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Hewn by a master and passed down through generations, one violin charts its own course through history…
Baggage claim agent Devlin, retired teacher Walter, and appraiser Gabrielle should have nothing in common, but when a single choice sets in motion a new chapter in the violin's story, they finally feel a part of something – something that matters, and which makes them matter.
Because as their search for the violin's origins unlocks a mystery stretching back decades, the instrument teaches them a melody they never expected.
Have you read any of Evie Woods’ previous novels, and if so, how do they compare to The Violin Maker’s Secret?
I read that book in 2023. It was an interesting read and I think it would keep your interest for a plane ride! Hope you are going somewhere fun!
-Jacqueline_B
What effect did having the violin narrate portions of the story have on your reading experience? How did it change your relationship to the instrument?
If just came across as trying too hard to be creative, and I just found the violin chapters to be a waste of time.
-Laurie_M1
To what audience would you recommend The Violin Maker’s Secret? Is there another book or author you feel has a similar theme or style?
Definitely people more interested in music than I am. Admittedly, I was a bit bored. It also felt a bit YAish to me, mostly because of the characters.
-Laurie_M1
Devlin insists on simply finding a hotel, while Gabrielle prefers to check out the reviews for a place first. What does this say about their respective personalities, in your opinion? Which of the two are you more like?
I am more like Gabrielle. I research all the hotels that I am interested in to find the best price, locations, and amenities.
-Eileen_Burmester
Gabrielle loves going to the library’s reading room because “the air had a stillness” and it “calmed her nerves.” Do you think libraries foster this sense of peace in general? Is there someplace you frequent where you experience a similar stillness?
Yes, when I was in college, I found the library stacks great for studying. The library had a couple of tables and chairs in the stacks, and it was never crowded. It made me feel relaxed, and I was able to get more done there.
-Eileen_Burmester
Overall, what did you think of The Violin Maker’s Secret? (No spoilers in this thread, please!)
I liked this book, but I had a hard time enjoying the voice of the violin; I thought it was distracting. The plot could survive without the violin speaking in first person voice. Some readers might find it clever.
-Susan_W1
Multiple characters find healing through music after trauma. Do you agree that creative pursuits can help process difficult experiences?
Some of the most comforting activities are listening to or playing music and activities that keep your hands busy, like knitting or painting. These activities are like meditation to me.
-Susan_W1
How does the novel explore the value of lost or forgotten art? Should all art be preserved and shared?
Yes! All art should be preserved and passed down for generations. The violin was around for many years and had a story to tell.
-Eileen_Burmester
When Devlin and Gabrielle attend a concert, Devlin insists on picking up an outfit at a second-hand store, although Gabrielle resists. What did you think of this scene? Do you shop at thrift stores? Why or why not?
I have never bought clothes at a thrift store, but I keep mine for a long time. At my age, I am trying to pare down items in my home, but I think it was perfect for their circumstances. They had no dress clothes with them and probably thought they would not see any one that they knew at the concert.
-Patricia_Williams
When Devlin learns that the violin he purchased may have been stolen, he turns to Walter for help. What would you have done in Devlin’s place?
I have a friend who is a retired police detective. I might have gone to him and had him go with me to the police.
-Patricia_Williams
Many characters get unexpected second chances. Which character's transformation moved you most? Do you believe we all deserve second chances?
I agree with Linda about Walter's transformation. I think Gabrielle's transformation was the most noticeable for me. She was living such as small, lonely existence of regret and shame. She had a good therapist who helped her discover so much about herself and great friends in Walter and Devlin wh...
-Patricia_Williams
By the end, Verity realizes her decades-long pursuit of the violin was misguided. What does the novel say about revenge and obsession? Can you sympathize with her motivations?
At the end of the book, Verity regrets that her obsession with the violin had directed so much of her life. Fortunately she also decides "not to waste a second more on the past. You cannot recapture time and you cannot go back." So the novel tells us that revenge and obsession are not worth the e...
-Viqui_G
Do you believe objects can hold genuine power to transform lives, or is the change more about the meaning we give them? What items in your own life hold special significance?
I have some family heirlooms that was passed down to me such as Christmas Ornaments, photos and other treasures. I also have researched my family tree and have found relatives as far back as the 1700s.
-Eileen_Burmester
Gabrielle thinks, “It was a disconcerting feeling – knowing that your one chance at achieving something great was already over.” How did you react to this statement? Is it possible for one’s career to peak too soon, and if so, how does one move on?
I don't think I can express my thoughts about this subject any better than Michelle S above. Same with Catherine_O_Callagha. You both said it so well!
-Cecelia_J
Walter, Devlin, and Gabrielle are all isolated at the beginning. How does their unlikely friendship transform each of them?
