Review of 'The Violin Maker's Secret' by Evie Woods
Release date: February 24th, 2026
Publisher: Harper Collins
REVIEW
Another unique magical realism story from Evie Woods! This one has a complex plot with a violin of rare beauty and influence at its core. And one that gets to tell its own story. We follow the violin's journey from its beginnings through many hands. Those who hold it, change as it seems to empower them. Of course, this causes many to pursue it. Although some good transpires for those who possess it, bad things happen, too. And sometimes it draws out the worst in human behaviour. (Does this remind us a bit of Tolkien’s One Ring?) Whether the violin’s troubled birth is the reason, well, we can only imagine. For it was made as a wedding gift for a man haunted with ‘a love that could never be.’
Some claim this violin has ‘a touch of the dark arts’ about it. Whatever the case, this is a fascinating story that my violinist grandfather would have loved. An instrument he always felt was a capable of many things—including exposing the darkest and deepest regions of the heart. The Violin Maker’s Secret shows this over and over quite vividly. This instrument can add dramatic texture and intense emotional depth to the story telling of a song. It can make a heart soar from sorrow to joy.
This novel left me spellbound by the incredibly beautiful passages and thoughts displayed. It took me on a journey through the fascinating stories of each violin owner or caretaker of the past. I could see how each person was affected by this unique instrument. And the present timeline was equally riveting. The violin ends up in Lost and Found at Heathrow Airport and in the hands of three strangers. Devlin is a baggage claim agent, Walter a retired teacher and Gabrielle an appraiser. They become the new guardians of this precious violin, as they try to find who created it and the rightful owners.
Gabrielle is a solid character at home in the Irish National Museum. She knows a great deal about ‘rare and antique musical instruments.’ Gabrielle gives us lots of history on violins and music. She tells Devlin how the violin was modelled on the human voice. There are lots of fascinating tid-bits woven throughout the dialogue and narrative. As much as she knows, she turns to her father in prison for help identifying the violin’s design style to lead her closer to its origins. Their relationship is not the best. I won’t reveal why he is in prison or how things change for father and daughter but I will say they get a second chance.
Walter has only been retired from teaching history a few months but his lack of routine has caused issues with his memory. He keeps forgetting things. Although he has always been on his own and done all activities alone, he did not used to mind. Women were not attracted to him but now at age sixty six he is feeling lonely. Without his job to give him purpose, he is at a standstill. Now, sitting in his apartment with a glass of brandy in one hand, the contents of an entire bottle of painkillers in the other, Gustav Mahler’s 5th Symphony plays as he ponders his life. Then the doorbell rings…
Devlin is at his door and then shaking his hand. Happy he still lives in the same place. Walter is stunned into reality. A student of his from the past comes to see him with an urgent request. We learn a fair bit about Devlin in this chapter. Particularly his younger life – and how much Walter’s history class meant to him. How he felt like himself under Walter’s teaching. He felt seen and believed in by this teacher. Then the penny drops for Devlin of what Walter was about to do when he interrupted him. A strange scene transpires. As Walter’s wits come back into focus and he begins remembering this young man who loved guitars and wrote great song lyrics, he realises he has a new mission. He wants to know all about this violin, Devlin bought from the Lost and Found at Heathrow Airport. And why Devlin believes the criminals who originally stole it will be after him now.
There are numerous brilliant scenes in this novel. I’ll only mention one special one when Devlin and Gabrielle are on a plane. She shoves one of her earbuds in his ear and he becomes lost in what he feels is the most beautiful music he has ever heard. He is ‘floating across a timeless cityscape’ and for nine minutes he becomes someone else. This helps him forget his fear of flying. This is also a great comparison to reading books. In both cases, we can get lost in the world the author or musician has created. It can offer a reprieve from the mundane but also equip us with tools to deal with the struggles in our lives. Literature and music can slacken the tight strings inside us, help us relax, inspire us and improve our health, too!
These first few chapters set up an exciting plot that follows. This story is about so many things: friendships, love, enemies, danger, passion, second chances and finding your own voice. There’s mystery, magic, mesmerising moments, heart thumping experiences and incredible surprises. It’s a fascinating read from start to finish. There are layers and layers to unpack on this exhilarating journey. The story is unique really in many ways. Evie Woods manages to take the ordinary and turn it into something extraordinary. I enjoyed this novel (loved the ending) that had my heart racing in all directions. Gabrielle, Devlin and Walter kept me captivated (and the violin, too!) as they are very special characters. I certainly recommend The Violin Maker’s Secret! 4.5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Thanks to HarperCollins and Netgalley for the ARC.
