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The Man in 3B
Daryl Graham has just moved into a Jamaica, Queens, apartment building and his neighbors, both male and female alike, can't stop talking about him. From his extreme attractiveness to his undeniable swag, Daryl is the man every woman wants and every man wants to be.
Connie, an unhappy wife, turns to Daryl for help losing weight, hoping to fix her marriage. But when Daryl starts making Connie feel beautiful again, she questions whether her marriage is worth saving. Benny, a spoiled teenager raised by a single father, looks up to Daryl. When an unexpected event occurs, Benny is left questioning everything he's ever known to be true. Krystal, Daryl's first love, wants to make things work with her current boyfriend. Yet having Daryl back in her life sends her happy home spiraling out of control. And Avery, Connie's husband, doesn't care about anything or anyone when a financial opportunity comes his way-that is, until he notices how much time his wife is spending with their new neighbor.
Everything seems to be going well, until someone is murdered, and everyone becomes a prime suspect.
"Weber packs his latest urban soap opera with all seven deadly sins . . . [To] err is not only human, but a whole lot more fun to read." -- Publishers Weekly
"Contains lots of the drama and tight writing style that has made him a New York Times bestselling author, and more importantly, all the surprises and shocks readers won't see coming." -- Examiner.com
Connie, an unhappy wife, turns to Daryl for help losing weight, hoping to fix her marriage. But when Daryl starts making Connie feel beautiful again, she questions whether her marriage is worth saving. Benny, a spoiled teenager raised by a single father, looks up to Daryl. When an unexpected event occurs, Benny is left questioning everything he's ever known to be true. Krystal, Daryl's first love, wants to make things work with her current boyfriend. Yet having Daryl back in her life sends her happy home spiraling out of control. And Avery, Connie's husband, doesn't care about anything or anyone when a financial opportunity comes his way-that is, until he notices how much time his wife is spending with their new neighbor.
Everything seems to be going well, until someone is murdered, and everyone becomes a prime suspect.
"Weber packs his latest urban soap opera with all seven deadly sins . . . [To] err is not only human, but a whole lot more fun to read." -- Publishers Weekly
"Contains lots of the drama and tight writing style that has made him a New York Times bestselling author, and more importantly, all the surprises and shocks readers won't see coming." -- Examiner.com
318 pages, Hardcover
First published January 29, 2013
167 people are currently reading
2250 people want to read
About the author
Carl Weber
91 books2,104 followersCarl Weber is a New York Times and #1 Essence® bestselling novelist.
In addition to his writing, Weber is the founder and publisher of Urban Books and in 2005, he was named Blackboard's Publisher of the Year. He is the owner of the Urban Knowledge chain of book stores and a past recipient of Blackboard's Bookseller of the Year award.
Weber graduated from Virginia State University and holds an MBA in marketing from the University of Virginia.
In addition to his writing, Weber is the founder and publisher of Urban Books and in 2005, he was named Blackboard's Publisher of the Year. He is the owner of the Urban Knowledge chain of book stores and a past recipient of Blackboard's Bookseller of the Year award.
Weber graduated from Virginia State University and holds an MBA in marketing from the University of Virginia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 394 reviews
February 15, 2013
The Man in 3B
by Carl Weber
Review by John F. Allen
What do you get when you combine popular 80’s sitcom, 227, Desperate Housewives and Boyz ‘n the Hood, with a splash of Clue? You get more than what you bargained for, which is more than your average Urban Lit novel. That’s what you’ll find in Carl Weber’s The Man in 3B!
When Daryl Graham aka The Man in 3B moves into a Jamaica Queens apartment building, all the females lose their minds and the men become jealous lunatics. Apparently this brother is finer than wine, all that and a bag of chips and the cat’s meow, with all the women—from eighteen to eighty, married and single—wanting to claim the title of Pussy Galore. He’s also everything every brother wants to be with a charisma that they will never possess.
Many of the female residents are in dysfunctional and broken relationships and see Daryl Graham as Doctor Feel Good/Mister Big Stuff, the cure for what ails them and just the right prescription to fill their empty lives with HOT SEX!
The front stoop of this New York walkup is gossip central, where mostly all of the building’s female residents congregate to chinwag about the latest, greatest dirt going on in and around the building. They also stake out the entrance for any chance to catch a glimpse of Daryl, whom they all have professed a burning desire to sleep with. Because of this, he is quickly welcomed into the building with much more than friendly neighbor affection, weaving his way into each of the tenants' lives.
Enter Connie, the overweight and sexually frustrated wife of Avery Mack, a down on his luck former mortgage broker whose disgust in Connie’s appearance is readily apparent and quite mean-spirited. A chance encounter leads to Daryl offering to help Connie in her mission to lose weight and possibly save her disintegrating marriage. However, Daryl’s charisma is not lost on Connie and his flirtations begin to make her feel attractive, appreciated and more confident than she’s felt in years.
