The Lost Stradivarius is a Gothic mystery novel by J. Meade Falkner. The story follows John Maltravers, a gifted young Oxford student who discovers a magnificent Stradivarius violin hidden in a secret chamber. As he plays the instrument, he falls under its dark, mesmerizing influence, becoming increasingly obsessed and withdrawn from those who love him. Strange apparitions and ghostly music haunt his nights, revealing a sinister connection to the violin's past and its former owner, who allegedly made a pact with evil forces. Narrated partly by his devoted sister Sophia, this atmospheric Victorian tale weaves supernatural suspense, musical passion, and tragedy into an unforgettable classic.