They all seem to find something in each other that they find lacking in themselves. They needed each other to solve the mystery of the violin but also needed each other to become more of who they truly were.
-Wendy_F
What's your favorite quote from The Violin Maker's Secret?
I marked several and really love this one. Page 50 and Walter is at the British Library - "You knew where you were with a library … The comfort of all that collective knowledge, wrapping you in its sure and steady embrace."
-Emily_Bahhar
Max took advantage of the teenage Gabrielle. When she told others in her life about this, she was ignored and the abuse continued. Why do you suppose that was? What, if anything, would have been different had that part of the plot happened today?
It would have been more typical for that time that she wasn't believed, and it shaped her entire future. I'd love to say it would have been a different outcome today, unfortunately it's still all too common.
-Emily_Bahhar
What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? (2/26/2026)
I just finished The Violin Maker's Secret by Evie Wood. It is a beautiful and heartwarming read. The book is currently discussed on Book Browse online Book Club. Even if you don't plan to read the book I highly recommend reading the members comments because they highlight the delightful fantasy o...
-Lynne_G
Which timeline—past or present—did you find most compelling? How did Clara and William's story enhance the modern narrative?
I enjoyed the present timeline much more. I thought that a lot of the past timeline was kind of silly.
-Susan_Roberts
In reading a note about Paganini’s missing romanza Gabrielle thinks, “Women wanted to fall in love; men, on the other hand, wanted many, many affairs.” What did you think of this? Do you feel she’s justified in her opinion? Do you agree with her?
I thought this was a bit cynical and an overgeneralization. Even in the book, I think Devlin and William were examples of men who believed in true love.
-Michelle_S
The novel explores how music connects people across time, language, and culture. What moments in the book best illustrated music's power to communicate what words cannot?
When Gabrielle played the lost music, it gave her the power to communicate what she could not in words how she felt about past events and helped her overcome trauma and take back control of her life.
-Donna_J
How do Gabrielle and Verity's relationships with their fathers compare? How does the book discuss parental responsibility and family legacy?
How do Gabrielle and Verity's relationships with their fathers compare? How does the book discuss parental responsibility and family legacy?
-kim.kovacs
What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? (2/12/2026)
...on of human consciousness. Also finished up https://www.bookbrowse.com/bb_briefs/detail/index.cfm/ezine_preview_number/23274/the-violin-makers-secret The Violin Maker's Secret by Evie Woods for our upcoming discussion. We've had book group conversations for all her novels, and I think this one is her best to date. It's not earth-shaking...
-kim.kovacs
What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? (2/5/2026)
...ut so far it's fascinating. Next up will be https://www.bookbrowse.com/bb_briefs/detail/index.cfm/ezine_preview_number/23274/the-violin-makers-secret The Violin Maker's Secret by Evie Woods, followed by https://www.bookbrowse.com/bb_briefs/detail/index.cfm/ezine_preview_number/24291/a-crown-of-stars Crown of Stars by Shana Abe, both for...
-kim.kovacs
What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? (1/29/2026)
I finished Black Like Me for my Banned Book Club. We will discuss it in a few weeks. A must read book! Now I am reading The Violin Maker's Secret, a much easier book! I like Evie Woods books!
-Paula_Walters
About the The Violin Makers Secret by Evie Woods category
Please join BookBrowse in our discussion of The Violin Maker's Secret by Evie Woods.
-system
"The Violin Maker's Secret moved me to tears. I was deeply drawn into their hopes and dreams. This story will stay with readers long after the final lovely notes fade." —Madeline Martin, New York Times bestselling author of The Secret Book Society
"A beautifully melodic tale, full of heart, hope, and mystery. The Violin Maker's Secret is a welcome reminder that there is magic to be found within our everyday lives." —Hazel Gaynor, New York Times bestselling author of Before Dorothy
This information about The Violin Maker's Secret was first featured
in "The BookBrowse Review" - BookBrowse's membership magazine, and in our weekly "Publishing This Week" newsletter. Publication information is for the USA, and (unless stated otherwise) represents the first print edition. The reviews are necessarily limited to those that were available to us ahead of publication. If you are the publisher or author and feel that they do not properly reflect the range of media opinion now available, send us a message with the mainstream reviews that you would like to see added.
Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.
Evie Woods is the author of The Lost Bookshop, the #1 Wall Street Journal and Amazon Kindle bestseller, which has now sold over a million copies.
Living on the West Coast of Ireland, Evie escapes the inclement weather by writing her stories in a converted attic, where she dreams of underfloor heating. Her books tread the intriguing line between the everyday and the otherworldly, revealing the magic that exists in our ordinary lives.
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