Devlin's steady, monotonous life working airport baggage claim is shattered when his thoughtful but mistaken birthday gift—a lost-and-found violin case—leads to a major blow-up with his girlfriend, Melissa, who was expecting an engagement ring. After their break-up, Devlin seeks refuge with his former history teacher, Walter Pickering, who is also struggling. The magnificent violin initiates an unexpected quest for the duo to determine its worth.

It turns out the instrument is far more than just valuable—it was stolen from Christie's, carries a vast history, and is infused with magic. A shadowy figure will stop at nothing to recover the artifact, forcing Devlin and Walter to rely on the help of a knowledgeable violin shop girl with her own mysterious past.

This was a highly addictive read! I loved learning about the violin's many histories and the found family bond that developed through the mystery. The combination of romance, intrigue, and the magical twists kept me completely hooked.

What really stood out was the story’s atmosphere: gentle but mysterious, ordinary yet touched by something magical. The mystery of the violin unfolds gradually, offering small but satisfying reveals that kept me turning pages. The writing balances hope, longing, and wonder — making the novel feel like a warm, comforting embrace with a bit of mystique.

Overall, The Violin Maker’s Secret resonates long after the final page. It’s the kind of story that reminds you that sometimes, magic can be found in the most unlikely places — and that even the most ordinary people can carry extraordinary stories.

I’ve loved Evie Woods ever since The Lost Bookshop, so I grabbed this one the second I could! It has that same magical and cozy mystery vibe that sneaks up on your heart. The story unfolds soft and emotional, but with these gorgeous little crescendos of connection. The mystery of the violin isn’t loud or dramatc, but lingers. The kind that stays with you after you close the book. If you love stories about fate, found family, and small magical touches in ordinary moments, this one is an easy add to your TBR. Highly recommend!

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.

This was good!

I loved this author so I was so excited to receive an ARC!

This book was very well written

I enjoyed the characters and the premise

This story took me on a wild ride, and yes, in some ways it was like Mr. Toad’s. Theft, some laughs, and deep friendship.

I was worried I would not be able to sustain interest at first. I wasn’t keen on Devlin to begin with, and I could not find anything redeeming about his GF.

But he quickly grew on me as he stepped into community. As all three of the main characters stepped into community.

My heart ached for all of them- and for the violin itself. I wanted to curl into the story and not leave.

I do wish we had more ambiance with the antique store. I wish we got a better feel for it. I also wish I got to know the characters a little better. I felt they could use fleshing out.

Also I’m confused why she forgot his first name when he told her under Xanax over and over it was Lucas…

The Violin Maker’s Secret is a masterfully written story that lingers in the heart long after the last page. The author’s prose is exquisite, painting vivid images of a world filled with mystery, music, and deep emotion. The characters are richly developed, each carrying secrets and desires that draw you in and keep you turning pages. The plot is both compelling and intricate, with twists that are clever yet perfectly believable. I was completely captivated by the delicate balance of suspense, romance, and artistry woven throughout the story. This book is a true gem—elegant, moving, and unforgettable. I could not put this book down!!! Thank you to NetGalley and Hgarper360 for allowing me to read this book.

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.

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.

I really enjoyed The Violin Maker's Secret. The magical realism works well and is entirely believable. Evie Woods depiction of the growth of friendship kept me reading even when I should have been sleeping. The art vignettes, combined with talent and openness and love worked very well. Woods did a terrific job of integrating the people and history of the violin with the contemporary characters, who grow and change over the course of the novel. The Violin Maker's Secret is wonderfully told, with such incredible depictions of loneliness and talent, and neediness. It all works together so very well.

The Violin Maker's Secret is at its heart, a story of friendship, whether in the past or in the world of Devlin, Walter, and Gabrielle. The violin saved their lives and allowed the kind of emotional growth that all of the characters needed.. The violin seemed to open the hearts of those who played and those who witnessed and listened. The Violin Maker's Secret is a wonderfully written story, with I know I will want to read again.

Thank you to Harper Collins and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC to read and review. I loved The Violin Maker's Secret and I do recommend it. Woods' novel is the kind of book that stirs the soul and makes us smile.

5 stars

This book was so good!! It flowed from one characters story to another one's effortlessly while weaving in a story of an extraordinary violin. I loved the ending and could not stop reading till I got to the end!

If I'm being completely honest, I know that I was going to love this book before I even opened the eArc. Evie Woods 1s an "autobuy" author for me and I love the wild journeys of hope, love, adventure and mystery she always takes us on throughout her books. I an extremely grateful for the opportunity to read "The Violin Maker's Secret" early.

When airpot employee Devin buys a "forgotten" violin for his girlfriend’s' birthday, he could have never known the thrilling adventure he would soon be met with. The cast of characters is absolutely superb and the development of both the individual characters and the relationships
between them is phenomenal. This book is exciting, inspiring, uplifting and fun
I particularly loved the character Gabrielle.

This book reinforces the fact that if Evie Woods writes h, I'm buying it, devouring it, loving it and thinking about it forever. Grab this one when it comes out..-.

You can never go wrong with Evie Woods. I immediately requested this when I saw it on NetGalley. My little sister played the violin, and our family is full of musicians so the idea of a magical violin really spoke to me emotionally. This is my favorite Evie Woods book so far!

I just finished The Violin Maker's Secret and feel as if I should stand to offer an ovation yelling "Brava! Brava! Bravissima!!" for this tremendous symphony of a book! Evie Woods has, yet again, outdone herself!! What a fantastic experience reading this wonderful creation! The main characters are so dissimilar and still they become so wonderfully entwined in each other's lives. The star of the story, the beautiful violin, speaks throughout the story and draws you further into the lives of the main characters, Devlin, Walter, and Gabrielle, and the lives of all those she encountered throughout her journey since the early 1800s to modern day. This book has it all ... love, intrigue, music, danger, friendship, despair, strength, and perseverance. A truly wonderful read!

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.

This book has so many layers that the pages will practically turn themselves. Devlin works at the airport as a baggage claim agent and purchases an old violin from the lost luggage collection. This violin has a deep and complex history which only comes to light as Devlin spends more time with the instrument. He partners with a retired teacher of his named Walter, and their paths cross with an appraiser named Gabrielle. They all become invested in uncovering the history of this violin while a gang of criminals is also hunting the violin for themselves. History of musical instruments, a little magical realism hearing from the violin itself, and the suspense of keeping the violin in safe hands lends to this engaging read.

Another Evie Woods masterpiece! I’ve absolutely adored every book of hers I’ve read, and The Violin Maker’s Secret is no exception.

Against all odds, a rare and powerful violin brings three strangers together and begins a tale of secrets, love, healing, strength, and so much more.

Airport baggage handler Devlin finds the violin in lost and found, and manages to buy it, thinking it would be the perfect gift for his girlfriend and somehow feeling its magic. Little did he know, thieves were after it as well.

Life without purpose isn’t suiting retired teacher Walter very well, until a former student shows up at just the right time and with just the right project.

Violin appraiser Gabrielle is also at a crossroads, taking over her father’s business, trying to sort some things out, and keeping secrets, when someone brings in the mysterious violin.

All three feel the violin’s magic as they try to figure out its history and origins, and stay a step ahead of the thieves (who have their own history and reasons for seeking the violin) and also figure out the family secrets and connections…

The writing and storytelling just blew me away! I was so invested in solving the mysteries and learning about the violin and the characters, and just loved being along for the ride. And maybe the best character of all? The violin! Yes, it’s actually a character too! Honestly, there’s not too much I can say without going too far—just enjoy the book!

The Violin Maker’s Secret is a heartfelt book that blends music, mystery, and human connection into a magical story. The plot is centered around a powerful violin that brings together unlikely strangers and explores themes of grief, hope, and love. The story is filled with warmth and wonder, which make ordinary moments feel touched with magic. This book was a captivating and uplifting read, which follows the same type of story setup as her other novels, jumping around from character to character in order to build a story and show connection.

hooked from the start and doesn't let you go!
Evie is a masterful writer and she hasn't missed yet/

This author was new for me, so I was excited to get this ARC from NetGalley. I finished the book in just a few days because it's just such a warm, lovely read. There are supernatural and unexplained elements but mostly it's a love story that pervades the entire story. Sweeping in nature and jumping back and forth in time, I came to care for the 3 main characters in the present day and of course the violin.

I felt very satisfied at the end and really appreciated the ending and resolution.

Thank you to Harper 360 and NetGalley for approving my request for the advanced copy. I'm truly grateful for such a wonderful gift of a book.

The Violin Maker’s Secret is a fun book that keeps you thinking. We meet Devlin, who works in baggage claim in London, who comes to obtain an old violin. With help from his former teacher, Walter and an instrument appraiser, Gabrielle, they try to discover the violin’s story.

I enjoyed that the violin was a character in this novel. I loved hearing its story as it traveled from place to place.

I also enjoyed reading more about Devlin, Walter and especially Gabrielle’s back stories throughout the novel. I wish I knew a little bit more about Verity, especially at the end.

This was my second book written by Evie Woods. I look forward to reading more of her works. Thank you to Harper Collins for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This is a lovely, easy-to-enjoy story with a touch of magic. The idea of a special violin hidden in an airport lost and found is really interesting. The characters are kind and relatable, and their stories come together nicely. It’s heartfelt, gentle, and full of quiet emotion. A comforting read that stays with you after the last page. 🎻

Take a moment to look at the most lovely cover I’ve ever seen.

Devlin is searching for a gift for his girlfriend and buys a violin from lost and found at the airport where he works. He discovers that it is stolen and worth a fortune. He goes to Walter, his old history teacher, for advice. They end up taking it to Gabrielle, who has taken over her father’s violin appraisal shop. The three unlikely allies are in a race to discover the mystery of the violin maker before the people who stole it find them. William is the violin maker, who made it in the 1800s as a wedding gift for his fiancée, Clara. Unfortunately, Clara is pushed into the river by her jealous sister. William is able to catch her last breath, releasing it into the violin, and she lives on by making the violin sing when it is played. The violin/Clara takes us around the world as each owner gives her new life and audiences to enthrall. She witnesses several love stories that show the sacrifices people will make for love.

I was completely enthralled with this novel, the stories of characters past and present are intricately entwined. It was fascinating to learn about violin makers and the process of dating violins. The friendship between Devlin and Walter shines light into a time of darkness for them both. A slow-burn romance unravels for Gabrielle and Devlin. Gabrielle is finally able to overcome the past that has been weighing her down. This is my favorite Evie Woods’ book, and I recommend them all! I can’t wait to listen to the audiobook and experience the story all over again.

Thank you Evie Woods, Harper 360, and Netgalley for the advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.