Enter Avery, whose disgust and lack of sensitivity to his wife leads him to ask for a divorce. He is plunged into a further downward spiral when he gets in over his head with a bad element. Avery’s only concern is to reclaim the luxurious lifestyle he once had and he’s determined to achieve that goal by any means necessary. Despite his contempt for Connie, he becomes jealous of Daryl for showing interest in her and how for how she’s decided to take control of her life and move on without him.
Enter Benny, a smart, shy and sheltered young man who strikes up an unlikely friendship with Daryl and begins looks up to him as a role model, much to the dismay of Benny’s father, Ben—a local firefighter and resident “Histress,” to the ladies of the building. When their time together becomes more frequent and Benny approaches his twenty-first birthday, he begins to reevaluate his life and his identity as an adult.
Enter Krystal, Daryl's first love, who calls him back into her life for sexual escapades after years apart. While Daryl wants to be in a serious relationship, Krystal only wants to have fun. What she doesn’t tell Daryl is that she’s involved with another man who she has no intentions of leaving. Krystal abruptly leaves Daryl hanging when her current boyfriend proposes and unwittingly ends up moving into the same building where Daryl lives. She tries to use this situation to her advantage as she wants Daryl to continue ringing her bell, yet also make things work with her fiancé, but Daryl’s not having any of that and sends her packing.
Everything is hunky dory until someone is murdered…
Everyone becomes a prime suspect as many of the residents have means, opportunity and motive. This throws everyone into a tizzy and deepens the mystery surround exactly who Daryl Graham really is and what about him brings out such passionate emotions in those who encounter him.
The plot of this novel is tightly wound and while Daryl serves as the nexus to the other characters, Weber is able to give each and every one a unique and distinctive voice. The transition from Urban lit to Whodunit is masterful and I applaud Weber’s ability as a writer to pull it off. I was so invested in the discovery of what happened next, I almost forgot at times it wasn’t a Walter Mosley mystery novel I was reading. Where’s Socrates Fortlow when you need him?
The mystery surrounding Daryl Graham and how his presence and influence has affected everyone in the building are just some of the reasons you’ll want to keep turning the pages to find out what happens next.
The Man in 3B is filled with interesting, dysfunctional characters with plenty enough personality to keep the reader intrigued and invested from start to finish.
I’ve been a fan of Carl’s work from his first novel, “Lookin’ for Luv.” He has failed to disappoint me with his writing and I encourage you to take a look at each and every one of his novels.
But if you want to know all the juicy details and the fate of these well-developed characters in The Man in 3B, you'll have to read the book!
by Carl Weber
Review by John F. Allen
What do you get when you combine popular 80’s sitcom, 227, Desperate Housewives and Boyz ‘n the Hood, with a splash of Clue? You get more than what you bargained for, which is more than your average Urban Lit novel. That’s what you’ll find in Carl Weber’s The Man in 3B!
When Daryl Graham aka The Man in 3B moves into a Jamaica Queens apartment building, all the females lose their minds and the men become jealous lunatics. Apparently this brother is finer than wine, all that and a bag of chips and the cat’s meow, with all the women—from eighteen to eighty, married and single—wanting to claim the title of Pussy Galore. He’s also everything every brother wants to be with a charisma that they will never possess.
Many of the female residents are in dysfunctional and broken relationships and see Daryl Graham as Doctor Feel Good/Mister Big Stuff, the cure for what ails them and just the right prescription to fill their empty lives with HOT SEX!
The front stoop of this New York walkup is gossip central, where mostly all of the building’s female residents congregate to chinwag about the latest, greatest dirt going on in and around the building. They also stake out the entrance for any chance to catch a glimpse of Daryl, whom they all have professed a burning desire to sleep with. Because of this, he is quickly welcomed into the building with much more than friendly neighbor affection, weaving his way into each of the tenants' lives.
Enter Connie, the overweight and sexually frustrated wife of Avery Mack, a down on his luck former mortgage broker whose disgust in Connie’s appearance is readily apparent and quite mean-spirited. A chance encounter leads to Daryl offering to help Connie in her mission to lose weight and possibly save her disintegrating marriage. However, Daryl’s charisma is not lost on Connie and his flirtations begin to make her feel attractive, appreciated and more confident than she’s felt in years.
Enter Avery, whose disgust and lack of sensitivity to his wife leads him to ask for a divorce. He is plunged into a further downward spiral when he gets in over his head with a bad element. Avery’s only concern is to reclaim the luxurious lifestyle he once had and he’s determined to achieve that goal by any means necessary. Despite his contempt for Connie, he becomes jealous of Daryl for showing interest in her and how for how she’s decided to take control of her life and move on without him.
