25 Creative Novels About Music, Bands, and Musicians to Love
My house has always had music and it has always had an important role in my life. So, novels about music always bring me extra joy because they combine two things that I love so much.
I was so excited to make novels about music, bands, and musicians a prompt for the 2023 reading challenge because we have wanted to include it for years. So whether you like contemporary fiction or romances, there is a little something for everyone on this list.
*The novels about music post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some of these books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Best New Novels About Music
The Lightning Bottles
Author: Marissa Stapley
Year: 2024
Genre: Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestselling author of Lucky (September 2024 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick)
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range:18+
Plot
Jane Pyre and her husband Elijah Hart were a rock duo known as the Lightning Bottles. But when Elijah disappeared 5 years ago, Jane became the most hated woman in rock. Fans already resented Jane, hated her coldness, and did not believe that she was the written voice of the music. Jane buys a house in the German countryside to escape the public and moves next door to a teenage girl who is a Lightning Bottles superfan.
She claims that she has proof Elijah is alive and trying to send messages to Jane. The two embark on a cross-country road trip in search of answers as they follow clues.
Trigger Warnings
Drug Addiction
Why Jackie loves it
From the first page, I was completely hooked on this fantastic book. I love that the story is a dual-timeline narrative that moves between the present and the beginning of Jane and Elijah’s love story. The characters are rich and believable, and loveable because of their flaws.
Find this book in: Novels About Music, Bands, and Musicians / Popular Nonlinear Narrative Novels / Books Set in the 80s
The Breakup Tour
Author: Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka
Year: 2024
Genre: Romance
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Pop superstar, Riley Wynn is going on tour for her latest album and bringing along her first love as her pianist for the hit song inspired by their romance. As they tour across the states, they reflect on why their relationship ended so long ago and feel the tugs of an invisible string pulling them back together 😉.
Why Kirsten loves it
It was such a fun read during my winter vacation. I was rooting for Riley and Max the entire time (while imagining that Travis Kelce was a pianist and not a football star.) It’s Taylor Swift fanfic and just plain fun! *Gifted by Berkley Publishing
Find this book in: Celebrity Romance Books / Novels about Musicians / Second Chance Romance Books
Diva
Author: Daisy Goodwin
Year: 2024
Genre: Historical Romance
More info: New York Times Bestselling Author
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Daisy Goodwin has done it again with this incredible biographical fiction about Maria Callas, famed Opera singer, and lover of Aristotle Onassis.
As usual with Daisy Goodwin’s stories, I found myself transfixed by the story of Maria’s life and her relationship with Onassis. It was fascinating to see how their courtship affected her performances and how she grew to become an unstoppable force in an industry ruled by men.
Why Kirsten loves it
I had previously read Gill Paul‘s story Jackie & Maria and thought I might find this book redundant, but I was wrong. They bring two different perspectives that flush out the Maria – Onassis- Jackie O love triangle. #gifted by St. Martins Press
Find this book in: Music Books / Biographical Fiction / New Historical Fiction Books
The Farewell Tour
This detailed historical fiction novel is about Lillian Waters and her rise to fame as a country music star. Now, in 1980, her voice has failed her with vocal nodules and she is embarking on her farewell tour. Her last stop? The home and sister she has not seen since she walked away at 10 years old.
Lillian’s story is filled with so many details that at times it was hard to remember she is a fictional star. The events that shaped her life were hard to read at times. This story is a slow build, character-driven novel.
The Ingenue by Rachel Kapalke-Dale
Rachel Kapelke Dale does it again with her newest novel, The Ingenue, featuring a musical prodigy who has fallen from grace.
Back home to deal with the recent death of her mother, Saskia is expecting to inherit the famed Elf House that she grew up in. But when her mother’s will stipulates Saskia’s former lover is the recipient, Saskia goes in search of answers – unlocking the trauma of her past in the process.
Sprinkled throughout with vignettes of feminist retellings of fairytales, this searing story explores the mother-daughter relationship and examines the dark truth behind sexual predators. I was transfixed by her writing and rooting for Saskia to slay her demons like a true fairytale heroine. This heart-thumping book about music was a best book of 2022 pick for me.
Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb
February 2022 GMA Book Club Pick
WHAT A MYSTERY! The Violin Conspiracy opens with a man’s 14 million-dollar Stradivarius violin being stolen and the drama doesn’t let up.
Ray McMillian is a young black musical prodigy who just so happens to have inherited his grandpa’s busted-up fiddle – which turns out to be a rare violin built by one of the greats. But when the origins of the violin come into question along with Ray’s claim to the instrument, the plot keeps thickening.