Evie Woods has written a surprisingly touching story about a three people who find a violin in a lost and found in a London airport. This violin was owned by a gang and they have accidentally have stolen it, and they will do anything in their power to get it back. This journey follow Devlin an airport baggage claims operator, his old teacher Walter, and Gabrielle a violin expert as they all try to figure out where this mysterious violin comes from and why this gang wants it back. They all feel drawn to this violin without understanding why.

This was such an interesting story and I appreciate it all the historical context around violins and the musical European history around them. I loved learning about luthiers and the history of violin making and how it actually changes; as I am not musically inclined, this was a great perspective and it makes me want to pick up a book on violin history to understand this topic better. It's been a long time since I read a book that brings in historical context that makes me even more interested in it and it's only the minor part of the story. [the violin's POV was very cute and done wonderfully in a way that this could have been very corny but the author pulls it off]

I thought the romance was ok, the chemistry was there but I don't think it's strongest part of the story. There is little to no spice in this. Honestly I liked the relationship bonds between all three, this really gives found family warm and fuzzes.

I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys listening to the violin, or likes rocking out to Bach, who doesn't like rocking out to Bach? While reading this I put on a violin playlist and I think it's the best way to read this book!

Thank you NetGalley and Harper 360 for a free copy of this arc in exchange for an honest review.

This novel is all about magical realism
A lost violin, turns up at Heathrow airport wind changes three lives dramatically. A fun premise for a plot and was thoroughly engaging to read.

The Violin Maker’s Secret
By Evie Woods
Pub date: February 24, 2026
Publisher: Harper 360

Heathrow Airport auctions off lost and found items to charity if unclaimed for 90 days. A special and very valuable violin is one of them. This violin can change their fortunes for good or bad by those who possess it! Devlin, who works at Heathrow, gifts this violin to his girlfriend for her birthday! When he finds out he bought a stolen violin, he is in a predicament! Will he get out of it before he is found out? Will this violin give him the good fortune he needs?

This book will take you on a journey of a stolen and very valuable violin! I loved the mystery, adventure, and history that surrounded this violin. A wildly fun and entertaining story of newly found friendships, love, and how to manage your enemies while trying to protect what is precious to you! This book will have you turning the pages to see who wins out in the end! A great book for book clubs as it will spark great conversations!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book is wonderful in the way it captures love in so many different forms. I especially loved that Evie Woods gives the violin its own voice. The way she does this is fascinating and deeply moving. As someone who played the viola, I often wondered who held my instrument before me and whether they were able to make it sing. This story taps directly into that sense of curiosity and connection.

To truly appreciate this book, I think you need to love music or have played an instrument yourself. Evie Woods blends magic, history, and the present world so seamlessly, a signature of her storytelling. The result is a novel that feels intimate and alive, where music carries memory and emotion across time.

I didn’t want this book to end. It is thoughtful, imaginative, and full of heart. A beautiful five star read.

This is my fourth book by Evie Woods, and I think this is my favorite. I love the magical realism she adds to each of her stories. This book revolves around a violin. We meet three people - Devlin, Walter, and Gabrielle - and go on a journey with them and this special violin. Each one is carrying very heavy pain and baggage. Just a beautiful story of found family, forgiveness and healthy.

I LOVE how Evie wove the violin's history and throughout the story along with the actual history of the violin.

Thank you Harper 360, NetGalley and Evie Woods for the advanced copy of this book. I LOVED IT!!!

Devlin, a lost-and-found worker at Heathrow, discovers a priceless violin, a find that’s every dream—and nightmare—of anyone in his job. But the true star of the story is the violin itself, written with so much personality it practically breathes.

The book weaves back to Waterford, 1812, telling the love story of Clara and William, whose lives and choices are forever tied to the violin. Their story gives the instrument a history and heart, making it feel like a living witness to love, loss, and secrets across time.

Quiet, atmospheric, and deeply emotional, this is a story about music, memory, and the way objects carry history with them.

Finding another new author I will go back and read her books including The Lost Bookshop.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC

Declining who works at the airport finds a violin in the lost and found. He wants this as a birthday gift for his girlfriend. He buys it and when his girlfriend doesn’t like the gift and kicks him out of their apartment l, he goes to his old teacher’s apartment to ask for his help in finding out more about the violin. The violin has brought good luck to Devin and he can’t imagine being without it. Walter takes Devin to a music shop that Walter has gone to several times, only to find out his friend has passed away and the daughter Gabrielle now runs the shop, they ask for her help in finding out more about the violin. During all this running around their apartments all get broken into and the places ransacked. Someone wants the violin and they aren’t afraid to do whatever it takes to get the violin back.

This story was so good I could not put it down, I had to find out what was going to happen next. And I really loved the ending! What a great story about love, friendship, and what it means to live for yourself.

I would highly recommend this book and I can’t wait to read more by this author. Her writing style is so heart warming and easy to read.

I want to thank NetGalley and Harper 360 for this advanced reader copy and this is my honest review of this book.

I’ve been excited to read this book since it was announced!

A lost violin brings together a trio of characters, each of whose paths are forever changed.

Told through multiple POVs (including that of the violin itself!), this story perfectly weaves historical fiction, romance, mystery, and magical realism.

Evie Woods has a remarkable gift for creating stories that feel cozy while leaving my heart full.

If you’re looking for a charming and captivating read, this book is for you.

A huge thank you to HarperCollins and Net Galley for the ARC!

Thank you, @Netgalley and Harper Collins, for the ARC of this book! What a charming tale; I had a difficult time putting this one down. I've always had a fond love of music, history, and antiques, which all made an appearance in this book. There was a bit of mystery in the process of learning the history of the violin, which kept me interested to the very end. Normally, I struggle with books that bounce from one timeline to another, but I found it fairly easy to follow along, and I was never bored. I feel there were a lot of lessons learned throughout the book, one being the importance of loving yourself. I also learned a lot about violins and how they are made, which is fascinating to me as my great-grandfather was a luthier. I would highly recommend this book!

There’s a sort of melancholy to this book. There’s a sadness that a woman’s soul is locked into a violin. It has mystery, romance, a bit of magic. The book kept taking the reader down different paths it’s an interesting book. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced free copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Magical realism/historical fiction. A baggage handler takes a violin from the lost and found. The violin leads him along a path of meeting people who help him investigate the origins and history of the violin while we learn about their histories.

The writing in this novel is beautiful. The magical attraction to the violin, the life challenges each character faces, and the attention to detail bring everything to life. The book focuses on the origins of the violin, and I learned a lot about the history of music and qualities of a good violin. The weaving of the violin's story along with the contemporary story of three people who feel lost themselves is pitch perfect.

This was a fabulous blend of romance, magical realism, and the redemptive power of human connections. I could not put it down until the extremely satisfying end.

The novel starts with airport worker, Devlin, buying a violin from Heathrow Airport’s Lost and Found. It triggers a breakup with his girlfriend, but rekindles a friendship with his former history teacher and forges a new relationship with a violin expert. These three people, all nursing pain and loneliness, work together to uncover the story of the extraordinary found violin.

These three people writing is top notch, and the characters are well developed. The plot is unique, riveting, and a roller coaster ride for the reader as the the trio defeat bad guys and solve the violin’s mystery.

Devlin, a baggage claim agent at Heathrow Airport, stumbles upon an unclaimed violin in the lost and found. Remembering how his girlfriend, Mel, once dreamed of playing the violin, he impulsively purchases it as a birthday gift. Unfortunately, the gesture backfires—ending their relationship rather than strengthening it.
It doesn’t take long for Devlin to realize this violin is far from ordinary. Mysterious and increasingly threatening individuals seem determined to get their hands on it. Unsure where to turn, Devlin seeks guidance from his former history teacher, Walter, who brings in his friend Gabrielle, a knowledgeable violin appraiser. Together, this unlikely trio embarks on a fast paced quest to uncover the instrument’s origins and the stories of those who once owned it. Their search soon reveals that the violin was stolen, adding tension and danger to their pursuit of the truth.
The novel unfolds through a dual timeline, weaving present day discoveries with glimpses into the violin’s past and the life of its maker. The historical layers add richness and depth, making the mystery all the more compelling.
This is a delightful and intriguing story, though I personally felt the scattered profanity wasn’t necessary and detracted slightly from the overall charm.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.

My first Evie Woods book, thanks to a ARC from Netgalley.

I didn't quite know what to expect from this ARC but was intrigued by the cover and title. I am glad I was able to read this in a few short sittings.

The book is part memoir, part history, part fantasy, part romance, bits of tragedy, a love story about music and emotion and part time travel. The fantasy portions of the book give ample creative license to imagination and emotional outreach by inanimate object(s) and are quite fun to read. The book strays from the central plot several times, sometimes just filling space. Toward the end, however, the fillers give way to plot closers, wrapping the story and characters with a tidy bow, completing the story. The tragic elements are short-lived and acceptable. The brief melodrama passes equally quickly. There are a few twists, again toward the end, but I didn't feel manipulated by the twists.

I think first-time readers (like me) of Evie's works will be pleasantly surprised at the style and storytelling. Characters are deep enough for the story being told.

I don't have to wait to write this review. I just finished reading it in one go. I couldn't put it down. What a fabulous new book by Evie Woods. Thank you, NetGalley and HarperCollins360 for providing me access to this eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Violin Maker’s Secret is an enchanting blend of historical fiction, magical realism, and contemporary character study, and it may be my favorite Evie Woods novel to date. From the moment a forgotten violin resurfaces in Heathrow’s Lost & Found, this book drew me in with its warmth, its sense of mystery, and the unmistakable feeling that the instrument at its center has lived many lives. I especially loved the Violin's perspective as it made the story come to life and gave it so much more character.

The story unfolds across dual timelines. In the present day, three strangers find their paths crossing because of the violin: Devlin, a baggage handler who stumbles upon it by accident; Walter, his former history teacher, whose loneliness masks a deep reservoir of kindness; and Gabrielle, a violin appraiser carrying the weight of both personal loss and an unfinished relationship with music. None of them are looking for transformation, but the violin insists on it anyway.

Interwoven with their journey is the violin’s own past, tracing its creation and passage through centuries, borders, and hands. I truly loved how these historical chapters feel like lyrical interludes rather than interruptions, adding emotional texture and context without overwhelming the modern storyline. At several points, I stopped to research finer points and dig into a few facts. That, in my opinion, is the true test of a historical novel. The magical realism may have been out there a few times, but it never felt gimmicky. Instead, it reinforced the novel’s central idea: that objects can carry memory, grief, and love long after the people who shaped them are gone.