Enter Benny, a smart, shy and sheltered young man who strikes up an unlikely friendship with Daryl and begins looks up to him as a role model, much to the dismay of Benny’s father, Ben—a local firefighter and resident “Histress,” to the ladies of the building. When their time together becomes more frequent and Benny approaches his twenty-first birthday, he begins to reevaluate his life and his identity as an adult.
Enter Krystal, Daryl's first love, who calls him back into her life for sexual escapades after years apart. While Daryl wants to be in a serious relationship, Krystal only wants to have fun. What she doesn’t tell Daryl is that she’s involved with another man who she has no intentions of leaving. Krystal abruptly leaves Daryl hanging when her current boyfriend proposes and unwittingly ends up moving into the same building where Daryl lives. She tries to use this situation to her advantage as she wants Daryl to continue ringing her bell, yet also make things work with her fiancé, but Daryl’s not having any of that and sends her packing.
Everything is hunky dory until someone is murdered…
Everyone becomes a prime suspect as many of the residents have means, opportunity and motive. This throws everyone into a tizzy and deepens the mystery surround exactly who Daryl Graham really is and what about him brings out such passionate emotions in those who encounter him.
The plot of this novel is tightly wound and while Daryl serves as the nexus to the other characters, Weber is able to give each and every one a unique and distinctive voice. The transition from Urban lit to Whodunit is masterful and I applaud Weber’s ability as a writer to pull it off. I was so invested in the discovery of what happened next, I almost forgot at times it wasn’t a Walter Mosley mystery novel I was reading. Where’s Socrates Fortlow when you need him?
The mystery surrounding Daryl Graham and how his presence and influence has affected everyone in the building are just some of the reasons you’ll want to keep turning the pages to find out what happens next.
The Man in 3B is filled with interesting, dysfunctional characters with plenty enough personality to keep the reader intrigued and invested from start to finish.
I’ve been a fan of Carl’s work from his first novel, “Lookin’ for Luv.” He has failed to disappoint me with his writing and I encourage you to take a look at each and every one of his novels.
But if you want to know all the juicy details and the fate of these well-developed characters in The Man in 3B, you'll have to read the book!
January 22, 2013
Let me first start off by saying when I received this review book I was honored, excited and happy to get a chance to read an advance copy of The Man in 3B.
The Man in 3B has something for everyone. Lust, lies, secrets, drama and plenty of mystery which all made this book a page turner. Once I started this book it just pulled me in and had me wanting to know what would come next. It was amazing to see how all the characters came together in the story. Just when you think you may know one thing something comes out and it’s the opposite of what you was thinking. Carl Weber did a really good job with this book by making it full of suspense. I was trying to figure it all out in my head and clearly I was wrong. There was one part I read and had to go back and reread because I couldn’t believe what I had just read. Once I started I knew I was not going to stop until I finished the book over the weekend.
The characters in the story are all dealing with things. From a past that Daryl doesn’t talk to anyone about, to living with a husband who no longer finds his wife physically attractive due to the weight she has gained over the years because of life circumstances. Connie is determined to have her husband find her attractive and make her marriage last, but when that doesn’t work she walks into the comforts of Daryl who lets her know that she is in fact beautiful. Avery who is Connie’s husband is all for self. He doesn’t care that he has a woman who is willing to stand by his side and be there for him all he cares about is money and getting back into a better situation than his current. He isn’t attractive to his wife Connie anymore until he notices that the man in 3B is spending a lot of time with his wife. Krystal is one of the characters you will be shocked with. She is living a life full of lies and secrets that not even those closest to her know. When she finds her first love Daryl again it seems like things can are getting better for her, but as well all know things and people are not always as they seem. Benny is a good kid, he is a straight A student and on his way to college. He lives alone with his father in the building and when Daryl moves in he starts to look up to him as a big brother as well as a best friend. Things for Benny start to get a little hectic and things happen where he has to question some of the things he has once known. They all have a special connection to the Man in 3B, since he is charming, handsome and well mannered, so when he comes up murdered all of these characters become a suspect. Will Daryl’s murdered be caught or will the suspect continue to roam the building?
Overall whoever reads this book will not be disappointed. The mystery and suspense in this book will have you turning the pages just so you can see what is coming next. I really enjoyed this book and I am not a big mystery reader and this book is not just a mystery it has so much more to it but the mystery part of the book made for such a good read. There were parts in the book that made me laugh as well as parts that I had to reread because I thought I was reading it wrong. I hope Carl Weber writes another book like this because it was really enjoyable!
