Sour Notes

by D.K. Wall

Days after graduating high school, Freddie McDougal escapes his small North Carolina mountain hometown to pursue a dream of rock and roll stardom. Seventeen years later, his mother pleads for him to come home. His father has only days to live.

Returning forces Freddie onto a path of self-discovery as he unravels the truth behind the tragic car crash that claimed the life of his popular and athletic brother, Dean. Everything he thought he knew about that awful night turns out to be false.

Caught in a whirlwind of emotions, Freddie must come to terms with his failures as a musician and decide how to navigate the murky waters of old friends, enemies, and family. With newfound clarity and understanding of his past, he faces the difficult choices that lie ahead.

Will Freddie let the ghosts of the past continue to haunt him, or will he find the strength to forge a new path, guided by the lessons learned from his long overdue homecoming? In this poignant tale, Sour Notes takes readers on a journey of self-discovery, reminding us that the power to shape our future lies in understanding and embracing our past.

Genres: Fiction

232 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 9, 2023

About the author

Many years ago, D.K. Wall regaled a group of co-workers with a colorful story. One lady wiped tears of laughter from her eyes. "I wish I had been there."

"But you were."

"Yes, but you remember it better than I do."

That's the art of story telling. Begin with a nugget of truth. Highlight the interesting. Surround with imagery. Weave fact and fiction to create an engaging tale. Remember it better.

D.K. has lived his entire life in the Carolinas—the highest elevations of the Great Smoky Mountains, the industrial towns of Gastonia and Hickory, the financial center of Charlotte, and the coastal salt marsh of Murrells Inlet. He’s watched the textile and furniture industries wither and the banking and service industries explode, changing the face of the region.

Married and living in Asheville, surrounded by his family of rescued Siberian Huskies known as The Thundering Herd, D.K. takes the characters and tales of his lifetime of experience and remembers them better for your entertainment.

Reviews

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book captivated me from the first page! When Freddy McDougal returns home because of the illness of a family member, 17 years after the tragic death of his brother, he plans for just a brief stay. But as he delves into the mystery surrounding his brother's death, he also confronts his own past, and his misconceptions of the life and the people he left behind. The plot twists in ways I did not anticipate, and the character development is superb. D. K. Wall has written a beautiful, heartfelt book of Freddy's journey to rediscover the caring of the family and friends that he left and find a new direction in his life. I absolutely loved this book! Thank you to the author and publisher for my advance copy of this book. The opinions of this review are my own.

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast-paced book that kept my interest from beginning to end! It starts as Freddy McDougal returns home because of the illness of a family member, 17 years after the tragic death of his brother, planning for just a short visit. Slowly, he realizes there may have been more to the accident that killed his brother. As he starts to investigate, he also begins to come to terms with his own past, and his relationships to the people he left behind. There are numerous plot twists, and excellent character development. D. K. Wall has written a moving book of Freddy's journey to rediscover the value family and friends, as he finds a new path forward. It is a wonderful book! Thank you to the author and publisher for my advance copy of this book. The opinions of this review are my own.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was unsure about Sour Notes but I can honestly say it was the best book I have read in awhile.
Laughter, tears family, definitely a must read
Thank you DK Wall

[Wendy Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book that has made me a DK Wall fan. The story follows the life of a twin Freddie McDougall who was the second born twin, born much smaller, less healthy baby. As he was growing up he envied his brother as he was excellent at any sport he played, was closer to their Dad as he helped with the farming. Freddie because of allergies spent more time indoors and was more interested in music, reading and doing less intense chores. Freddie was packed and ready to leave hoe the day after their graduation not realizing that his brother would be killed in an accident the day after graduation. He stayed thru the funeral and then left with out saying goodbye to anyone. He doesn’t come home again until his mother tells him his dad is dying. Through reconnecting he learns things weren’t”t as they seemed; it was more him assuming things incorrectly and feeling sorry for himself. After he returns home he learns weren’t what he thought plus so many other unknown happenings. The story is so good and the author is so talented. I definitely will try and find any other books written by DK Wall

[Janet Beattie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In _Sour Notes_, high school graduate Freddie McDougal flees his small town to escape tragedy and constraints holding him back from musical success. Seventeen years later, another calamity brings Freddie home to question everything he thought he once knew. This well-woven yarn by four-time novelist DK Wall becomes a compelling mystery as Freddie confronts both his history and himself.

I've followed DK Wall's writings for more than a decade, starting with daily stories about his pack of Siberian Huskies. It's been my honor to read an advanced copy of his most recent book set in North Carolina, my own home for 16 years. The author captures the duality of artsy, hip Asheville and its nearby rural communities and guides readers on a thoughtful, emotional journey."