One thing I felt really made this book sing🎶 is its characters. Devlin’s awkward sincerity, Walter’s quiet wisdom, and Gabrielle’s guarded vulnerability form an unexpectedly tender trio. Their evolving friendship became the emotional anchor of the novel for me. I also appreciated how the story treats music not as decoration, but as a language of healing and connection, especially for those who feel stuck between who they were and who they might still become.

What did I love? At its heart, The Violin Maker's Secret is about music, memory, and the quiet ways people find belonging. Sometimes it is through chance encounters, sometimes through shared purpose, and sometimes it is through something as fragile and enduring as a violin. Once again, Ms. Woods has made magic come to life with her writing. I definitely recommend this one when it comes out in February 2026.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5 stars)
#NetGalley #TheViolinMakersSecret @HarperCollins360 @Harper360

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I enjoyed learning about the provenance and history of this particular violin who was passed through the centuries and ends up in the lost and found at Heathrow. 3 strangers end up working together to try to learn this history and secrets, while also making strong connections.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this ARC. I enjoy Evie Woods books and was looking forward to this book's release. Gabrielle, Devlin, and Walter all become connected to a mysterious violin found in the Heathrow Airport Lost and Found. The beginning drew me right in. About 40% through the book, I struggled to connect fully with the characters and the story arc. I almost gave up on the book. Stopped reading for a couple of days and then tried again. I am glad I did. The last half of the book is magical. I enjoyed reading about the history of making violins, as well as the healing that takes place among the major characters.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys music, the history of instrument creation, fantasy and magic, and/or personal healing.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

*The Violin Maker’s Secret* by Evie Woods is a beautifully written, soul-stirring novel that lingers long after the final page. Rich with atmosphere and emotion, it weaves together music, history, and human connection in a way that feels both intimate and timeless.

Evie Woods has a rare gift for creating characters who feel achingly real flawed, hopeful, and deeply human. The story unfolds with a quiet magic, revealing its layers gradually, and the prose is lyrical without ever feeling heavy. Music isn’t just a theme here; it’s a living, breathing presence that shapes lives and carries secrets across generations.

This book is tender, haunting, and profoundly moving. It’s about love, loss, creativity, and the invisible threads that bind us together. If you enjoy emotionally rich stories with depth, heart, and a touch of mystery, *The Violin Maker’s Secret* is an absolute must-read.

I received a free DRC of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. I have read a couple of previous books by this author and think this is her best so far. There is a hint of magic throughout the book as well as lots of knowledge about music. There are several different POV in different time periods focusing around one violin who everyone wants, but few can keep their hands on. There is a lot going on in the book, but it ties together pretty well. I dithered between 4 or 5 stars, but really I think it would be 4.5 for me if that was an option on GR.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper 360 for this ARC. I was already a fan of Evie Woods and was thrilled for the opportunity to review this book.

The Violin Maker's Secret was an unlikely coming-of-age story, in the most unexpected way. Through multiple POVs, and multiple timelines, we were treated to subterfuge, magical realism, and a healthy dose of life's wisdom. The undercurrent of Clara and William's love story and how we conquer life's obstacles were conveyed in the most enchanting way!

A wonderful story of a mysterious violin. We learn the story of the violin and why it has such a wonderful “voice.” As well as the stories of how the violin was found by different people around the world and how their lives changed because of it. The violin changes lives and the main characters all learn important life lessons about what really is important. Highly recommend this book!

A lost violin becomes the quiet thread that brings together three unlikely strangers—and what unfolds is far more about people than the mystery itself.

When Devlin, a Heathrow baggage handler, discovers a rare violin in Lost and Found, he turns to his former history teacher, Walter, who introduces him to Gabrielle, a guarded violin appraiser with a complicated past. Their search for the violin’s origins unfolds across dual timelines, blending a gentle present-day mystery with lyrical glimpses into the instrument’s long, emotional history.

The touch of magical realism surrounding the violin feels subtle and meaningful, reinforcing themes of memory, grief, and the unseen connections that bind us. While the mystery hums quietly in the background, it’s the evolving friendship between Devlin, Walter, and Gabrielle that becomes the true heart of the story.

Thoughtful, warm, and quietly moving, The Violin Maker’s Secret is a beautiful meditation on loss, healing, and what it means to be truly found. I adore this book! It’s one of the very best I e this year. I can’t wait to read more of this author’s books!

Thank you to Net Galley and Harper 360 for the chance to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.
This is an intriguing story about a mysterious violin and how it effects the life of several people. Devlin, a baggage claim agent at Heathrow Airport, finds a violin left in the Lost and Found. He buys it for his girlfriend, but his plans do not work out. He finds out the violin might be stolen. He turns to an old teacher, Walter, for help. With the help of Gabrielle, who is an appraiser, they start to discover secrets about the violin. I really liked how the author gave the violin a voice and used that voice to tell the story. I have read all of Evie Woods books, and I think this one is my favorite. The ending is outstanding. Highly recommend this book-sweet story with a little bit of magic!

A warm, gently magical story that celebrates chance, connection, and the hidden lives of ordinary people. The Heathrow Lost and Found setting is wonderfully atmospheric, and the violin at the heart of the story feels truly special. I enjoyed following the three unlikely characters as their lives quietly intertwine, and the mystery lingers in a satisfying way. Thoughtful, comforting, and full of heart.

I was lost in the soothing magic of each and every page of this book. Whether connecting with Gabrielle, feeling for Devlin or rooting for Walter, the page transformed me as the violin transformed them. Each are on their own journey, each are grappling with something personal and each are slowly opening to the idea that more might be possible for them. And that means that we have permission as readers to do the same. It’s enchanting in the best possible way.

The physical history of the violin and how many hands it passed through before getting to the current storyline made this book feel magical and special. There was a gentleness about the writing that made you empathize with both the characters on their mission to figure out the provenance of the violin and the violin itself, which was really interesting. I loved how these strangers came together on this seemingly impossible search, and the writer made their relationships feel real and inevitable.

I have not read prior books by Evie Woods, but based on this, I will definitely check out her back catalog.

I've been a fan of Evie Woods books and was so excited to receive this ARC! The Violin Maker's Secret did NOT disappoint. I enjoyed following along the individual story lines for all three of our main characters, as well as how they intersected. There are some heavy topics discussed in this book, but I think they were handled so well. I also really liked that one of our main characters was much older and in a different phase of life, then our two other characters. I also really enjoyed the violin's POV - what a great way to travel in time! Thank you, again, for a wonderful read!

I have read all of Evie Wood's books! Each book is like holding an old friend in your hands. You do not want to put them down, each one makes you feel good, and you just can't get enough of them!!!

This book is an adventure told by a violin. There are other characters of course, but the violin is the real story.
I loved how it told the story of love, friendship, and how to empower oneself.

I highly recommend you pick this book up today, and her other beautiful books!!!

I love all Evie woods books and I'm grateful to have received an ARC from Netgalley, Evie Woods and Harper 360 in exchange for my honest review

I found this book enjoyable to read from the first sentence, and once I started I couldn't stop reading. I especially loved reading about the violin's adventures. I found that the violin's story was an interesting way to complete the story. The characters were well developed and it was interesting to watch their relationships evolve. The writing was smart.

The Violin Maker's Secret
By Evie Woods

This is the story of three people, each living in despair, who meet, through a certain serendipity, with a violin that will change all their lives.

But first, meet the cast of characters: William, the luthier (violin maker); Clara, the great love of his life; Devlin, the airport baggage handler who buys the violin from the airport lost and found; Walter, Devlin's old teacher who is on the verge of suicide; and Gabrielle, the expert on tracking the provenance of violins, once a prodigy who lost her confidence. And the main character, whose voice as narrator of the interlude chapters of backstory, is the violin herself.

This is a lovely story of people losing and regaining their bearings and their will to put the past behind them and to build a better life for themselves. It is a "feel good" story, with a message for us all of how important it is to live life fully, one day at a time.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.

Although The Violin Maker’s Secret seemed chaotic at times, I settled right into it and became drawn into the three very interesting central characters plus a violin. Each came into their relationships with a lot of baggage which needed sorting out. It was an engaging book which tackled the importance of music, friendships and timely topics. I enjoyed the journey of reading this book.

This author did a fantastic job at winding multiple POVs and stories across timelines into a very satisfying conclusion! I am a fan of this author’s previous works (especially the Lost Bookshop) and the Violin Maker’s Secret did not disappoint! The friendship between Devlin, Gabrielle, and Walter is very wholesome and it is fun following them on their mission to uncover the history of the violin.

Note: I received this book as an ARC through NetGalley.

#TheViolinMakersSecret #NetGalley @HarperCollins360

Title: The Violin Maker's Secret
Author: Evie Woods
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟 1/2
Publication Date: February 24, 2026

The storyline alternates between the present and the past (1800s). Some of the chapters actually tell the story from the viloin's point of view, which I found both creative and frustrating.

The relationship that was built between Devlin and Gabrielle felt awkward, but it put a smile on my face. If I had to guess, I would say Gabrielle is definitely on the spectrum.

The author spent a TON of time on the history of violins.
If she had focused more on character development and building relationships, the book would have been more enjoyable.

I really, really wanted to like this book, but since it took me 6 days to read it, I know my heart just wasn't in it.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion/review.

4⭐️
I really enjoyed this book! It was character-driven and told a heartwarming story of love, grief and healing. Historical fiction can be hit or miss for me so I loved that it was more of a novel/lit fic with a historical timeline.
I did predict the ending but it was still really nice along the way!

TROPES
Character-Driven
Dual Timelines
Historical Fiction
Magical Element
Coming of Age

There was a dual timeline - one of the present day, and one from the time in which the violin was created. This book made me think about the life of an instrument; how it changes hands over centuries and touches the hearts of so many people with music. Seeing small glimpses of where the violin went over time was really enjoyable.

THE CHARACTERS
Overall, I loved the characters and how they grew and changed over time. I especially related to Gabriella in her perfectionism and anxiety, and eventually learning to set boundaries and advocate for herself. While I do think she had more character development than Devlin and Walter, I think they both were important to the storytelling and had unique personalities and deep backgrounds.
There were smaller bits of characters that had owned the violin throughout the years. I loved these sections and found that the characters were deep despite not taking up many pages, and it added a lot to the violin’s life.
My personal favorite part was the violin. The violin as a character was so unexpected and I LOVED how everything was written in third-person but the violin wrote in first-person. It made it feel like the violin was the one telling the stories of our main characters along with the previous people who owned the violin.

THE ROMANCE
I didn’t expect romance here, but there were some smaller love stories nonetheless. I think the biggest love story here was the love of music more than the budding romances that are occasionally displayed. The writing just had that whimsy that added some romance to the story and the history of the violin.