Tiffany Williams
AAMBC Reviewer
The Man in 3B has something for everyone. Lust, lies, secrets, drama and plenty of mystery which all made this book a page turner. Once I started this book it just pulled me in and had me wanting to know what would come next. It was amazing to see how all the characters came together in the story. Just when you think you may know one thing something comes out and it’s the opposite of what you was thinking. Carl Weber did a really good job with this book by making it full of suspense. I was trying to figure it all out in my head and clearly I was wrong. There was one part I read and had to go back and reread because I couldn’t believe what I had just read. Once I started I knew I was not going to stop until I finished the book over the weekend.
The characters in the story are all dealing with things. From a past that Daryl doesn’t talk to anyone about, to living with a husband who no longer finds his wife physically attractive due to the weight she has gained over the years because of life circumstances. Connie is determined to have her husband find her attractive and make her marriage last, but when that doesn’t work she walks into the comforts of Daryl who lets her know that she is in fact beautiful. Avery who is Connie’s husband is all for self. He doesn’t care that he has a woman who is willing to stand by his side and be there for him all he cares about is money and getting back into a better situation than his current. He isn’t attractive to his wife Connie anymore until he notices that the man in 3B is spending a lot of time with his wife. Krystal is one of the characters you will be shocked with. She is living a life full of lies and secrets that not even those closest to her know. When she finds her first love Daryl again it seems like things can are getting better for her, but as well all know things and people are not always as they seem. Benny is a good kid, he is a straight A student and on his way to college. He lives alone with his father in the building and when Daryl moves in he starts to look up to him as a big brother as well as a best friend. Things for Benny start to get a little hectic and things happen where he has to question some of the things he has once known. They all have a special connection to the Man in 3B, since he is charming, handsome and well mannered, so when he comes up murdered all of these characters become a suspect. Will Daryl’s murdered be caught or will the suspect continue to roam the building?
Overall whoever reads this book will not be disappointed. The mystery and suspense in this book will have you turning the pages just so you can see what is coming next. I really enjoyed this book and I am not a big mystery reader and this book is not just a mystery it has so much more to it but the mystery part of the book made for such a good read. There were parts in the book that made me laugh as well as parts that I had to reread because I thought I was reading it wrong. I hope Carl Weber writes another book like this because it was really enjoyable!
Tiffany Williams
AAMBC Reviewer
January 4, 2018
Great read!
January 22, 2013
Let me first start off by saying when I received this review book I was honored, excited and happy to get a chance to read an advance copy of The Man in 3B.
The Man in 3B has something for everyone. Lust, lies, secrets, drama and plenty of mystery which all made this book a page turner. Once I started this book it just pulled me in and had me wanting to know what would come next. It was amazing to see how all the characters came together in the story. Just when you think you may know one thing something comes out and it’s the opposite of what you was thinking. Carl Weber did a really good job with this book by making it full of suspense. I was trying to figure it all out in my head and clearly I was wrong. There was one part I read and had to go back and reread because I couldn’t believe what I had just read. Once I started I knew I was not going to stop until I finished the book over the weekend.
The characters in the story are all dealing with things. From a past that Daryl doesn’t talk to anyone about, to living with a husband who no longer finds his wife physically attractive due to the weight she has gained over the years because of life circumstances. Connie is determined to have her husband find her attractive and make her marriage last, but when that doesn’t work she walks into the comforts of Daryl who lets her know that she is in fact beautiful. Avery who is Connie’s husband is all for self. He doesn’t care that he has a woman who is willing to stand by his side and be there for him all he cares about is money and getting back into a better situation than his current. He isn’t attractive to his wife Connie anymore until he notices that the man in 3B is spending a lot of time with his wife. Krystal is one of the characters you will be shocked with. She is living a life full of lies and secrets that not even those closest to her know. When she finds her first love Daryl again it seems like things can are getting better for her, but as well all know things and people are not always as they seem. Benny is a good kid, he is a straight A student and on his way to college. He lives alone with his father in the building and when Daryl moves in he starts to look up to him as a big brother as well as a best friend. Things for Benny start to get a little hectic and things happen where he has to question some of the things he has once known. They all have a special connection to the Man in 3B, since he is charming, handsome and well mannered, so when he comes up murdered all of these characters become a suspect. Will Daryl’s murdered be caught or will the suspect continue to roam the building?
Overall whoever reads this book will not be disappointed. The mystery and suspense in this book will have you turning the pages just so you can see what is coming next. I really enjoyed this book and I am not a big mystery reader and this book is not just a mystery it has so much more to it but the mystery part of the book made for such a good read. There were parts in the book that made me laugh as well as parts that I had to reread because I thought I was reading it wrong. I hope Carl Weber writes another book like this because it was really enjoyable!
