what Gabrielle does for Devlin is in my opinion is a perfect comparison to reading. In both reading and listening to music we can get lost and transported to another world. We are given a short reprieve from the mundane reality we live in and at the same time it also equips we with all the tools to deal with the day-to-day struggles in our lives. And that’s one of the things that I love about both literature in any form and music, it helps to slacken all the tight strings that live inside us, it helps us to relax, it inspires us, and improves our mental health and our overall health.
I loved the way that the first few chapters set up the plot and sub-plot for the entire storyline. This story carries so many themes: friendships, love, enemies, danger, passion, second chances, and of course finding your own voice when you think you’ve lost it forever. There’s also themes of: mystery, magic, the mesmerising moments, heart thumping experiences, and so many incredible surprises.
I have to say that I loved this beautiful, enchanting dual timeline that you can easily read that spans centuries as we get to follow the ‘life’ of this very special violin, and it’s told by Clara. Clara this musical soul of the violin itself.
I have to say that this is a great book, an easy read, and a book that I highly recommend.
Of course, I couldn’t pick just one quote that I just loved, so some of my favorite quotes are:
“I dunno. Guys like girls who don't take themselves too seriously.”
“Girls like guys who write them poetry
and then die in a war.”
'Nature has such an exquisite way of reminding us how beautiful life can be, doesn't she? If only we could remember to value the simple things. They are the true miracles'
‘They say that paper will take any ink, but I've never found that to be true of history books and the achievements of women'
‘What a fleeting thing love was. And yet we would each of us sacrifice an eternity to spend just one moment longer in the arms of the one person who possessed the key to our heart.’
‘It finally struck him that it didn't really matter what you did or didn't do in this life. The point was just to experience it, to witness it all through your own unique perspective.’
‘How many of them felt as though they were in the wrong life, struggling against their reality for a childhood dream that promised a happy ever after? How many of them were blind to the wonderful life they'd created, their gaze permanently caught in the rear-view mirror?’
"The object is a violin, one of rare beauty and with a strange intoxicating power, she is built of birdsong and promises, crafted from wood and bone. An ancient provenance that can change the fortunes of those who possess her, sometimes for good, or ill."
“What a fleeting thing love was. And yet we would each of us sacrifice an eternity to spend just one moment longer in the arms of the one person who possessed the key to our heart.”
‘Awakening desire in the hearts of musicians for almost two hundred years, she is built of birdsong and promises, crafted from wood and bone.’
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 1, 2026
Love Evie Woods!! Ready for her next 😁💕
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is an amazing book! It took me on a magical adventure following a hand crafted, one of a kind violin. The violin has magical powers. She only "sings" when she connects with the one playing her.
The characters are very well written! They all touched my heart in different ways. Gabrielle is extraordinary! She was once a very gifted violin player but she suffered abuse at the hands of her teacher. When Devlin and Walter enter her life, her passion slowly returns. Devlin is the friend that everyone wants and needs! He's loyal and trustworthy. My favorite character is the violin! "Awakening desire in the hearts of musicians for almost two hundred years, she is built of birdsong and promises, crafted from wood and bone." She was created from loss and love. Aimlessly passed from one person to another until she was finally set free.
I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Harper Collins Publishers via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The characters are very well written! They all touched my heart in different ways. Gabrielle is extraordinary! She was once a very gifted violin player but she suffered abuse at the hands of her teacher. When Devlin and Walter enter her life, her passion slowly returns. Devlin is the friend that everyone wants and needs! He's loyal and trustworthy. My favorite character is the violin! "Awakening desire in the hearts of musicians for almost two hundred years, she is built of birdsong and promises, crafted from wood and bone." She was created from loss and love. Aimlessly passed from one person to another until she was finally set free.
I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Harper Collins Publishers via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 7, 2026
Thank you Netgallery and HarperCollins for the advance copy .
I’ve adored Evie Woods book since I first read one , and this was no different ! The story was so adorable , made you think and even more made you feel . I loved the way it all played out. The double times flowed so nicely , and both stories were so amazing , but reading it all unfold was definitely a highlight !!