QUOTES:

“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?’

I was excited to read this book after I thoroughly enjoyed The Lost Bookshop, the previous book written by the author. I was thrilled to be able to get an ARC copy on NetGalley. This book was extremely well written, and the authors skill of weaving a story around all of the characters made this a book that held many surprises and kept my attention all the way to the end. I thought it was brilliant how some chapters were written from the violin’s perspective. Who knew a violin found in the Lost and Found at the airport could provide such a heart warming story full of twists and turns.

Deep within Heathrow Airport’s vast Lost and Found, thousands of forgotten belongings quietly gather dust. Hidden among them is an extraordinary violin—an object of rare craftsmanship with an uncanny ability to change the lives of those who come into possession of it.

By chance, the violin finds its way into the hands of three very different people: Devlin, a baggage claim worker; Walter, a retired schoolteacher; and Gabrielle, a precise and thoughtful appraiser. Bound together by the instrument, these unlikely caretakers sense that the violin holds far more than music within it. As their lives intertwine, they are drawn into uncovering its origins and confronting the question of whether its power is a blessing, a test, or something far more dangerous.

The story is told through multiple perspectives, allowing the reader to experience the history and emotional depth of each key character—including the violin itself. Yes, the violin is a character, and its narration shifts into first person, while the human characters are written in third person. This creative choice works beautifully and adds an unexpected layer of intimacy and insight.

The magic of the violin is not just part of the story—it is the story.

There’s also a delightful Easter egg with a brief appearance by Agatha Christie, which readers will appreciate.

At its heart, this is a love story—of many kinds of love, and of love lost. It is far richer and more layered than the synopsis suggests: a story about self-preservation, relationships, and the secrets we keep to protect both ourselves and the people we care about.

Thoughtful, imaginative, and quietly powerful, this book lingers long after the final page.

Thank you to HarperCollins Publishers Inc. and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

I will be moderating a discussion of this title for the BookBrowse Online Book Club, and I requested it to help me prepare for that conversation.

Our group has been fortunate enough to have been selected to receive each of Evie Woods' books as they've been published. I've enjoyed them all, but I've got to say that The Violin Maker's Secret is my favorite to date. The single word I'd use to describe it is "charming." True, it was relatively predictable, but I loved the spell the author wove around the enchanted violin. The characters were great, the romance was perfect, and the plot was entertaining. A fast, feel-good read.

This is a lovely adventure with two perspectives - one following the violin through time and one in the present, with both having insight into the inner thoughts of all the characters, adding depth without adding a ton of separate points of view. It was a journey of new friendships and love and overcoming trauma of the past that left me feeling cozy and content.

I read this as an ARC from NetGalley. It is my second book by Evie Woods, and I throughly enjoyed them both. If you haven’t read one of her books yet you should give this one a try!

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!

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of The Violin Maker's Secret by Evie Woods. I received this copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

First off, how have I made it without having read anything by Evie Woods? I loved everything about this book! Such a fun journey from Heathrow Airport to discovering the story behind the violin found in the Lost & Found.

The characters, including the violin were well written. The plot flowed nicely, even with the jump in time. The settings all worked very well. The little bit of intrigue was just enough to keep the story moving and to keep me wanting to read more.

I will definitely be checking out Evie Wood's other books.

Please note that this ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book made me so happy. I loved the characters- all of them (except Verity, but even she became marginally better in the end). I loved the backstory of the violin, and her narration of experiences through time and various owners. I think I read the last 20 pages with a smile on my face. Definitely a heart-warmer!

Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this book!

I really enjoyed this story. Highly recommended to pick this up!

The mystery, the intrigue, the music, the characters. This book was so good. I enjoyed all the elements of this book. Following Devlin after he finds the violin and his life begins to change, was thrilling. Watching the mystery of the violin unfold was so good. Gabrielle and Walter were the best of side kicks. Their travels were exciting. I enjoyed everything about this book.

Wow! Just wow such an amazing read! I loved the story from page one to the last page. I honestly wanted more to the story because it was so good.

Evie Wood is a very talented author and one of my favorite from Net Galley. Her first book The Lost Bookshop was a absolute delight. This book is so charming and heart warming this reader found it enriching and lovely. Thank you for the opportunity to the author, the publisher and Net Galley. My review opinions are my own.

This is a utterly beautiful story of a violin found at a airport and the three people who join together to research it's history. Each character is unique and invested in it's history. As the story proceeds throughout different time periods the author masterfully describes the meaning of the instrument to each of its owners.

A beautiful story that is both charming and heartwarming to the reader. I highly recommend this book for your reading enjoyment.

I love Evie Wood’s books but this is so far my favorite! An unlikely trio suddenly put together on an adventure with a magic violin with villains chasing them—what’s not to love? But my favorite?? The POV from the violin! LOVED this! When a violin is held by a master, it feels alive. As someone who finds violin music almost transcendent—capable of stirring grief, hope, and nostalgia as my dad was a concert violinist—this story swept me away.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this lovely ARC!

The Violin Maker's Secret by Evie Woods is the fourth book by this author that I have read and it is now my favorite. I remember being totally amazed at her first book, The Lost Bookshop, with it's elements of historical fiction, romance, mystery, and magical realism. Magical realism was a genre that was new to me at the time and while I thought it a bit strange I was still charmed by it. In Evie Woods latest novel, The Violin Maker's Secret, we once again are treated to the same multi-faceted writing styles incorporated into an utterly spellbinding story. The story has unique characters who are unlikely to be friends with each other yet need to come together to solve a mystery involving a violin. The violin, itself, is a living character in this book as it takes turns with the others in narrating chapters to give us both present day and historical scenarios to either move the story forward or provide insight in past actions that have led to the present. Having studied violin myself for years and being a lover of classical music, I can say that the musical history provided (nothing long or boring) to move us through different time periods was very interesting, and the many references to the way music was so emotional for the different human characters touched me as I felt I could definitely relate to them. I absolutely loved this and highly recommend it for fans of Evie Woods and others who enjoy this type of intriguing combination of writing styles. I received an ARC from NetGalley but all opinions are my own.

“The Violin Maker’s Secret” by Evie Woods is a richly told 4-star historical fiction read! Devlin, Walter, and Gabrielle are an unlikely trio who team up to uncover the history of a rare and mysterious violin. Meanwhile, another group is determined to reclaim the instrument they once lost, no matter the cost.

This story offers a unique take on the dual timeline format. The present-day narrative follows the trio and V, while the past is told primarily from the perspective of the violin itself, adding a creative and unexpected layer to the storytelling. Some sections move more slowly than others, but for me the pacing felt intentional and well suited to the way the story unfolds.

The author does a great job of making you feel connected to the characters. Each of them carries personal struggles that develop naturally as the plot progresses. I have never played an instrument and know almost nothing about violins, but that was never an issue. The musical elements are explained clearly and seamlessly, without distracting from the story.

This is my second book by Evie Woods, and I have enjoyed both. I am looking forward to seeing what she writes next.

Thanks to Harper 360, Evie Woods, and NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read this ARC and share my honest review.

Another amazing book! She knocked this out of the park! I’ve throughly enjoyed reading her work and have already been telling everyone that her newest one is coming soon! I hate that I’ll have to wait again for another one.

This is the third book I've read by Evie Woods and just like the others, I found The Violin Maker's Secret utterly delightful.

Woods is a master of weaving stories from multiple timelines together and in this case we get the story of a violin and its various owners over time from its maker, to its current owner, Devlin. He recruits his former teacher Walter, and an appraiser, Gabrielle, to help unlock the origins of the violin and along the way, they learn about themselves and discover more than any of them could have imagined.

It was easy to get cheer for Devlin, Walter and Gabrielle. I found myself worrying about them and hoping everything would work out in their favor as new twists and turns threw obstacles in their path and placed them in danger. I enjoyed the narrative shifts in the chapters as the main characters - and others - took turns explaining what was happening at any specific point in time. This is a beautiful example of magical realism and is a great book to escape into on a snowy weekend or on weekend at the beach.

Fans of magical realism, found family, and anyone who has enjoyed Woods' other books is sure to enjoy this novel.

The Violin Maker's Secret will be published on February 24, 2026. Thank you to Harper 360, NetGalley and Evie Woods for the advanced reader copy.

The Violin Maker’s Secret by Evie Woods is yet another one of her charming tales. I have read and genuinely enjoyed several of her other books, and this one also did not disappoint.
The adventure starts when Devlin, a baggage claim agent, discovers an antique violin in an abandoned airport locker. Fate connects him with Walter, a retired teacher, and Gabrielle, an appraiser, forming an unlikely trio of friends, who become acquaintances through their shared interest in the instrument. The violin is very mystical, and this story will weave through the past and the present to bring you unexpected events, wonderful storytelling, and memorable characters.
I thoroughly enjoyed this mystical tale and I know you will too. Thank you to Netgalley and Harper 360 for this ARC.

This charming story centers around a “magic” violin and the theme of found family, exploring the journey of discovering one’s voice and true self. It weaves in themes of women’s oppression and the pursuit of freedom and clarity through self-determination, rather than conforming to others’ expectations.

“A martyr to other people’s perception, that’s what Roger once said. ‘Why do you care what people think?’ he’d asked, in the blithely unaware way that men sometimes do. As if her entire worth as a person wasn’t tied up in what people thought of her. As if her childhood had not been built on the four words, be a good girl.'"

Although the story wraps up quite suddenly towards the end—which isn’t to my taste—it remains a fun and engaging read overall.

Very enjoyable read! Soft, sweet and sentimental which is a perfect combination for a rainy day read or a quiet afternoon. The violin's story is the main attraction rather than the present-day owner's story. The author did a fine job in relating the many paths that the violin had taken to get where it ended up! So many times, when you look at an antique, you wonder what it has seen or what perils it had to endure to get to the shelf that you see it displayed on. We were given that story and it was fascinating!
A very solid four star read! Thank you for the opportunity to read it!

A nice easy read! I loved the mysterious aspect of it. I think it’s a wonderful book for anyone, especially music lovers!

Working at Heathrow Airport’s baggage handling and looking for a birthday present for his girlfriend, Devlin buys an old violin that’s been sitting in the lost luggage section. Unbeknownst to him, the violin dates from the early 1800’s, made by a young luthier just home from his violin making apprenticeship to find for his betrothed drowned in river by her jealous sister. In her memory, he constructs a special violin to mimic her gorgeous singing voice.

Devlin feels a deep attachment to the violin he has bought but comes to realize it may have actually been stolen from a Christie’s auction in New York. Devlin seeks out his retired high school history teacher for help learning about whether this is the stolen violin. When Devlin arrives at Walter’s doorstop, he stumbles in to realize that his old professor had been about to commit suicide with pills. Turns out that Walter has been intensely lonely and feeling without purpose since his recent retirement from teaching. Spending time with Devlin and on a historical research quest to identify the violin reengages Walter into life.