Truly the story was a gripping page-turner I could not put down. Slocumb’s ability to weave a multi-faceted tale was astounding. When it comes to novels about music, this is a must-read mystery book!
YA Novels About Music
On the Come Up by Angie Thomas
Angie Thomas has done it again with this novel about music. Unlike the book, The Hate U Give when I completely understood Starr and her motivations, Bri was different for me.
In this case, I questioned her actions and related more to her mother than I did to her. I wanted to reach through the book and talk some sense into her. It felt like I was sitting by while someone made bad decisions and there was nothing I could do about it. This book is a must-read book for book clubs.
Echo
Author: Pam Muñoz Ryan
Year: 2015
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 10 – 12
More info: Newbery Honor Book, New York Times Bestseller, Children’s Literature Legacy Award Winner
Plot
The story is three tales woven together in one with a magical harmonica at the center. The story follows a harmonica as it lands in the hands of Freidrich in Germany, Mike in Pennsylvania, and Ivy in California.
Part fairy tale and part historical fiction, this is one story that is amazing for middle grade and adults alike. Each child has their own adventure but the end brings the three stories together in a beautiful way.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, Antisemitism
Why Kirsten loves it
It’s not often that I find myself contemplating a middle grade story long after I have finished it, but I have thought of this one many times in the years since I read it. My children loved it just as much as I did when we listened to it during a road trip.
Why Jackie loves it
I listened to this feel-good book and it blew me away. The full-cast audiobook plays music so it is a full sensory experience. In our opinion, this story is best in audiobook format.
Find this book in: World War II Books for Kids / Magical Realism Books / Books for 11-Year-Olds / Audiobooks for Kids / Novels About Music
The Beauty That Remains by Ashley Woodfolk
What a fantastic debut novel! Ashley Woodfolk is definitely an author to look for in the future. Each teen in this story is learning how to cope with life in the aftermath of intolerable loss with the hope that music can bring them back to each other. Woodfolk tells each of their stories with such emotion and understanding and integrates them seamlessly.
Logan, Shay, and Autumn are all dealing with loss differently and Woodfolk does a wonderful job of telling their stories. The stories seem so genuine- not neglecting the role of friends, parents, and siblings when dealing with loss. Despite being about a difficult topic, this book is so readable and relatable. Teens, young adults, and adults alike will be able to read this book and relate. I am so glad that I was given the opportunity to read this wonderful book about music.
Novels About Musicians
Shotgun Lovesongs by Nickolas Butler
Loosely inspired by Bon Iver, who went to high school with Butler, this story is about a quartet of childhood friends as they deal with small-town life, and grapple with the impact of a famous friend.
Each friend – a farmer, a musician, a rodeo performer, and a rock star – reckon with where life has taken them and how it’s impacted their friendships. I connected with the journey these men went on and the growth they experienced.
This novel about music is perfect for men and women. Just be prepared to really want to listen to Bon Iver while reading this one.
Symphony of Secrets by Brendan Slocumb
This is the newest novel from the best-selling author of The Violin Conspiracy, a GMA Book Club Pick. When a Professor is researching a newly discovered song from a famous American composer, he finds a connection between the composer and a black woman named Josephine Reed. As he digs further into the past, he will not stop until he uncovers the truth about Josephine.
Flashing between the present day and the 1920s, this story is a character-driven slow-burn until the 60% mark, when it turns into a heart-pounding thriller. I loved this summer book about music and I think you will too.
Malibu Rising
Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid
Year: 2021
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: June 2021 Read with Jenna Book Club Pick,
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Nina Riva is having her annual summer party which is famous for its epic scale and exclusivity. But this year, the party will end with devastation. Nina and her siblings are famous children of one of the biggest rock stars of all time and they each have their secrets. Perfect for a list of books about music, right?
Why Kirsten loves it
I have loved the last two books by Taylor Jenkins Reid so much that I often recommend them to friends for their universal appeal. I had high hopes for this family saga but it didn’t quite live up to my expectations.
Why Jackie loves it
I enjoyed the book but I felt that it was a little drawn out at times. Still, I loved Nina’s character and her ability to surf puts her on our list of books about women in sports!
Adaptation Information
The same team that adapted Little Fires Everywhere is set to adapt this book to TV for Hulu. Liz Tigelaar will produce it and Amy Talkington will be the writer.