I’ve adored Evie Woods book since I first read one , and this was no different ! The story was so adorable , made you think and even more made you feel . I loved the way it all played out. The double times flowed so nicely , and both stories were so amazing , but reading it all unfold was definitely a highlight !!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 🌟
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for the advance copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
This book definitely holds a certain charm to it. Through multiple characters and points of view, we get the story of one very special violin that changed the lives of all the people who interacted with it. While I did enjoy the general storyline, I found it a bit far fetched at times and hard to believe.
Charming characters, charming story, but for some reason I found it hard to get invested.
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for the advance copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
This book definitely holds a certain charm to it. Through multiple characters and points of view, we get the story of one very special violin that changed the lives of all the people who interacted with it. While I did enjoy the general storyline, I found it a bit far fetched at times and hard to believe.
Charming characters, charming story, but for some reason I found it hard to get invested.
January 12, 2026
Evie Woods writes magic.
Thank you NetGalley, and HarperCollins Canada for the Advanced Reader’s Copy of The Violin Maker’s Secret.
The violin has a secret and it’s up to three strangers - Devlin, Walter and Gabrielle – to solve that mystery.
The story, as with other Evie Woods books, is told in two separate timelines. There is the present time with the three characters and the past. The timeline in the past details the history of the violin from when it was created to it’s travels abroad with different keepers. It’s like an interlude to the present story and it does connect in the end.
It seems that we the reader know what is magical about the violin but it is up Devlin, Walter and Gabrielle to figure that out. You will feel a connection to these characters as the author has a special way to make you care about them in either their boldness or awkwardness. They’re relatable in their struggles and in their successes. It’s easy to root for all three of them.
This is my third book by Evie Woods and it will not be my last.
Thank you NetGalley, and HarperCollins Canada for the Advanced Reader’s Copy of The Violin Maker’s Secret.
The violin has a secret and it’s up to three strangers - Devlin, Walter and Gabrielle – to solve that mystery.
The story, as with other Evie Woods books, is told in two separate timelines. There is the present time with the three characters and the past. The timeline in the past details the history of the violin from when it was created to it’s travels abroad with different keepers. It’s like an interlude to the present story and it does connect in the end.
It seems that we the reader know what is magical about the violin but it is up Devlin, Walter and Gabrielle to figure that out. You will feel a connection to these characters as the author has a special way to make you care about them in either their boldness or awkwardness. They’re relatable in their struggles and in their successes. It’s easy to root for all three of them.
This is my third book by Evie Woods and it will not be my last.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book is a solid 4.5 stars for me, almost 5, to be honest. It has a great and engaging plot; it deals also with hard and traumatic side plots; there is indeed character development, and there is grief. My only critique as a linguist in Spanish is the use of "ola" with no h, which is Galician, not Spanish, and would not be used in a salsa class.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4🌟
Thanks to Netgalley, Evie Woods, and Harper 360 for sending an Arc for me to review.
This is my 3rd book from this author (I also loved The Lost Bookshop and The Story Collector). And I loved this one all the same.
This whole book is about getting a stolen violin back to its rightful owner and how this particular violin touches each person it comes in contact with. On top of getting the point of view of the people trying to do that, but you also get the point of view of the violin themself. Getting to see the history of the violin on the way was a fun addition that I really enjoyed as well as the friendship formed between the main characters. All in all this was just a well written good story.
Thanks to Netgalley, Evie Woods, and Harper 360 for sending an Arc for me to review.
This is my 3rd book from this author (I also loved The Lost Bookshop and The Story Collector). And I loved this one all the same.
This whole book is about getting a stolen violin back to its rightful owner and how this particular violin touches each person it comes in contact with. On top of getting the point of view of the people trying to do that, but you also get the point of view of the violin themself. Getting to see the history of the violin on the way was a fun addition that I really enjoyed as well as the friendship formed between the main characters. All in all this was just a well written good story.
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