Walter in turn take Devlin to a reputable violin repair shop whose owner he knows, only to find out that his friend has died and his daughter Gabrielle has taken over the business. Gabrielle, also intensely lonely and in a protective shell since her prodigy career as a premier violinist got suddenly cut off by a mysterious pain in her wrist. Gabrielle becomes mesmerized, as they all do, with the violin and who the luthier is behind its creation. But most importantly, the quests take each character on a road to get over past traumas that have stymied their lives.

Devlin, Walter and Gabrielle all join forces to figure out who created the violin and whether it matches the valuable one stolen from the auction house. Adventures, and misadventures ensue as thugs try to kill Devlin and Walter to get the violin back. The Canadian woman Verity behind the thugs and the violin stealing gets in touch with Gabrielle to both bribe and threaten her in getting the violin back.

On top of all this, the violin herself has a strong first-person narrative voice as the luthier’s dead beloved whose soul and voice lives on within the violin. She traces her experiences with all the owners of the violin that takes us through centuries of violin stories and intrigue.

Knowing not much about violins, the craftsmanship, the superstitions, the historical lore, and the prodigy players all became illuminated. That violins have been engineered to sound like human vowels and thus a human voice is astonishing. Loved this line from the novel, “It is said that making a violin is the marriage of mathematics and nature.” I emerged from the novel both enlightened and mesmerized!

Thanks to Harper 360 and Netgalley for an advanced reader’s copy.

📚 BOOK REVIEW 📚
Title: The Violin Maker’s Secret
Author: Evie Woods
Format: ARC
Pub Date: 2/24/26
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A forgotten violin in Heathrow’s Lost & Found quietly reshapes three lives—proof that some objects don’t just carry history… they choose their people.

Devlin, a weary baggage-claim agent; Walter, a retired teacher carrying quiet grief; and Gabrielle, an appraiser with a sharp eye and a guarded heart, are unexpectedly connected by a rare violin hidden in Heathrow’s Lost and Found. As the instrument passes through their hands, each of them is nudged toward healing, truth, and the possibility of second chances. What begins as a simple found object becomes a catalyst for change, weaving their lives together in ways none of them could have predicted.

The Violin Maker’s Secret is one of those gentle, quietly magical stories that sneaks up on you. Evie Woods blends mystery, fate, and emotional introspection into a narrative that feels both whimsical and grounded. I loved how the violin isn’t just an object but a subtle guiding presence, revealing what each character has been avoiding.

The pacing is calm and the atmosphere warm. The characters feel like people you might meet in an airport on a long layover—tired, hopeful, and carrying more than they show. The story unfolds patiently, allowing emotion and connection to build naturally. It’s less about dramatic twists and more about how people are changed by what they hold close, even briefly. At its heart, this is a story about timing, connection, and the unexpected ways life hands us exactly what we need.

⸻
💛 WHAT WORKED
• Found-object magic — that subtle, almost spiritual sense of fate
• The violin as a haunting, elegant symbol
• Three POVs that genuinely complement each other
• A cozy, cinematic setting (airports, workshops, quiet London corners)
• Thoughtful themes of loss, legacy, and second chances

⚠️ WHAT DIDN’T WORK
• The intentionally slow pacing may not work for readers seeking high tension
• I wanted more depth in Gabrielle’s arc — she’s fascinating but slightly underexplored
• The ending wraps up quickly; a few extra pages would have helped it linger

Thank you to @netgalley, @harper360, and @eviewoods for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was beautifully written, with the trademark combination of a thrilling mystery and a touch of whimsy that I've come to expect from Evie Woods' books. This is a story for those that believe in fate, redemption, romance, knowledge, have a love for folklore, and -sure- also have a bit of a fascination with the history and raw beauty of the violin (because you will learn <i>a lot</i> about the violin) 😉. Characters are brought together in awfully perfect moments and villains follow hopeful characters in a chase that feels much like the movie National Treasure. I think everyone should pick up an Evie Woods book, and I'd highly recommend The Lost Bookshop, or of course this one, The Violin Maker's Secret. You will not regret escaping into this story for a bit, I promise (and if you do regret it, what is wrong with you?!🤗).

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper 360 for the ARC!

Some favorite words:
<i>"When we grow up without boundaries, we never learn how to protect ourselves, or that we even have permission to do so."</i>

Magical realism at its best. Told mostly from the perspective of a beautiful and rare violin that was made by an unknown violin maker and has been played and coveted by the best violinists in the world through the centuries. The relationship among the 3 main characters who are drawn together almost by accident and set off to find the violin and the healing that each of them experiences as they search for the violin is magical and makes this story work.

I didn’t really know what to expect going into this book, other than knowing that I have enjoyed other books by Evie Woods. The more I read this book the more I enjoyed every moment. The relationships, the voice of the violin, the adventure and intrigue around the value of this instrument and what carries that value for the different people involved. It was all so engaging, with unexpected twists and sweet moments mixed in. I highly recommend this book for any readers who enjoy sweet relationships, intrigue, unique narration voices, and storyline connections between past and present.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper 360 for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Really cute book! Easy to read, started strong, it did get a little slow for me in the middle but it picked right back up at the last 30% or so. Love how Evie Woods incorporates this magical realism into her stories seamlessly. I mean how fun is a sentient violin. Cmon.

Review on Goodreads, fable, and storygraph

"Perhaps the rhyme is tugging at the back of your mind. It sounds like something you may have heard before but cannot recall when or where. That is how the truth is passed down, in echoes that at once feel both real and imagined. Do you want to know how it ends?"

This book was lovely. It had mystery and a bit of romance. It has found family and some history. I'm excited to read more of Evie Woods' books.

Thank you to Harper 360 and NetGalley for the eGalley (ARC).

I read this in one sitting!! The Violin Maker’s Secret by Evie Woods is a beautifully layered novel that lingers long after the final page. Woods masterfully weaves complex, deeply human characters across shifting timelines, creating a story that feels both intimate and expansive. Each perspective adds another strand to the narrative, and together they form a rich tapestry of love, loss, artistry, and resilience.
What truly sets this book apart is the way it explores the journey of inanimate objects—particularly the violin itself—and how they quietly witness, absorb, and connect generations of lives. The instrument becomes more than wood and strings; it is a keeper of memory, a bridge between past and present, and a reminder that stories live on through the things we create and cherish. The transitions between timelines are handled with elegance, rewarding the reader with emotional depth and a growing sense of interconnectedness.
Evie Woods writes with sensitivity and purpose, inviting readers to reflect on how history, craft, and human connection are forever intertwined. This is a novel to savor, especially for readers who love character-driven stories infused with mystery and heart.
I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Evie Woods for this advanced reader’s copy! I loved Evie Wood’s “The Lost Bookshop” so I was very excited to dive into another story of hers. In “The Violin Maker’s Secret”, we adventure into different timelines and owners of the violin. Devlin finds a violin within the lost and found of Heathrow airport and we are transported into a story with Walter and Gabrielle as well. They all try to chase down the history of the violin and end up discovering more about themselves along the way.

Gabrielle and Devlin’s relationship was very sweet and made you cheer them on throughout the story. I also loved how we learn about the importance of forgotten histories and how they shape us into the person we become. The beauty of music was translated through the pages. I adored how she compared music to being magical because even though it’s invisible, you can feel it. Each and every one of us has been touched by a song or lyrics within our lives. This book was about the beauty of second chances, holding onto what grasps at our heartstrings, and finding our own ikigai.

“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.”

The Violin Maker's Secret by Evie Woods took me on a journey I wasn't expecting — and honestly? That's the best kind of read. 🎻 A magical violin hidden in the Heathrow lost and found, three unlikely strangers, and a mystery that weaves them all together in the most unexpected ways. If you loved The Lost Bookshop, this one absolutely delivers that same sense of wonder and heart. ARC provided by Harper 360 via NetGalley.
#TheViolinMakersSecret #NetGalley #EviéWoods #WomensFiction #BookReview

Evie Woods knows how to write a book!

The way she blends historical fiction and magical realism in this title is a work of art.

Did I find this book fascinating? Yes. Did I find myself intrigued? Yes. Did I find myself captivated by the magic. You know it!

Violin as a main character, a bit of romance, intrigue. A great combination. I will be recommending this to my book reading friends, and at book club. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the advance copy.

I have never read anything by the author and after this one I will definitely have to. This was an easy 5 star read for me, with every page of the story drawing me in until I was turning the last page. The story is about a violin made by a man whose love is murdered so he “turns” her into the violin. The story tells not only of all the people that the violin encounters but also of three lost people whose lives are all in trouble but with the help of the violin they start healing and find peace. This was the type of story that will make you laugh and make you cry in the best way possible.
Thank you to Netgalley and to the publishers for allowing me to read this amazing book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper360 for providing me with a copy of this this title to read and give my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Every once in a while an author comes along and they tell stories that grip you so tightly it's hard to put them down. Evie Woods is one of those authors for me. Her stories are so compelling and full of interesting characters I want to dive in and experience the plot right along with them. The Violin Maker's Secret did that for me. I was sad to ever have to put it down (but a person must eat, sleep, and work!).
Woods's books are imbued with amazing magical realism. This one gave us an anthropomorphized violin. I absolutely adored having this instrument's point of view in the book to tell us the violin's history of travel and who had played it. I also grew very attached to the three main characters: Walter, Gabrielle, and Devlin. It was fun to watch their lives intersect because of the violin and how their coming together truly felt fated.
Without going into grave detail about the book, there is a mysterious plot that is a bit thrilling. This part of the book kept me on my toes and helped move the story along well. At the same time, we learn about each of the main character's faults and problems and see how their friendship enables them to become the people they were truly meant to be.
This book is told in third person. I bring this up because many people don't like this type of writing. There were a few times when I wasn't sure whose head I was in, I will admit to that. I had to go back and start reading paragraphs again. This is something that did cause me to drop my rating a bit, though not by much (4.5/5 stars in the end). So, while you get several points of view in the book, the only one you know for sure is the violin as those chapters are actually labeled that way. The violin chapters give a bit of a history lesson, as well. You will definitely see some famous names pop up.
There is something magical about music. I have been playing instruments most of my life as well and listening to all types of music and it is truly amazing what song can do for you: mind, body, and soul. How it can touch each individual in such a profound way it can actually change their lives. I loved the idea that this violin was the voice of Clara (not going to go into how as that may spoil things for people).
Speaking of magic, Woods has a way of infusing this into her stories leaving you to wonder if such things can truly happen and I love that. I want to be swept away in fantasy but at the same time know it's something I could possibly experience in my own life.
I'm pretty sure there's nothing that Woods will write that I will not love. I really do love her writing style. I've read all her books and they just get better and better as she hones her craft. I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next!
4.5/5 stars

I just finished The Violin Maker’s Secret by Evie Woods and gave it 4.5 stars ⭐️

This story follows an ancient, magical violin that ends up in the Lost & Found at Heathrow Airport—and from there, the mystery slowly unfolds. Three complete strangers find their lives unexpectedly woven together because of this instrument and the secrets it carries.

