The Violin Maker's Secret

by Evie Woods

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.

Evie Woods's book 'The Lost Bookshop' was a Sunday Times bestseller w/c 2023-12-18.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery, Magical Realism, Music, Historical

417 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 24, 2026

About the author

Evie 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.

Reviews

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Dab · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎉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

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Giggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

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…

[Angela | nerdslovebooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Alyson Corry · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Karen Sherst · Rating 2 out of 5]

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

[Erin Gilmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Ranjini · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Alyce King · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy read!

[birnbaumalsname · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soooooo schön und es gab eine Perspektive aus der Geige 💚

[Thomas · Rating 1 out of 5]

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.

[Mana · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Tiffany www.instagram.com/tiffs_bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Ellen Shaffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️'s. I really enjoyed this book. The main characters were an unlikely group but bonded together to find out the provenance of a stolen violin. There was alot of intrigue and mystery to the plot. I was very surprised that I liked it so...ooo much. Given that I binge-read this book, the proof was there from the beginning. What I especially liked is, that a part of the story took place in Montreal, where I live!!!

[Jo Wyld · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cosy romantic tale that follows the life of a magical violin 🎻

Throughout the tale we learn why the violin is magical, the musicians it inspires and most importantly about the people it connects.

In fact some of those people will be key the violins happy ending, and it will be key to theirs too!

The characters in this book are wonderful and I do love a happy ending ❤️

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ quite good! 🎶🎼🎻

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75. An interesting novel but for me didn’t quite hit the mark. The plot seemed to meander and never quite took off. I found it predictable. On the other hand, I did learn about the history and magic of the violin and how important the construction is to its music and mystery. Thank you to Netgalley for providing me an advance copy in exchange for an honest and candid review

[The Page Ladies Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Rachel Galbraith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally loved this book, wanted to keep reading it but didn’t want it to end. Lovely story, definitely recommend.

[Thea · Rating 1 out of 5]

Got as far as page 170. But had to give it up then, it was just getting too ridiculous.

[Jaqui · Rating 2 out of 5]

For me, this book started off well enough but rapidly became fragmented and rather silly.

I've enjoyed books with a focus on talking creatures; an octopus (loved him) (Remarkably bright creatures), and dogs [the art of racing in the rain) (Lessons in Chemistry (brilliant both), lately parrots (although the parrots weren't narrators....(How to Read a book) [also brilliant, though).... but never a talking, communicating violin. The creatures, at least were breathing, the violin - no.

I realised I am not a fan of magical realism as a genre.

I also realised I've read this writer before and felt much the same way about her previous book.

Wrong genre for me. Didn't enjoy it. Once I start skipping pages and skim reading ... something I rarely do, if ever, I know it's not a book I'm involved with on any level.

... So ...gorgeous cover, fairly sweetish story, but too disjointed, not believable characters, daft plot; ...this one, not for me. Too far-fetched.
....

[Eugenea Pollock · Rating 3 out of 5]

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!

[Karla Dinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read... fantastic ending

[Ivy Kaprow · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Georgina Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Bonnie Grover · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.”

[Steph Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up to 4. Charming is the best word to describe this book. It’s very neat and sweet in its progression and eventual conclusion which isn’t page turning but still enjoyable. I loved all the references to composers and pieces of classical music, and even Agatha Christie makes a cameo character appearance! As a previous violin player, I also loved all the stuff on violin making (Evie Woods always puts in a lot of research for her books).
One warning though, it contains a theme of historic child sexual abuse and as always I do wish authors would include trigger warnings in the opening pages.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ I LOVED THIS!! EVIE NEVER DOES ME WRONG