The Man in 3B has something for everyone. Lust, lies, secrets, drama and plenty of mystery which all made this book a page turner. Once I started this book it just pulled me in and had me wanting to know what would come next. It was amazing to see how all the characters came together in the story. Just when you think you may know one thing something comes out and it’s the opposite of what you was thinking. Carl Weber did a really good job with this book by making it full of suspense. I was trying to figure it all out in my head and clearly I was wrong. There was one part I read and had to go back and reread because I couldn’t believe what I had just read. Once I started I knew I was not going to stop until I finished the book over the weekend.
The characters in the story are all dealing with things. From a past that Daryl doesn’t talk to anyone about, to living with a husband who no longer finds his wife physically attractive due to the weight she has gained over the years because of life circumstances. Connie is determined to have her husband find her attractive and make her marriage last, but when that doesn’t work she walks into the comforts of Daryl who lets her know that she is in fact beautiful. Avery who is Connie’s husband is all for self. He doesn’t care that he has a woman who is willing to stand by his side and be there for him all he cares about is money and getting back into a better situation than his current. He isn’t attractive to his wife Connie anymore until he notices that the man in 3B is spending a lot of time with his wife. Krystal is one of the characters you will be shocked with. She is living a life full of lies and secrets that not even those closest to her know. When she finds her first love Daryl again it seems like things can are getting better for her, but as well all know things and people are not always as they seem. Benny is a good kid, he is a straight A student and on his way to college. He lives alone with his father in the building and when Daryl moves in he starts to look up to him as a big brother as well as a best friend. Things for Benny start to get a little hectic and things happen where he has to question some of the things he has once known. They all have a special connection to the Man in 3B, since he is charming, handsome and well mannered, so when he comes up murdered all of these characters become a suspect. Will Daryl’s murdered be caught or will the suspect continue to roam the building?
Overall whoever reads this book will not be disappointed. The mystery and suspense in this book will have you turning the pages just so you can see what is coming next. I really enjoyed this book and I am not a big mystery reader and this book is not just a mystery it has so much more to it but the mystery part of the book made for such a good read. There were parts in the book that made me laugh as well as parts that I had to reread because I thought I was reading it wrong. I hope Carl Weber writes another book like this because it was really enjoyable!
March 9, 2022
On my goodness, I love Carl Weber!!! The drama, twists, turns, highs and lows. I will read this again!! And I hated this book ended. Needs a sequel to show what happens next. I don't want to spoil it for you! Read the book for yourself!
March 20, 2016
Will the real Carl Weber please stand up? I’ve been begging for an appearance from the Carl Weber I used to enjoy and I heard the Man in 3B was one of his best works. Yes, it was a really good read and I enjoyed it, but was it really Weber behind the words? For whatever reason I could not hear Weber’s voice in this book and at times I found myself thinking the voice was somewhat Caucasian-ish.
The Man in 3B is about lust, murder, mayhem, and more lust. Darryl Graham is the new guy in apartment 3B, and worthy of the ladies attention. The setting is very reminiscent of the 80’s sitcom 227, where residents of an apartment building spend most of their days huddled around the front stoop gossiping about who slept with whom. And trust me; there was a whole lot to be gossiped about.
The book centers around several residents of the building and how their lives are intertwined, and when one turns up dead it turns into a real whodunit. The Man in 3B is well written but the book is predictable at times and the ending was no mystery at all.
Although I am not convinced the book was penned by Weber I am giving it 4 Stars because at the end of the day it was a pretty good book.
Peace & Blessings
Tracy L. Darity
www.TracyLDarity.com
2K13 Letters & Themes Challenge: Choose Your Own Adventure
The Man in 3B is about lust, murder, mayhem, and more lust. Darryl Graham is the new guy in apartment 3B, and worthy of the ladies attention. The setting is very reminiscent of the 80’s sitcom 227, where residents of an apartment building spend most of their days huddled around the front stoop gossiping about who slept with whom. And trust me; there was a whole lot to be gossiped about.
The book centers around several residents of the building and how their lives are intertwined, and when one turns up dead it turns into a real whodunit. The Man in 3B is well written but the book is predictable at times and the ending was no mystery at all.
Although I am not convinced the book was penned by Weber I am giving it 4 Stars because at the end of the day it was a pretty good book.
Peace & Blessings
Tracy L. Darity
www.TracyLDarity.com
2K13 Letters & Themes Challenge: Choose Your Own Adventure
April 17, 2013
While the men were envious & the women on the stoop were all drooling over "The Man in 3B" ....I WASN'T THAT IMPRESSED. You'd think a book full of drama, twist & suspense would've more developed the main character outside of him being "a combination of Tyrese, Teddy Pendergrass & Michael Jordan all wrapped up in one". However....I can say, with each chapter the mystery & suspense grew plentiful & more captivating. Just when you thought you knew where the author was headed with the story, he kept dangling the carrot alllllllllll the way to the predictable but unpredictable ending.