It does start off a little slow, but around the 30% mark the pace really picks up and pulls you in. I love Evie Woods’ writing style—she blends magical elements into the storyline so seamlessly it feels natural and enchanting.

Overall, this book is wholesome, cute, whimsical, and heartwarming. If you love cozy reads with a touch of magic and a music-centered story, I’d definitely recommend it.

Many thanks to Harper 360, Evie Woods, and NetGalley for the ARC opportunity!

Another Evie Wood hit!

Having read a couple of her books previously, I was eager to request the Advance Reader Copy for this one as well. The story immediately pulled me in with the magic hidden in the ordinary and an undercurrent of hope in each of her struggling main characters. This author’s style of storytelling is charming and mysterious and heartwarming, and this latest novel hit all of those marks.

This story is a dual timeline, the first set in the present as our trio of main characters work together to uncover the secrets of a lost violin, while the second follows the violin itself from creation to nearly present time. We have a bit of suspense, a dash of romance, and a happy element of self-discovery among all three of our MCs.

This book reminded me of the film The Red Violin. The narrative path is similar, following a violin through the centuries as it changes hands and impacts the lives of each of those individuals who come into possession of the instrument. To be clear, the book doesn’t copy the movie, just the concept of following the object’s timeline, and I enjoyed and would recommend both. I often find myself wondering about the story in pre-owned objects, and whether other people will also wonder about objects I’ve sent on to the new owners. This book was a fun way to feed into that curiosity.

I give this novel 4 and a half stars and am grateful to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read it early, although as always, opinions are wholly my own.

Evie Woods has crafted something truly transcendent with The Violin Maker’s Secret. From the first page to the final note, the writing is absolutely superb, carrying a lyrical quality that mirrors the very instruments it describes.

The descriptions of music are not just words on a page; they are sensory experiences. Woods captures the soul of a violin so vividly that you can almost hear the resonance of the strings in the room with you.

Often, "magical realism" can feel forced, but here, the magic is woven into the fabric of the story with such grace that it feels entirely organic. It’s grounded, enchanting, and utterly believable.

The shifting perspectives between characters are handled with the precision of a conductor. Each chapter switch feels intentional and seamless, building a complex layers of story without ever losing the reader.

There is nothing more satisfying than a story with no loose ends. The plot builds into a beautiful crescendo, culminating in a "final movement" that is both emotionally resonant and deeply uplifting.

An unlikely trio is formed as a luggage handler buys a violin from the unclaimed luggage and involves a past teacher to find if the violin has a history. The teacher adds a young violin expert to the mix. Early on it’s discovered the violin was stolen but there’s no provenance. Who made this violin, when, where? All will be discovered but never the way you would expect. Great story. #NetGalley

A violin that seems to possess a will of its own drifts quietly through lives, reshaping the destinies of all who come into contact with it. What begins as a chance discovery by Devlin, a Heathrow baggage handler, soon turns into something far greater when a shocking headline reveals a missing, priceless instrument. The revelation sets Luke on an unexpected path, one that draws in Walter, his retired former mentor, and Gabrielle, a gifted appraiser with a complicated past of her own. As secrets begin to surface, the journey unfolds across London, Italy, and Ireland, proving that this is no ordinary violin and no ordinary story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper 360 for the ARC. What a cute story about the life of a violin and the people that were in its life. I especially loved the chapters by the violin. This was the second book I have read by Evie Woods but my favorite by her so far.

The Violin Maker’s Secret
by Evie Woods

This book has everything I look for in a book that I’ll remember and think about long after I've finished reading it. Characters of varied ages, community, a mystery that isn’t too bloody, a little bit of magic, and an all-around great story. I especially love the main narrator, who is also one of the characters. She is a violin who’s been around for hundreds of years. She tells the stories of all the people who have owned her over time. They all feel her voice in various ways, and recognize how special she is, how she changes lives. The mystery is intriguing, and how all the characters’ lives are woven together is so satisfying in the end. Even the violin finally lives happily ever after. I highly recommend this book, and look forward to reading more from this author. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the early read. 5 stars!!!

This dual timeline novel was an absolute delight. I loved the musical elements infused in the novel.

In the present day, we have three different characters all with their secret battles and turmoil. Devlin decides to buy a violin from the lost and found from Heathrow Airport instead of getting an engagement ring for his longtime girlfriend. However it turns out that the violin is stolen. Not knowing where to turn, Devlin reaches out to his old history teacher, Walter. Walter had been on the verge of taking his own life when Devlin came by. Together they try to figure out a plan but first try to determine the violin's history and if it truly has been stolen. They go to Gabrielle, a former musician, who had to give up her career due to pain that randomly appeared when she was young. She runs her family business and appraises musical instruments. Together the three of them go on a wild ride to try and figure out what they should do with this violin. The violin is special and in the second timeline we see the history of how it was created and where it has ended up.

As someone who always wanted to play the violin this story fascinated me. I loved learning a lot of knowledge not only about violins but about musicians as well. My favorite part of the novel was that the violin had its own story to tell. It is not often that inanimate objects can tell you its history. Devlin, Walter, and Gabrielle were all interesting characters who had to go through their own journeys to come out on top. Overall, this enchanting blend of music, history, and great characters will keep you reading late into the night.

Thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you to Evie Woods, Harper 360, and NetGalley for providing a copy of The Violin Maker’s Secret.
Evie Woods has a gift for immersive storytelling. In The Violin Maker’s Secret, she utilizes her signature dual-timeline structure to seamless effect. I was particularly struck by how she takes a simple object and builds an entire lineage and soul around it, making the history feel deeply personal.
The prose is enchanting and the pacing kept me engaged from start to finish. Woods’ ability to make the reader feel "at home" within the pages—regardless of the setting—is what makes her work stand out. Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction with a touch of whimsy.

Interesting story of how a special violin changed hands over ~200 years and found its way to present day characters in the UK who come together to try to figure out its provenance and work on their relationships with themselves and each other throughout. It was fun to track the violin as it made its way to different owners over time and hear the violin's 'feelings' about its owners and how it was played.

This was a very enjoyable read, blending a contemporary story with the past through an old violin. What I especially loved were the characters of Devlin, Gabrielle, and Walter who are all going through a personal crisis of sorts. The violin brings them together and, in turn, gives them purpose. Highly recommend.

Three strangers come together surrounding a violin; they are trying to find out who initially made this violin (the luthier) and its provenance. Devlin is a baggage handler at Heathrow Airport, Walter is a retired history teacher, and Gabrielle works in the family business of violin appraisal. Their travels take them from London to Bath, Italy and finally to Dublin to track down the history of this important violin.

This book has many of the things that I look for in a great book: found friends, classical music, musical instruments, and self discovery. Throw in some magical realism, a little romance, and an encounter with some gangsters and you've got a wonderful, fast-paced story. Through flashbacks the reader discovers all the individuals that have owned this violin throughout its history ...including Niccolo Paganini!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the advance reader copy of this book.

Read more of my reviews at https://thegoodreader13.blogspot.com/.

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.

Baggage handler Devlin is looking for the perfect birthday gift for his girlfriend when he sees the violin case in the airport lost and found. Little does he know that the violin was stolen and the thieves are desperate to get it back. His only hope is to get it back to the original owners, but for that he needs help. Drawing in his old music processor, Walter, and an appraiser, Gabrielle, the three are on a journey of discovery around the world to find out the violinist history.
This is a beautiful story about a violin that touched so many people's lives. The story of how and why the violin was created was heartbreaking and the violin becomes an actual character telling its story through the generations. Just magical enough to be believable, I like how the violin helped each character heal from their past. This writer has become a favorite of mine, her writing is always magical and the story just draws me in. I can't wait for the next and this one is just being published!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

This is the tale of a magical violin. We learn its history and follow it from owner to owner. Each one is changed by their "ownership". The main focus is on the three most current "owners", A young man who bought the violin from a lost and found, a violin expert and a mysterious former owner who wants it back.

This is a very pleasant read with similar magical realism vibes to her previous work. She knows how to infuse just enough magic into her stories to leave you absolutely charmed.
There are several timelines and narrators to follow and it is always so satisfying to see them come together. This is the perfect book to read on a snow day or rainy afternoon with a warm cup of tea.
If you are on the fence after reading The Lost Bookshop, or The Story Collector, I feel this book wraps things up very cleanly in comparison and is slightly less heavy on the historical fiction. Those elements were obviously still there, but for me this book strikes the balance very well.
This secures Evie Woods a position on my auto buy list!
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy!

What a romp of a book. A baggage handler finds an old violin in lost luggage, buys it to give to his girlfriend and the story escalates from there. He tracks down and finds his old history teacher and together they meet up a violin expert. You get to see their stories unfold as well as learn the violin's story. There's a trip to Italy, a trip to a prison, a current of mystery, a frisson on romance. All in all a great read that everyone will enjoy.

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!

I had even more of a vested interest going into author Evie Wood's latest novel. Set mostly in London (and various countries in the past) we learn about a fever important violin, made my an unknown luthier (maker of stringed instruments). As the tale goes between the past a present, we learn about all of the people who have possessed the violin in the past, and how it has changed not only their lives, but those of Devlin, Walter and Gabrielle in the present.

While Devlin suspects that the violin was stolen after purchasing it from Lost and Found at Heathrow Airport, he goes to his history teacher, Walter for help. Saving the older mans life in the process. When they take the violin to Walter's old friends shop, they find that the mans daughter, Gabrielle now owns the shop.

As they search for who made the violin, and who is truly belongs to, they find more than they bargained for.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for this wonderful book. 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.

★★★★☆

The Violin Maker’s Secret by Evie Woods is a warm, quietly magical story about a mysterious violin discovered in Heathrow’s Lost and Found and the three strangers whose lives it changes.
I loved how Devlin, Walter, and Gabrielle each brought their own heart and history to the story, making their connection to the violin feel meaningful and earned.

The writing has a gentle, enchanting quality, and while the mystery kept me turning the pages, it was the themes of fate, second chances, and unexpected connection that stayed with me most.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper 360 for the gifted eARC!

