The Violin of the The Violin Maker’s Secret

Submitted: 3rd July 2026

The Violin Maker’s Secret

On the (Book) Map

This wonderful novel brings to life the story of the violin! We might start off in London Heathrow’s lost and found, but the story soon moves to the violin and where the musical instrument originates from.

Whether you like the sound of the instrument or not, it’s a fascinating story and history!

Map of locations in The Violin Maker’s Secret

The Violin Maker's Secret Evie Woods

Map of locations in The Violin Maker’s Secret

Cremona, Italy, is recognized as the historic birthplace of the modern violin. I started to research this a bit as the story progressed. It actually became the world’s premier violin-making centre, home to legendary masters like Stradivari and Guarneri. After the 1760s, the prominence of Cremonese violin making declined due to changing musical demands and the death of key makers. However, in 1938, the Scuola Internazionale di Liuteria (Cremona International Violin making School) was established, reviving the trade.

Map of locations in The Violin Maker’s Secret

UNESCO declared the craftsmanship as designated Cultural Heritage in 2012.

The novel blends a modern day mystery with the 400-year history of the violin, taking readers through various places, times, and cultures. But it’s Cremona that really shines as place and where the magic of the violin sounds its first note…..

The novel explores the “Saperi e saper fare” (knowledge and know-how) of the Cremonese luthiers. It really is fascinating to learn about the art and delicate work that goes into making just one single violin!