Yet & still, I was not completely satisfied as the question still remains....Who was the man in 3B"?
EyeCU Reading On The Fence.
Yet & still, I was not completely satisfied as the question still remains....Who was the man in 3B"?
EyeCU Reading On The Fence.
May 10, 2015
I finished “The Man in 3B” three days after it came out. Just like I expected in other books by the author it has a very believable cast of characters and the predicaments they find themselves in were current believable issues that need to be voiced. It’s real life and I enjoyed it. I love how the epilogue filled in the remainder of the mystery surrounding the characters. It has my vote” — Norman LaVelle. www.NormanLaVelle.com
So Glad to see that this is being adapted to film. Moving coming out in late 2015.
So Glad to see that this is being adapted to film. Moving coming out in late 2015.
February 17, 2013
Not my favorite Carl Weber book, most of his books leave me wanting more. The Man in 3b did just the opposite.
I was expecting a bigger shock from Carl Weber. While the ending was predictable the large amount of perspectives used made the mystery interesting and makes you question everything and everyone. This was a good read.
I was expecting a bigger shock from Carl Weber. While the ending was predictable the large amount of perspectives used made the mystery interesting and makes you question everything and everyone. This was a good read.
February 29, 2016
Wow, wow, wow! I'm speechless and shocked. I don't know what to say about this book. Mr. Weber did a good job. The Man in 3B is a good read. It's a page turner. This book keeps my eyes open. I'm not going to telling too much about this book.
I'm looking forward to read The Family Business 3 series and this author's work. Daryl Graham and Connie are crazy people.
Good Job!
Sandra
I'm looking forward to read The Family Business 3 series and this author's work. Daryl Graham and Connie are crazy people.
Good Job!
Sandra
February 28, 2018
Such a great read!! Loved the characters and the storyline. I didn't want to stop reading I had to know where the author was taking me. The author took me on a great ride with very colorful characters and an even better mystery! Did not figure it out until the author revealed what happened. I love when that happens😂
January 29, 2013
Having had a chance to read The Man in 3B before the release, I was treated to a character that I couldn't help but enjoy from the moment he was introduced until the very end.
Oh, and let's not forget the "whodunit" undertones that were in play also after his unfortunate demise ;).
All the women wanted him, and all the men wanted to be him (and in one person's case, he wanted to be with him, too). I enjoyed the subplots that helped drive the story, but the eyes and focus were definitely on Mr. Graham, and rightfully so. From his religious affiliations to his slight flaw in his otherwise magnetic personality (you'll find out when you read the book), Darryl is definitely something of a modern Renaissance man, with an edge to him that makes him irresistible to almost any woman.
The women in the apartment building were a laugh riot, and put me in the days of In Living Color with the one woman that always said "Now, I ain't one to gossip, but" and then went on to spill the beans on what she knew with flair. The other women who also had their own dirt going on within the building before Darryl showed up were compelling in their own right.
I would recommend this book to anyone who asks me, and I'm definitely buying a few copies for friends and family members, too. (I won a copy of The Man in 3B in a prize giveaway prior to release...) Kudos, Mr. Weber, you have another good one on your hands!
Shakir Rashaan, author of the Chronicles of the Nubian Underworld and Deviant Intent series.
Oh, and let's not forget the "whodunit" undertones that were in play also after his unfortunate demise ;).
All the women wanted him, and all the men wanted to be him (and in one person's case, he wanted to be with him, too). I enjoyed the subplots that helped drive the story, but the eyes and focus were definitely on Mr. Graham, and rightfully so. From his religious affiliations to his slight flaw in his otherwise magnetic personality (you'll find out when you read the book), Darryl is definitely something of a modern Renaissance man, with an edge to him that makes him irresistible to almost any woman.
The women in the apartment building were a laugh riot, and put me in the days of In Living Color with the one woman that always said "Now, I ain't one to gossip, but" and then went on to spill the beans on what she knew with flair. The other women who also had their own dirt going on within the building before Darryl showed up were compelling in their own right.
I would recommend this book to anyone who asks me, and I'm definitely buying a few copies for friends and family members, too. (I won a copy of The Man in 3B in a prize giveaway prior to release...) Kudos, Mr. Weber, you have another good one on your hands!
Shakir Rashaan, author of the Chronicles of the Nubian Underworld and Deviant Intent series.