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.

How could a violin be in the Lost and Found at Heathrow Airport. The items are to stay there for 3 months before anyone else makes a request for it. Although, Devlin, is a baggage claim agent there. Some how he gets special permission to purchase this violin. He wanted it for someone very special at the time. But then that someone did not want it. Little did he know how special it is. So he seeks out help from a former teacher of his, Walter. He knocks on his door late one night to get advice on what to do now with this violin.

Little did they know that when they walked into this shop where Gabrielle wored what they really had. She asked they leave it with her for her to appraise its value and age. Gabrielle sought out some help with this instrument as she could not figure its age or maker. This was a very different violin as it had a different type of wood and its shape, the sound that came out of it is so amazing. It is like the violin is singing. Now it is quite a mystery they have on their hands. They travel to Italy and Ireland to seek out who and where it was made.

I have great interest in novels that are historical fiction and a bit of mystery to them. Thank you to NetGalley for putting out an invitation to read Evie Woods book. Also thank you to Harper Collins for approving this read prior to publication. Now Evie Woods will be added to one of my favorite authors and will be following any books she may publish and going back to others she has already written.

This is such a fun mystical tale of a violin and the power of choices and music. Told from four different perspectives this book has a beautiful balance of past and present mixing to lead to the perfect blend of why and how the violin was made, to the power it welds and why people so badly want to possess this amazing instrument. This book really captivates the reader right away and takes them on a lovely journey throughout the whole tale. This is going to be a book that readers devour.
Thank you so much to Harper 360 and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.

Cute mystery with a little bit of everything. I enjoyed the violin’s perspective on its life and all the adventures it has been on.

This book released today, February 24, 2026 and it's a must read! Evie Woods, the author of the beloved The Lost Bookshop, has done it again! This time, Devlin, an airport employee purchases a violin from Heathrow Airport's lost and found. Shortly after, he finds out that the violin is stolen, so he consults with his former music history teacher and an instrument appraiser to find out the violin's history. This unlikely trio is so much fun to follow!

Summary:
A violin turned into an airport lost and found unites 3 people as they race to uncover it's past. As they try to stay one step ahead of the thief who wants the violin back, they experience the magic that makes the violin unique.

Once you open the pages of The Violin Maker's Secret, be prepared to go on an adventure! Evie Woods will take you back to the early 1800s to walk you through this special instrument's inception, creation and it's journey to 2025. You'll read how a jealous sibling leads to her sister's soul being encaptured within the wood used to make the violin. This leads to the gift each owner of the violin thenceforth experiences.

Evie Woods introduces you to the violin when it's found in Heathrow airport's lost and found in 2025. Devlin, a baggage claim handler for the airport, buys it as a present for his girlfriend. Not only does said girlfriend not want to instrument (she was expecting an engagement ring), but a break-in accompanied by a threatening message referring to the violin forces Devlin to go on the run. His first stop is his former teacher, Walter. Walter then leads them to an appraiser's shop belonging to a friend. While the friend isn't there, his daughter, Gabrielle, is. All 3 experience the magic of the violin and band together to keep the thieves from getting it back. In doing so, they set out to track the maker of the violin in the hopes answers to their problem will also be found.

What ensues is a country crossing adventure 3 lonely individuals band together for. You also get and amazing story of the violin's life. You'll read how each owner's life is impacted- good or bad- by possessing the violin. You'll meet the woman determined, through whatever means necessary, to get back the one thing that mattered most to her.

Friendship form, love blossoms and greed leads to an undoing as you read The Violin Maker's Secret. I loved it and will be at my bookstore to be buy once it opens. Evie Woods is amazing at telling stories that just engulf you wholeheartedly, and her newest release is no exception. Happy Reading!

I enjoyed reading The Violin Maker's Secret by Evie Woods. You will fall in love with all the characters. I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely. Happy Reading!

This is the 3rd Evie woods book I have read and she never disappoints. The Violin Maker's Secret is a beautiful story of romance, hope and longing. Three lonely people are brought together over the mystery of a violin purchased from the airport lost-and-found department. The atmosphere in the story is perfect with the violin telling her story in snippets There is redemption for some and healing for all. I love a "found family" story. Thank you, Evie Woods, Harper Collins and NetGalley for the e-arc of this wonderful story.

Evie Woods does magical realism so well. The hodgepodge of main characters was interesting in their own individual ways but also as a group. I loved the back story of the violin and the exchanges over time. The trio of heroes made the book flow and the ending was perfect.

I absolutely loved The Violin Maker’s Secret. From the first chapter, I was completely drawn in by the atmosphere and the scenes felt so vivid I could almost hear the music coming off the page.

What really stayed with me was how emotional and personal the story felt. The characters are flawed and real, and their secrets unfold in such a natural, heartfelt way. I especially appreciated how the past and present storylines were woven together, which made the whole thing feel layered and meaningful without ever being confusing.

It’s a beautiful story about love, legacy, and the power of music. Definitely one of those books that lingers after you finish. Five stars from me! Thank you NetGalley!

The Violin Maker’s Secret is a beautifully written, quietly magical noveI. loved how Evie Woods wove together the lives of Devlin, Walter, and Gabrielle — each searching for something — and connected them through one extraordinary violin.
What made this book unforgettable for me was hearing parts of the story from the violin’s own point of view. Those sections added such warmth and emotion, giving the instrument a soul and making its journey feel deeply meaningful.
The pacing is gentle, the characters are easy to care about, and the touch of magical realism gives the whole story a lovely glow. It’s the kind of book that leaves you feeling hopeful. A wonderful read from start to finish.

Told in Evie Wood’s magical style, this is a lovely book about an old violin’s travels and 3 strangers who come together to discover her origins. Devlin, Walter and Gabrielle develop beautiful relationships and the violin seems to bring them hope when they needed it most. A very enjoyable read.

Heartfelt, slow-paced, and filled with musical, historical magic, this cozy story lingers long after the final page. The atmosphere is rich, the emotion runs deep, and the quiet beauty of the storytelling makes it impossible to forget.
My favorite from this author yet!

4.25⭐️This novel is both charming and magical, especially in the way it brings together very different characters who become friends while uncovering the mysterious origins of a violin. The story is told in the present tense from the perspectives of Devlin, Walter and Gabrielle, with the violin’s own point of view set in centuries past.
Clara’s heartfelt story touched me the most, and I thought her ending was beautifully done. I also appreciated the detailed historical references regarding violins.
One aspect I especially enjoy about Evie Woods’s books is her seamless use of magical realism, which adds a unique and enchanting touch to her stories.
Thank you to the publisher and author for providing me with a complimentary advanced copy. All thoughts shared here are my own.

Devlin finds an old violin at the airport lost and found where he works and thinks it would be the perfect gift for his girlfriend. She doesn’t want it, but he soon realizes it is stolen property and the thieves want it back. Enlisting the help of a former teacher, Walter, and a violin appraiser, Gabrielle, the three try to determine the history and creator of the violin while thwarting off the thieves.

Woven into the book, the violin narrates its story. These were some of my favorite chapters in the book.

This was a fun story complete with suspense and a love story as well as lots of information on violins. Overall, I found it to be an enjoyable and quick read.

This is the first book I have read by Evie Woods, and I now want to go back and read others by her.

THE VIOLIN MAKER'S SECRET
BY: EVIE WOODS

This is a Wonderfully, Beautifully well written story that is a Five star. Plus well deserved fast paced tale that I loved so much because I felt so enchanted while reading it even though it has some villains within it they give this story depth, and balance it out to make it multi-faceted. I loved it so much more than most because it felt really well imagined, and It was extra heartwarming that it is one that I felt so enchanted while reading it which makes me wish that I could award it one hundred stars for it felt like it was one that was magical, and I felt so unexpectedly surprised that it would affect me with it being so incredibly heartwarming that reminded me of an adult fairy tale that I never wanted it to end. It is so sweet that I felt an incredibly elevated lifted sense of warmth that flooded my brain with all of those feel great happiness chemicals like my neurotransmitters associated with firing off chemicals that induce a sense of uplifting well being. I just can't recommend this novel high enough.
It is a multi genres that was so well written with a highly appealing premise, with not only a Beautiful, and enticing cover, but an equally Beautifully told heartfelt story about a Violin that has historical value, and is in itself a character that is found by a baggage handler in the lost and Found, department at the Heathrow Airport that is one aspect of this that I'm hoping is how they operate by which I'm cognizant that a magical Violin worth millions of dollars is fictional by the way it was one of the most favorite of endless attributes that I admired. I felt very intrigued that an employee who worked there was looking for a gift that introduced a character during the present timeline. Devlin begins this by looking for a gift for his girlfriend named Melissa who Devlin and her have a falling out and he ends up enlisting his former teacher Walter Pickering. They end up meeting Gabrielle, who was offended since Walter expected her father to appraise the Violin who happens to be deceased. She doesn't find a signature inside so brings it to the Countryside to an expert. My favorite of the past timelines which started in 1812 when it tells the story of William in a cabin who makes musical instruments. In the story of Clara and William was the highlight of the story most of all their story is both sad with what her jealous sister Ursula did to her. After Clara has waited five years for William to train to be a person who makes musical instruments like the Violin, guitars or any musical instrument of wood that has strings which he has witnessed what happened to Clara, and how he immortalized her as she becomes part of this famous Violin that William quickly merges her with the Violin and her being what makes such a special part of the Violin's history because of her was one of the best attributes even though it isn't always easy for her, but that she is undeniably breathtaking that made this story so special. I haven't read this author's prior sensational book, but look forward to reading it since there's no denying that she is a very gifted author. Will recommend highly.

Publication Date: February 24, 2026

Thank you to Net Galley, Evie Woods, and Harper 360 for generously providing me with my ARC, in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own, as always.

#TheViolinMakersSecret #EvieWoods #Harper360 #NetGalley

I love the growth arc of characters in Evie Woods' books. I didn't feel as connected to the characters as I have in other books of hers, but I did love the story. This had an exciting thriller/mystery aspect that made the end especially engaging. I don't love dual timeline, and that was a part of this story that pulled me out of the current storyline and characters. I loved the travel aspects of the story, and the ending was fantastic.

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.

This was a lovely read. I found it a little hard to get into at first, but then the story just started to flow and it took off. Heartwarming characters and a storyline that kept you involved until the last page.

Oh how I love the magic and connection of music! What a wonderful new book from Evie Woods. She has once again captured us into world of intrigue, love, magic, and suspense.

The unlikely trio of Devlin, Walter, and Gabrielle are brought together by an enchanting violin. As they connect, their lives are forever changed as they try to find the origins of the beautiful instrument which seems to have a profound impact on everyone that has ever touched its strings.