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

#16: READ A BOOK WITHIN 1 MONTH OF IT'S PUBLICATION DATE: Many thanks Goodreads for adding this book at my request--I know you are busy! This book captivated me from the first page! When Freddy McDougal returns home because of the illness of a family member, 17 years after the tragic death of his brother, he plans for just a brief stay. But as he delves into the mystery surrounding his brother's death, he also confronts his own past, and his misconceptions of the life and the people he left behind. The plot twists in ways I did not anticipate, and the character development is superb. 1st book by this author and I'm planning to read more. Highly recommend Goodreads as a motivator :) Am

[Shay S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having been a fan of DK Walls for some time I wasn't sure what to expect. I've followed his short stories, tales of The Thundering Herd, and subscribed to his newsletter for several years. I've been a part of his reading club for each of his books and can say without a doubt that Sour Notes is by far his best novel. From the first page the story of Freddie "Mad Maverick" McDougal gains your attention. It takes you through the valleys and to the highest peaks and then drops you back down to the valley. If you're looking for your next emotional rollercoaster novel... this is it! Thank you DK for another astounding glimpse into the Millerton life.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! What a fantastic story - I could not put it down! A riveting tale of a bitter 18 year old who leaves everything behind because of his total misconceptions and self-centered thoughts. He returns to his hometown 17 years later at his mothers request because his father is dying. What happens from there is a complete surprise as the story unfolds. The people he left behind are not exactly what he thought they were and he must come to grips with facing the brutal truths before him on many different levels. Don’t miss this one! Beautifully written, D.K. I loved it!

[Donna J. Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed this.

Don’t get me wrong, there was heartache, troubled people that needed a hug, pain that is always there when not fitting in. But…..characters that deserved to be liked, even if troubled, settled differences, hearts opened, forgiveness available. After reading some heavy stuff with not so good people and endings, this was a book about redemption and love….even with a really good story.

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars for this emotional journey.

This story is the perfect example of how events are perceived at different times in a person's life. Freddie felt that no one understood him - especially his twin brother - when they were growing up. Seventeen years later, he returns home to see his dying father and his perception of his childhood and his classmates changes. As a teenager, if he had not run away from his hometown so quickly, his life would have been a whole different story.

[Vivian Brennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sad but inspiring

Another book written from the heart. A journey into a child’s misinterpretation of parents words and actions and the life long impact it has. Thought provoking and a lesson in never assume someone knows what you are thinking.

1 click now you will not be disappointed

[Kim Clarke · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, there’s a couple of hours I’ll never get back. Jeez, at best, a terrible Hallmark movie in the making. Older brother killed in car crash, younger brother who never fit in, leaves after funeral. He returns when Dad is dying, to find he has a son he didn’t know about. All is forgiven, everyone hugs.
Give me strength.

[RonHelen King · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing heartfelt book! One of D. K. Wall's best yet! Learning how wrong your perception of your family is and what they really mean to you. Lost years and coming home to loss, almost too late. You will never be disappointed in D K Wall's books!

[Sylvie Ravenhill · Rating 5 out of 5]

What if your feelings and actions (or inactions) for the past 17 years are based on a faulty memory? Or perhaps “incomplete memory” would be a more accurate description. DK Wall keeps you entertained right up to the last page as Freddie McDougal returns home to face a past not remembered.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautifully written story.
This was a story of heartache, troubled people who just needed a hug, and pain from never fitting in. This was a book about redemption and love. Highly recommend.

[Bonney Fritz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family

Love the story line . Friend are important to have but when we all grow up everyone goes different ways and forgets. Loved the Characters how you described them I felt as part of the story I would let anyone read this that likes to read

[Wpayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good book.

Loved the people and their story. Caused a few years and some smiles as well. Will be looking for more stories by this author

[Regina Roof · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story

[Chrissy Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

In my opinion the book started off pretty slow. After a few chapters it started to pick up. The last few chapters were my favorites as everything started to come together and the ending was good.

[Stephen R. Graben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

This Kindle book dropped in my lap, so to speak. While I didn’t remember adding to my list, there it was. I’m so glad I found it and gladder that I read it. Story line kept my attention and it was very well written. Will definitely look for others by this author.

[Linda Ballenger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done

I enjoyed the book from beginning to end . It had me thinking. I liked all of the characters .

[Janice Nash · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book moved slow but about half way through I couldn’t put it down. I love DK Wall’s books!! Getting ready to start another one now

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book ; very lovely read;

[Leah Sanborn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little slow to start, but a page turner about half way through. A very enjoyable, and emotional, read.

[Sharon Garver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book. Enjoyed it.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I just read all four books in this "series" in a row. They were all excellent books. I truly hope that the series continues!

Great settings, great characters and great stories that are emotional,