Bestselling author Evie Woods, known for The Lost Bookshop, has released her latest novel, The Violin Maker's Secret, following her move back to Ireland from Canada. In interviews, she discussed her transition from self-publishing to traditional publishing and the inspirations behind her work. The book explores themes of fate and unexpected gifts through a magical violin story.
Evie Woods, originally from Co Galway, Ireland, returned home from Canada, where she had held office positions, to pursue writing full-time. She self-published three books before her breakthrough with The Lost Bookshop, which sold over a million copies, was translated into more than 30 languages, and became a Sunday Times and US Today bestseller.
Joining the HarperCollins imprint One More Chapter marked a significant shift. Woods described the transition as smoother than expected, noting, "I’m actually quite lucky in that I found an imprint that was initially set up as a digital-first publisher, so the transition was easier than I expected." She highlighted the benefits of teamwork, contrasting it with the solitude of self-publishing: "Self-publishing is a very lonely business, and everything falls on your shoulders." Since partnering with the imprint, she has released four novels, all featuring warm, cozy themes and memorable characters.
Her newest release, The Violin Maker's Secret, published by One More Chapter, begins in Heathrow Airport's lost-and-found department. An extraordinary violin ends up with three strangers—baggage handler Devlin, former educator Walter, and valuation expert Gabrielle—who must collaborate to uncover its mysteries. The story spans multiple locations, including London, chosen to engage international fans from countries like Turkey, Germany, and Italy.
Woods explained her location choices stem from 'vibes,' with plots and settings arriving together. On themes, she said, "When things go wrong, we automatically assume it’s a mistake... But maybe they are the path." She hopes readers take away that "something difficult happening in your life isn’t the end of the story," and that life hides precious gifts unexpectedly.
During her time abroad, Woods missed Ireland's warmth and living history, such as her bank's 15th-century townhouse linked to the Lynch family. She recommended Leanne O’Donnell’s debut, Sparks Of Bright Matter, for its visceral historical fiction involving alchemists and 18th-century London.