Beautifully written with spirit and passion about both the up and downside of the world of music. This charming story gives more than it takes.

Solid 4 stars! Thanks to NetGalley, author Evie Woods, and the publishing company for the advanced reader copy.

This was my first Evie Woods book but it certainly won’t be my last!
The Violin Makers Secret was a delight to read- very interesting approach! The main character was the violin itself, injecting a flavor of magical realism into the story as we learn the story of the violin from its creation throughout time and its various owners.
From a human perspective, I loved the found family aspect between the three lead characters- Devin, an airport baggage handler, Walter, a retired teacher, and Gabrielle, a vintage musical instrument appraiser. Their journey takes them to multiple countries as they seek to identify the origin of the unique violin. There are also elements of romance and history- and I loved this story!
Thank you to the author, publisher, and to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance complementary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

The Violin Maker’s Secret by Evie Woods completely captured my heart. From the moment the mysterious violin appears in Heathrow’s lost and found, I was hooked, and I truly found it hard to put this book down.

I loved how the story follows three very different characters whose lives become intertwined through the violin. Learning about the instrument’s layered history was fascinating, and each revelation added more depth and emotion to the story. The blend of romance and subtle magical twists made the novel feel both enchanting and meaningful.

Evie Woods has such a beautiful way of storytelling. There’s warmth, mystery, and a sense of wonder woven throughout the pages. It’s the kind of book that lingers with you long after you finish.

An unforgettable, spellbinding read, absolutely five stars. 🎻

This is a cute, cozy mystery for lovers of books, music, and mystical realism. When Devlin, an airport baggage handler, discovers a mysterious violin in the lost luggage room, he decides to give it to his girlfriend as a gift. As she was expecting an engagement ring, things do not go as planned! However, he's mesmerized by the violin as it gives off an aura and special feeling to whoever is in it's possession, and perhaps a bit of good luck.

As Devlin meets Walter, Gabrielle, and Verity, all are touched by the violin and motivated to guard it's safety at all costs, some more than others. It makes people want to chase their dreams, and some even hear it talking to them. One narrative is from the violin's point of view, so that was intriguing as you find out the history of it's owners and the families it has touched throughout the years.

This book very much reminded me of 'The Red Violin' movie.

The author does a great job with character development and you are rooting for the two leads to overcome obstacles and solve the mystery of the violin's provenance. I also love how the author references several famous musical scores, and you can almost hear them through her words. I looked up each one and listened to them. This gave me a greater appreciation for violin music!

Many of her other books involve bookish secrets and places, and this fell along those lines, but was still a fun, enjoyable ride.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins | Harper 360 for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by Evie Woods. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Devlin is working at the airport baggage claim when he takes a violin left in the lost and found as a gift for his girlfriend, who wasn't happy that her gift wasn't an engagement ring. After their breakup, Devlin connects with his former history teacher, who himself is struggling. The two decide to determine the violin's origin and worth, leading them into dangerous territory. They seek the help of Gabrielle, who works in a violin shop, who has her own issues.

Come for that beautiful cover but stay for the wonderful world that Evie Woods has again created. There's even a touch of magic in these pages, as we hear from the violin itself. But the real magic is between these three main characters, as they form a found family. Woods is her own form of magic, as she creates worlds to escape in as you read, which is perhaps the best magic of all.

Thank you to NetGalley and Evie Woods for this ARC. The Violin's Marker Secret is a beautiful story that follows a violin from the time of its creation.

Baggage claim agent Devlin finds a lost violin which he thinks would be the perfect gift for his girlfriend. When his plan backfires Devlin reaches out to his retired teacher Walter,. There's something special about the violin that he can't quite explain. As the two begin their quest to find out the instrument's story, they team up with appraiser Gabrielle who also holds many secrets.

This book captured my heart! From the moment Devlin finds a beautiful violin in the Lost & Found at Heathrow's airport, he is entranced. Little does he know that there are others out there with a more sinister interest in the violin. And Devlin has girlfriend problems. When he meets retired teacher Walter, who has hidden problems of his own, the two decide they need to find out more about the violin. This leads to meeting appraiser Gabrielle, who of course has secrets of her own. Each of them feels a strong connection to the beautiful violin as togerthe (and sometimes not so together!) they seek to learn it's history and possibly return it to its owner.

The characters are wonderful and funny and learn as much about themselves as about each other as they each work on solving the violin's mystery. Deeply satisfying, a definite binge read (take it on a plane!), I couldn't put it down. When I finished, I wanted turn around and read it again. Truly a not to be missed read!

"The Violin Maker's Secret" by Evie Wood is a lovely story told in multiple timelines about a lost, stolen, valuable violin, and the people who are all entwined with it. Even the violin has a voice, which I particularly enjoyed. It is a mystery, it is sad, it is hopeful, and so beautifully written. I highly recommend this book. 5 Stars

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Inc for the ARC of this book.

I had to find out the Violin Maker's Secret! This story about a stolen/found violin will captivate the reader as the characters in current time search for clues of the violin's provenance, in between chapters about the different people who found the violin in their possession leading up to today. Devlin, a young man working at Heathrow, decides the violin will make a perfect birthday gift. He enlists help from his former teacher, Walter, who takes them to see Gabrielle Wilding to get it appraised. We learn the stories of these three characters as we learn the story, and secret, of the violin.
I was a fan of The Lost Bookshop and appreciate the magical realism in both books. A great story, and you will learn a lot about how different violins are made!

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this extraordinary novel. Beautifully written, it traces the life of a violin beginning in 1812, unfolding through dual timelines and multiple points of view — including not only its various owners, but the violin itself. The reader learns how this remarkable instrument touches the lives of countless people across generations. Having no knowledge whatsoever of violins, I thoroughly enjoyed the rich historical details about violins and luthiers so seamlessly woven into the story.

One of my favorite aspects of the book was the unlikely friendship among the three main characters - Devin, a baggage worker at Heathrow airport; Walter, a teacher from Devin's past; and Gabrielle, a violin appraiser. These three characters were all flawed in their own ways. As they join forces to uncover the violin’s rightful owner, their personal stories unfold with tenderness and emotional depth. As the story unfolds, the violin, which seems to have mystical qualities, connects each of them, and the friendship they form changes each of their lives in unexpected ways.

This is a story that will stay with me. It is a beautiful blend of friendship, music, mysticism, romance, and the enduring power of connection.

The Violin Maker’s Secret engaged me from the beginning. I loved following along to the violin’s journey. I learned about the characters and who the reader should trust.

The violin ends up in the hands of a man who bought it from a lost and found. The original owner wants it back. So we find our way to different countries to get answers with plenty of danger on the way.

This was an emotional ride, especially for the origin of the violin. That was probably my favorite part. It’s a great book that I’ll recommend to anyone who likes historical to present day books that tug at the heart strings.

I received this ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.

“Death had come, and now he could see the real meaning of life. It wasn’t about making a good name for yourself or earning a decent salary. It was about fun, silliness, touching other people’s lives in some way, and letting them touch yours. Letting yourself be blown about and shaped by experience. Being curious rather than scared all of the time. Living in dread of the future – that seemed to be the common thread that kept everyone tied in knots, weighted down with painful memories of the past.” - @eviewoods.author

In England, we meet retired teacher, Walter, his former student and airport worker, Devlin, and once violinist, turned appraiser, Gabrielle. Their lives cross when Devlin finds a violin in the lost and found at Heathrow Airport. He doesn’t know how unique and priceless this violin is- until he hears about a theft at Christie’s auction house. He realizes he is over his head and finds ally’s in Walter and Gabrielle. Each one of them feels connected to this instrument, but none of them know the love story from which this violin was born, the power it holds, or that someone else is looking for this violin.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This story is magic in the quintessential Wood way. Go grab this one. It’s out now!!! Thank you to @netgalley and @harper360uk for this #advancedreaderscopy

#2026bookchallengebook15of100
#netgalley
#theviolinmakerssecret

This story is historical fiction with a touch of magical realism. One of the main characters is the violin. The violin has a POV as it contains the soul and memories of a young woman. The story is told in dual timelines. One is the history of the violin, who made it, all the people who owned or played it and how the violin changed their lives. The second timeline is the present, with Devlin, Gabrielle and Walter forming an unlikely alliance to discover the origin of the violin.

I learned a lot about violins, a new subject for me and I just adored how the violin was a significant character in the story. Devlin, Gabrielle and Walter were the perfect trio. All three characters were well flushed out, and it was believable that these three would become a sort of found family. This is a charming and wholesome story, a feel-good book with a bit of romance, some touching backstories and a bit of magic.

Another mystically cozy magically realistic tale from Woods. I was so honored to be able to be swept up in the musical journey

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.

Awe!
This was such a beautiful love story.

Evie always takes you on incredible journeys and adventures, all while telling the most entertaining stories. I truly love her writing style and the worlds she creates, and this book absolutely did not disappoint. I found myself anxiously waiting for everything to come full circle and for that long-awaited reunion.

I loved seeing Walter discover a new purpose… and the lady in red. 😏

Gabrielle truly brought out Devlin’s truest self. He’s such a ray of sunshine with just a touch of clouds. And Gabrielle—oh, Gabrielle! I related to her so deeply. She is such a strong, powerful woman. I believe she was the character who grew the most throughout the story, and it was beautiful to watch her recognize, confront, and accept her trauma.

Seeing her reconnect and begin to heal ❤️‍🩹 touched me in a way that made my heart squeeze. 🥹

Another heartfelt and memorable story. Well done, Evie. 👏🏼

ARC provided by NetGalley, courtesy of Harper 360 | HarperCollins.

A lovely read bringing three very different people together to research the story behind a violin purchased from the lost items storage at Heathrow Airport. Cosy and a bit sinister at the same time, the trio finds their lives changed by their search, and the reader can't help but feel a magical quality surrounding the violin. The characters are believable and the author's writing seems at times to float along, almost like the music from the violin.

I'm a big Evie Woods fan and this one didn't disappoint. The storyline was so original and interesting that I couldn't put it down. I love the history of the violin, and how it came to be in the hands of the current owner and what it had been through. Getting a POV from a violin to tell about its previous owners was fascinating! I love how Evie brings magical realism to her books - The Lost Bookshop was a favorite and The Mysterious Baker on Rue de Paris was so good. I'm going to read any book that Evie Woods writes. Her brand of historical fiction and magic is so good! The way she weaves all the history and stories of the previous owners together is brilliant. Bringing Devlin, Walter (he broke my heart at the beginning), and Gabrielle together - so different in personalities and wants/needs was so great- I enjoyed each of their perspectives.

I received a complimentary eARC and my review is voluntary. Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and and Harper 360.