Find this book in: Books Becoming Movies and TV Series / Taylor Jenkins Reid Books in Order / Books like Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo / Novels About Music / Family Sagas / Hollywood Novels / Books About Women in Sports / Books About Sports
The Key to My Heart by Lia Louis
Natalie Fincher was living a life she loved until her new husband died in an accident leaving her with a fixer-upper of his dreams. Two and a half years later, Natalie is still feeling lost and depressed. She spends her free time playing piano in the tube.
When she finds music in the piano bench meant for her, Natalie starts to feel a spark. Her inner musician comes aloe for the first time since her husband’s death. Who is leaving her husband’s favorite music?
Of all the novels about music, the main character in this one had the most emotional journey.
Every Note Ever Played by Lisa Genova
Richard is a concert pianist who lives to hear the standing ovations from his audiences and thrives on being perfect. When he loses control of his pinky finger, and slowly the muscles in his hands and body, his life comes crashing down.
Now, Richard has ALS and nobody to turn to except his ex-wife. This novel about music will have you questioning life, forgiveness and what it means to find peace.
The Unsinkable Greta James by Jennifer E. Smith
Greta James is at a crossroads in her career and her life. After a very public breakdown following her mother’s death, Greta decides to go on an Alaskan Cruise with her father.
But Greta and her father haven’t always seen eye-to-eye. This book focused on Greta’s relationship with her dad and herself. There is a side love story angle, but I would not classify this book as a romance.
I loved Greta’s soul-searching set against the gorgeous backdrop of Alaska. This boat book about music is the perfect vacation read.
Historical Fiction Novels About Music
The Final Revival of Opal and Nev
Author: Dawnie Walton
Year: 2021
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: Good Morning America Buzz Pick
Best Books of 2021 by Barack Obama, The Washington Post, Goodreads
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This fantastic story looks at the rise and eventual breakup of an interracial punk-rock duo. It’s told in a multi-time narrative set in the 1970s and 2016 – when she’s considering reuniting with Nev. But as musical journalist Sunny digs into Opal & Nev’s history, she uncovers surprising hidden facts. With a narrative structure similar to Daisy Jones, you’ll be hooked from the very first chapter.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, violence
Why Kirsten loves it
This is the closest of the books like Daisy Jones and The Six. It’s told in an interview format and is about a band from the 70s. The comparison makes sense… and yet…
This 70s book is wonderful in its own right! No comparison is needed. It looks at sexism and racism in the music industry during this time period and is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. It is a total must-read.
Find this book in: Books Like Daisy Jones / Full Cast Audiobooks / Books About Music, Bands, and Musicians / Feel-Good Books / Faux Celebrity Fiction / Epistolary Novels / Nonlinear Narrative Novels / Best Books of 2021
Daisy Jones & The Six
Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid
Year: 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: March 2019 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
The book is laid out like a VH1 Behind the Music style interview. It’s laid out in chronological order about the making of the band Daisy Jones & the Six, but the story is told in interview style from a dozen sources.
It’s a story about the music scene of the 1970s in Hollywood when the band The Six meets Daisy Jones and together they rocket to superstardom! Among the drama of touring, there is also a forbidden love story or two, and plenty of crazy parties!
It’s truly the perfect mix of historical fiction, romance, and rock ‘n’ roll.
Why Kirsten loves it
This book needs to be listened to, not read. The audio version has a different narrator for each character and the performances are stupendous. I was overcome with emotion numerous times while I was listening.
Why Jackie loves it
This celebrity fiction story about the rise and fall of one of the hottest bands of the 70s was so utterly fabulous – it’s pure sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll in all the best ways.
Find this book in: Books Like Daisy Jones & The Six / Taylor Jenkins Reid Books in Order / Books Set in the 70s / Full Cast Audiobooks / Ultimate Beach Reads 2020 / Books With Flowers in the Title
And After the Fire by Lauren Belfer
This novel is based on the historical events of WWII. Henry, an American soldier in Germany takes a manuscript from a seemingly deserted mansion and accidentally kills the woman who tries to stop him.
Years later, when he dies, he leaves the manuscript to his niece Susan with the request to return it to its rightful owner. This story spans from the late 1700s until the present as we follow the manuscript, a lost work of J.S. Bach. This novel about music was incredibly well-written and researched.
Plot
Most people know about Jackie’s life during her White House years, but hearing the tale of what caused her to marry Aristotle Onassis was fascinating. I loved the dual narrators of Jackie and Onassis’s long-time lover, opera singer Maria Callas. It’s a perfect political novel about music!
Why Kirsten loves it
Excuse me while I gush about Gill Paul‘s newest biographical fiction book, Jackie and Maria. Gill Paul is quickly becoming an auto-buy author for me. I loved Another Woman’s Husband and The Lost Daughter, about the Windsors and Romanovs respectively. Paul’s take on a new dynasty, The Kennedys, is equally compelling.