February 3, 2013
The main character in this book is Daryl who has just moved into an apartment building. He is fine, caring, and a complete mystery to everyone. Daryl moves in and quickly becomes friends with Benny a young college student, and also becomes somewhat a shoulder to lean on for Connie. Benny has a controlling father and Daryl treats him like a friend, instead of a kid. Connie is unhappy in her marriage and overweight, for her Daryl becomes a shoulder to lean on. Meanwhile you have the meddling women on the stoop and there turns out to be quite a few secrets in the building. When someone turns up dead fingers are pointed in all directions. This was such a good read because it was full of suspense and very unpredictable. I found myself not wanting to put the book down because I had to know what would happen next. I was constantly looking for clues trying to figure out what the tenants were hiding and who could have possibly committed the murder. If you are a fan of Carl Weber's work, I definitely recommend purchasing this book. I also hear that this book will tie into the Family Business trilogy. This was a great read and very refreshing because the storyline was different.
February 19, 2015
This book was really good from all the different characters in this book. It blended together something serious. Darryl was the man in this book. I'm glad Connie and Nancy found true love. I really felt sorry for young Benny but her turned out great. This book was a different read for me because I was truly feeling these characters in this book. Once again Carl Weber had put it down in this book. 5 star bange. Trust me you will not be disappointed in this book. I know I'm reading late but in the book world you are never with a book. Now on to the next Carl Weber book.
September 4, 2016
Definitely one of the best novels I've read this year. I'm not a huge Carl Weber fan, but this novel was so interesting that I'm willing to give his others a chance. All of the characters were well developed and intriguing, the storyline was captivating...THE MAN IN 3B is a great read, funny and thought provoking, Weber really pleased me with this one. I totally didn't expect the book to end the way it did and that made it even better for me. I completely recommend this book.
October 12, 2014
Another excellent read by Carl Weber. This book had me on edge, I couldn't wait to finish it. A definite page turner. Some of the characters were lovable, such as Daryl and Connie. Crystal made me sick to my stomache. I didn't like Slim at all. Ms. Bertha was a trip. Benny and Benny Sr. were quite a son and father team. Avery and Caine were quite interesting. I never expected it to end the way that it did. Great job Carl Weber. You now have a loyal fan in me.
April 6, 2014
Lots of inner stories abound in this apartment complex from gossipy neighbors, employments and marital complications. All wrapped up well in the end. 8 of 10 stars
June 8, 2017
Excellent book. The ending bugged me out! Held my interest through the entire book, a page turner.
November 14, 2015
2.75 stars.
I don't know -- I'm slightly on the fence with this one. While I don't regret reading (or listening) to this novel I certainly won't re-read or recommend.
Truly this novel is a soap opera and like most soaps the stories are best told when the players have a common denominator... in this case their apartment building. While they all have their own personal demons and battles, one new attractive tenant unintentionally exposes and creates new and greater ones.
I know that I'm picky when it comes to "leap frog" first-person POV. Some authors go way too far with switching around who's in the drivers seat. Often this is used to fill pages and can easily slow the storyline. Weber did a great job avoiding the latter and limited this leap frog to about 5 people.
...5 childish and horny people!
My slight problem with this story was the dialogue. Even though characters spent most of this book talking to themselves i often wondered if they were in the middle of puberty. How on earth did they all dodged communal diseases is the real story lol
On the plus side the classic whodunnit murder mystery is uncommon in this genre. Well done there.
*Semi-SPOILER: can I also quickly say the gay story arch was poorly executed. "On the Down Low" is not a book of understanding gay men. Not at all! Also two gays in the same room does not equate instant attraction. **
I don't know -- I'm slightly on the fence with this one. While I don't regret reading (or listening) to this novel I certainly won't re-read or recommend.
Truly this novel is a soap opera and like most soaps the stories are best told when the players have a common denominator... in this case their apartment building. While they all have their own personal demons and battles, one new attractive tenant unintentionally exposes and creates new and greater ones.
I know that I'm picky when it comes to "leap frog" first-person POV. Some authors go way too far with switching around who's in the drivers seat. Often this is used to fill pages and can easily slow the storyline. Weber did a great job avoiding the latter and limited this leap frog to about 5 people.
...5 childish and horny people!
My slight problem with this story was the dialogue. Even though characters spent most of this book talking to themselves i often wondered if they were in the middle of puberty. How on earth did they all dodged communal diseases is the real story lol
On the plus side the classic whodunnit murder mystery is uncommon in this genre. Well done there.
*Semi-SPOILER: can I also quickly say the gay story arch was poorly executed. "On the Down Low" is not a book of understanding gay men. Not at all! Also two gays in the same room does not equate instant attraction. **
April 13, 2013
The Man in 3B by Carl Weber - 3 stars
Let me start out by saying I've read several books by Weber but this one seemed to be a different voice and I was disappointed by that fact. That being said the read was well paced and full of drama, gossip and deceit.