Find this book in: Novels About Music / Biographical Fiction / Books About Women in Politics / Ultimate Beach Reads 2021 / Best Books of 2020
Ultimate List of Historical Fiction
Love Historical Fiction? The Ultimate List of Historical Fiction is the perfect list for you. It is carefully divided by time.
Romance Novels About Music
Till There Was You
Author: Lindsay Hameroff
Year: 2024
Genre: Romance
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Lexi is still a student when she meets Jake Taylor and they have a one-night stand that turns into a weekend – and then never see each other again. A year later, Lexi is working in a kitchen and Jake is an overnight musical success with a hit single based on Lexi and her pancakes.
When Jake needs to disappear for a while to find inspiration and work on his new album, he asks Lexi if he can stay at her house. Can she be is friend or will feelings get in the way?
Why Kirsten loves it
This was such a charming romance – if only I could hear the blueberry pancake song on the radio!
Find this book in: Novels About Musicians
Romantic Comedy
Author: Curtis Sittenfeld
Year: 2023
Genre:
More info: April 2023 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Sally Milz is a sketch writer for a late-night comedy show. She begins to write a sketch called the Danny Horst Rule, which makes fun of average-looking men dating gorgeous women, but the reverse rarely happens. Being set on a comedy show makes this the perfect setting for a funny romance!
When a pop music icon signs on as the musical guest and host for the show for the week, sparks begin to fly, but Sally doesn’t know if it is just in her head. After all, he is a gorgeous star!
Trigger Warnings
Pandemic
Why Jackie loves it
We love Curtis Sittenfeld and could not wait to read this book. This is a slow-burn romance that I loved. Part of the book takes place over email correspondence during the COVID lockdown and I could not get enough. This is one of my favorite summer reads for 2023 and true to its name is one of the best romantic comedy books of all time.
Find this book in: Celebrity Romance / Rom-Com Books / Novels about Music / Epistolary Novels
Plot
Jack has been reliving the same day for months and believes the only way out of this circle is to get Gemma Peters to fall in love with him. The Problem? Gemma has a feeling of deja vu, but she cannot remember Jack and has made a vow not to date musicians again (after her last boyfriend used her.)
Why Jackie loves it
I had high hopes for this time travel romance and it did not let me down. Do not be worried that you will have to read the same things over and over. This book has a refreshing spin that was utterly enjoyable. Thank you for my gifted copy of this book.
Find this book in: Time Loop Books / Time Travel Romance / Novels about Musicians
The Happy Ever After Playlist
Author: Abby Jimenez
Year: 2020
Genre: Romance
More info: The Friend Zone #2
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Romance books about music? SIGN ME UP FOR THEM ALL!
After Sloane, a down on her lucky artist, adopts a puppy she didn’t need, she begins to feel better. Until her puppy’s real owner shows up after finishing his tour in Australia and wants the dog back.
This celebrity romance was a definite feel-good book with the most fun little twist. Every chapter has a song to go with it. It’s the perfect song to go with the mood of the chapter.
Why Jackie loves it
I had a really hard time reading during this “stay-at-home and homeschool three children while working” pandemic. But this book got me out of a rut! I loved this book so much that I immediately read the first book in this series.
Find this book in: Celebrity Romances / Novels about Music / Ultimate List of Romances
Dirty Billionaire
Author: Meghan March
Year: 2015
Genre: Erotica
More info: Dirty Billionaire #1
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Crey and Holly’s love story starts as a one-night stand but turns into a marriage so she can get out of a contract with her record company and he can take control of her. He’s a billionaire businessman from NYC, she’s an up-and-coming country singer from Nashville.
Why Kirsten loves it
They are worlds apart and that push-and-pull goes a long way in creating the tension of the series….but be warned. This celebrity romance book about music has very little story and a whole lot of sex.
Find this book in: Steamy Billionaire Romances / Celebrity Romances / Books about Musicians
Just Another Love Song
Author: Kerry Winfrey
Year: 2022
Genre: Romance
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Sandy Macintosh thought that she would be with her high school sweetheart, Hank Tillman, forever. But, Hank was always meant for great things, and Sandy stayed in her small hometown. Sandy was heartbroken went Hank left.
Now, 15 years later, Hank is a very successful musician and he has come home. His presence is disrupting Sandy’s stable, existence as a store owner and she begins to question if she is actually as happy as she has been pretending to be.
Why Jackie loves it
This one is on our list of novels about music and I could not put it down. It was just such a sweet story.
Find this book in: Celebrity Romances / Books about Musicians
Magical Realism Novels about Music
House on the Cerulean Sea by T.J Klune
Linus baker works as a caseworker in the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. He is sent on a mission to a secret orphanage where 6 of the world’s most dangerous youth live. This story was so much more than the sum of its parts.
The magic and the orphan aspect are all reminiscent of Harry Potter. The story has just a touch of magic but somehow seems too relevant.
Throughout the novel, the importance and the power of music is one of the many beautiful things about this book.
The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto
Author: Mitch Album
Year: 2015
Genre: Magical Realism
Age Range: 14+
Plot
This is one of the best books that I have ever listened to. It is narrated by “Music” who tells the story of a magician named Frankie Presto.
Frankie was orphaned and lived with his blind music teacher in Spain before he was sent to America with only his guitar and its size magical strings. Frankie’s music has the power to change people’s lives and every time he does, one magic string changes color. Frankie works with musical legends and eventually becomes a star himself before disappearing from the spotlight.
Why Jackie loves it
Multiple people narrate this book, which is more like a play than a book when you are listening. I loved this book and bought a copy which I lent to an unnamed person who loved it and did not return it. My second copy has met the same fate. Third time’s a charm? The story made me feel like I should have known Frankie along with all the great musical legends.
Find this book in: Full Cast Audiobooks / Books About Music / Magical Realism Book / Jackie’s Top 10 All-Time Favorite Books / Adult Fantasy Novels
Love magical realism books? We do too! That’s why we created this list of the best magical realism books
Literary Fiction Novels about Music
Bel Canto by Ann Patchett
Bel Canto’s story about a months-long hostage situation was lovely. It was so interesting to see the relationship between the hostages and their captures develop.
One of the main people is a famous Opera singer and the reason everyone was at the venue on the night of the capture. The movie adaptation of this book about music was great too. This pick from contemporary fiction books is a must-read.
The Music Shop
Author: Rachel Joyce
Year: 2018
Genre: Literature and Fiction
More info: Named one of The Best Books of the Year by The Times (UK) and The Washington Post.
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range:16+
Plot
Music is big in my house so this contemporary fiction book spoke to me. Frank is a man who helps everyone with their problems by giving them the music they need from his little music shop. It sells only vinyl.
When a woman faints outside his shop, Frank realizes he can’t hear the music she needs. His life changes forever. This book about music has a similar feel to Little Paris Bookshop/Perfume Collector.
Why Jackie loves it
This book gave me such a nostalgic feel – It is set in 1988. However, the story and the plot will give you a nostalgic feel as well- when people had no cell phones and we had to turn to each other, rather than the internet, for a feeling of connection.
Find this book in: Books Set in the 80s / Books About Music / Best Audiobooks of All Time
Ultimate List of Contemporary Fiction
Love Contemporary Fiction? I do too! The Ultimate List of Contemporary Fiction is carefully divided by genre.
Holiday Books About Musicians and Music
All I Want for Christmas
Author: Maggie Knox
Year: 2022
Genre: Romance
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Sadie and Max are competing in a Country music reality TV show (think American Idol or The Voice.) Their chemistry is off the charts on stage, so the execs ask them to team up for their performance.
As they learn to get along off-stage as well as they do on it, a passionate romance ignites. Until the machinations of the music industry drive a wedge between them. Can they reconcile before Christmas?
Why Kirsten loves it
I can’t with this charming Christmas romance book about musicians by Maggie Knox. It’s like reading a Hallmark Christmas movie but with a lot of steamy bits put in!
Find this book in: Christmas Books for 2022 / Christmas Romance Books / Novels about Music
The Rewind
Author: Allison Winn Scotch
Year: 2022
Genre: Romance
More info: A Good Morning America Buzz Pick
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Frankie and Ezra were inseparable during college and it all ended in an epic breakup a decade ago. Now, they are seeing each other for the first time since at their friends’ New Year’s Eve of Y2K wedding.
When they wake up in bed together with wedding rings on their fingers and NO memory of what happened, they find themselves searching for answers. And all this has to happen before Ezra’s girlfriend shows up at the wedding because Ezra is planning on proposing.
Why Jackie loves it
This book is a hilarious glimpse into the past and an adorable romance. I was swept into the story as I rooted for Ezra and Frankie to find their happy ending.
Find this book in: Best Holiday Books / Novels About Music / New Year’s Eve Books
The Best Holiday Book Lists: Holiday Book Hub 2024
Our Christmas, Halloween, Valentine’s Day, and more Holiday book lists are in one place!