The man in 3B (Daryl) is gorgeous and has everyone in the brownstone on edge. There are some holes in his background that were never answered but the story kept flowing. Benny and his son have communication issues but their secrets may be the death of both of them. Connie, Avery and Krystal have the strangest family dynamic ever and their desperate situations call for absolutely insane actions. The other support characters are colorful and outrageous while adding to the suspense of the storyline. Even with the different voice and holes in the story, the unique and unexpected ending make it a worthwhile read.
Let me start out by saying I've read several books by Weber but this one seemed to be a different voice and I was disappointed by that fact. That being said the read was well paced and full of drama, gossip and deceit.
The man in 3B (Daryl) is gorgeous and has everyone in the brownstone on edge. There are some holes in his background that were never answered but the story kept flowing. Benny and his son have communication issues but their secrets may be the death of both of them. Connie, Avery and Krystal have the strangest family dynamic ever and their desperate situations call for absolutely insane actions. The other support characters are colorful and outrageous while adding to the suspense of the storyline. Even with the different voice and holes in the story, the unique and unexpected ending make it a worthwhile read.
August 17, 2013
I listened to this on audio book and I must say that I absolutely loved it!!! The narration really drew me in and I was hooked!!!
Fine ass Darryl Graham (The Man in 3B) just moved into a new apartment building in Jamaica Queen that totally reminds me of the old TV sitcom 227. The women go crazy and the men become insecure & jealous when they meet Darryl. This one has it ALL: sex, lies, secrets, drama and mystery. One thing I will say is that I figured the ending out pretty early but there was so many twists & turns that I talked myself out of it and came to another conclusion, the wrong conclusion. This book has some of the most colorful and fun characters I have read this year. This one is a winner!!!
Fine ass Darryl Graham (The Man in 3B) just moved into a new apartment building in Jamaica Queen that totally reminds me of the old TV sitcom 227. The women go crazy and the men become insecure & jealous when they meet Darryl. This one has it ALL: sex, lies, secrets, drama and mystery. One thing I will say is that I figured the ending out pretty early but there was so many twists & turns that I talked myself out of it and came to another conclusion, the wrong conclusion. This book has some of the most colorful and fun characters I have read this year. This one is a winner!!!
March 29, 2014
The Whodunit are creeping into my veins clearly becoming a favorite genre. This book is different from Carl Weber's previous one. The murder takes place in the beginning. The story starts off with the past leading up to it introducing the readers to the many who may have wanted the deceased dead. Do not go to the end try to guess the twist and turns that lead to the murderer or murderess.
October 30, 2015
I can completely understand why this book was made into a movie. This book had everything, drama, romance, a little humor and suspense. Carl Weber has given the world a great book. The relationship that Daryl had with everyone made it difficult in the beginning to see who was involved in his murder. This story was sculpted beautifully.
March 2, 2013
This was a great book. The ending was a surprised twist.
December 5, 2013
wow, what a twist this book has at the end. i was truely surprised for sure.
June 23, 2015
This book was super good. The ending is crazy and my prediction was so wrong. I recommend this book to everyone.
July 23, 2015
This was a great book. Totally not what I had expected in the ending. A nice change of pace for Carl Weber.
August 1, 2015
suspenseful with great deliberate writing techniques. A PAGE TURNER!!
February 6, 2018
This book has an amazing plot, and twist to it. I was very intrigued by the authors roles for each character as I read the book I found that it not only captured my attention, but it also had me wanting to keep turning the pages to find out what was going to happen next. It is well written, and I recommend this book to individuals who love a beautiful story with a mystery to it that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. They say one mans trash is another mans treasure I was in awe as I was able to see the scenes play out in my mind. An ex player with a reputation as a bad boy who changed his life for the better although his past wanted to pull him back in. There is a movie as well based on this book, and in my opinion it complimented the book, and the ending was a shock yet love will make you do the unthinkable.
April 24, 2017
Can't wait for the sequel
I took My time with this book I really wanted to enjoy it . It's rare that the book & movie would be good but I loved both. Daryl & Connie were my favorite characters his funeral had me crying he was the mysterious fine black man of the group. Krystal & Avery did not deserve him or Connie I liked Benny too even though he was too soft. Nancy ass got on my nerves too. So did Benny's dad I'm so interested in Daryl's back story now. The stoop ladies pissed me off I'm glad Benny told them off. Carl Webber been doing his thing so glad he's still at it and knows we love his work
I took My time with this book I really wanted to enjoy it . It's rare that the book & movie would be good but I loved both. Daryl & Connie were my favorite characters his funeral had me crying he was the mysterious fine black man of the group. Krystal & Avery did not deserve him or Connie I liked Benny too even though he was too soft. Nancy ass got on my nerves too. So did Benny's dad I'm so interested in Daryl's back story now. The stoop ladies pissed me off I'm glad Benny told them off. Carl Webber been doing his thing so glad he's still at it and knows we love his work
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