The Family Business 4

The Family Business #4

by Carl Weber, La Jill Hunt

National bestselling author Carl Weber returns with Essence bestseller La Jill Hunt in the latest installment in the wildly popular Family Business series. LC Duncan, patriarch and leader of the Duncan clan, is alive and well after being shot by a mysterious gunman. His near death experience has caused him and his wife Chippy to reflect on both the past and present, and together they decide that it’s time to return to Waycross, Georgia for a long overdue family reunion. Wherever the Duncans go, trouble is never too far behind, and this time it comes in the form of longtime Duncan enemy Vinnie Dash and Orlando Duncan's baby momma, Ruby. Vinnie and Ruby are back to seek revenge on the Duncan family, and they continue to deny Orlando the opportunity to meet his only child, who has been named after his family’s sworn enemy. Orlando takes things into his own hands and sets out to Jamaica to get his son. The beautiful Paris Duncan is being haunted by recurring nightmares of her true love, Niles Monroe. She blew up his private plane when he became a threat to her family; however, there have been signs that suggest he may still be alive. On top of this, Darryl Graham, a long lost family friend, has returned and reignited a feud between Paris and London. Will the sisters have it out once again over the attention of a man?Get ready for another roller coaster ride with the Duncan family.

Genres: Fiction, African American, Crime, Urban, Family, Audiobook

306 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 30, 2018

About the author

Carl 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.

Reviews

[Cheryl James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of all the books in the series this book was the most exciting for me. I love the Duncans and they are a true knit family rather it's mother, father, aunt, uncle cousin, etc. They don't play and they are not to be played with. But I never thought I would see the day that they had to come together to go against one of their own family members. This story was very emotional and sometimes a little disturbing but that's just the life of a Duncan. They do their dirty work with so much class and preservance that I never want the story to end. I am so ready for Family Business 5 to come out next year, 2020.

I wasn't all that impressed with the HBO series but the books are right on point with me. Carl Weber keep the story going💕

[ShayBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have waited a long time to find out the answers to many questions, but I still have more so I hope Carl and La Jill Get on it. I really enjoyed this book and hope it is not the last because I stated before they need to answer some more questions.

I was totally shocked with London but it was well overdue, this book had me yelling, crying, and talking trash to the authors. Hope I don’t have to wait to much longer for the other answers I need.

[Keith Book Korner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great series so far once I finish the books will be watching the show.. Every book is better than the last

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short, complicated story of bitter family feuds. 6 of 10 stars

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the best books in the series of Family Business to date! I surely hope Carl Weber is not done yet, there are some things we still don't know, like how London and Harris will proceed, what about Orlando and Ruby???? Daryl is he just left out for good??? I must say Uncle Larry was certifiably cra cra, coo coo for co co puffs frfr! Poor Curtis left to bear that burden for so many years. There were a few missing words but it was such a good story! I really hope we don't have to wait another whole year to continue with the Duncan antics!!! Loved It!!!!!!!

[K2 · Rating 3 out of 5]

SecondRead may not been as good as the first time....lol. It is funny the characters a like are not apart of the Duncan Clan, but ok this one is just ok but I do look forward to Book5 because I am waiting for the reappearance of Niles, it has been long enough please stop dragging US along when that is what we are waiting on.....Well I am at least😍

[Briana Hodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read as all of them are!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love every book in the series!! The way in which it ended lets me know that there is more to come.

[Stacey Labissiere · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this might be my favorite of the Family Business books. I am fully invested in all things related to the Duncan's. The ferocity in which they love and care for each other is great.

What I did love about this story in particular is the showcasing of the relationship because Junior and Sasha because I feel like they are characters that tend to fall to the wayside at times.

This story has me hoping that Carl Weber is going to write another installment to the Grand Opening (Family Business Prequel) because there was a mention of Levi in this book and they did head back down south to Waycross and were in locations from that series and so I would like for that to get expanded on to really understand Larry's breaking point even more because I know we got information on what triggered the start but there was no real moment of this is what soliiied it because that answer got cut off in the one scene of the book.

I highly recommend this series to anyone who wants more information about the Duncan Family then what is shown on TV definitely pick this up.

[Maya B · Rating 4 out of 5]

And the saga continues...another fast paced, action-packed, drama. Love the series, the only downside is I have to remember the characters that I have not read about in a year. It takes me a while to refresh my memory.

[LitQueen MissElle Bayyyyybe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg.....

I just knew that Vinnie wasn't shit.....excuse my language. This series is life to me. I love the fact that London has become who she has destined to be and get outta that dutiful wife role. The Duncan's surely know how to takes us on a rollercoaster ride.

[Angela Burnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is this the end

Really good book. I'm glad that none of the Duncan family was hurt or killed. Larry sure did go off the deep end. It feels like the Duncan family will be back. I just hope it doesn't take that darn long.

[Alison is probably reading smut · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love me some Family Business! This series just gets better and better as it progresses and I am always eager to read more. This one wasn't my favorite, but it was still worth the read. During this book, it seemed like they mentioned the past a lot and things are finally starting to come to light between the family, which makes me wish I understood more of where they were coming from before reading but either way it was fun to read and I finished it within a matter of hours.

[Danielle Vaughan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love love it ❤️❤️❤️. Ok I can’t wait for #5

[JaiElle · Rating 5 out of 5]

You just never know what LC Duncan and his family will do next! Page turning series for sure! I highly recommend it. Time to dive into number 5!

[Anita Maria · Rating 2 out of 5]

After eager anticipation and hype waiting for the fourth (and I was hoping the final) installment in Weber's The Family Business series, I am sad to say I was disappointed. Gone is the hypervigilance associated with the Duncan clan. Welcome "crazy" Larry Duncan and his dedicated sons. *Reading the books in Grand Opening helps you to better understand the back story surrounding this crew.*

I have so many opinions regarding this book, but I'll just give my top 3.
1. I hate Ruby, and I felt her simple-minded self should've been dusted early on in the series. (Just my opinion here)
2. I need more from Chippy and Rio. They are the truly strong ones here that bring the sass and pizzazz to the equation. I just wished she would've beat Donna's arse before....well the "situation".
3. This book felt rushed. Like the deadline was approaching and Weber & Hunt didn't have time to calculate the masterful plot twist that has become his trademark. Although Nevada was introduced in book 3, there are still so many unanswered questions surrounding him. I figured early on in book 1 there was a big paternity secret between Chippy & Consuela Zuniga; I assumed either Vegas or Junior were not L.C.'s. Well we got our answered in book 4!

Towards the very end the paced picked up and I figured things were gonna get on track, we can finally put the Duncan clan to bed...but there's still trouble brewing on the home-front. I want the original team of Carl Weber and Eric Pete to come back to finalize this series with the panache, action, and vengeance that only the Duncan's can serve.

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This 4th installment of Carl Weber's, The Family Business really put the "family" to the test. I listened to this on audio and loved it as always. Having different people perform the different characters really makes the experience more entertaining & realistic. I loved how the issue of mental illness was tackled as well as the bond between Larry & Curtis. Although London is my least favorite Duncan I must say she did step up and I enjoyed the interaction between her and Sasha. Speaking of Sasha (one of my fav's), I love the relationship she is building with her Junior and cant wait for them to find out that they are siblings. Donna was trying to be a Duncan anyway she could and she got what was coming to her (sorry not sorry). I really didnt care about Ruby or Vinnie. I was confused as to when Nevada (although I love his character) came into the story. Not my favorite book in the series but definitely a great read.

[Diane Rembert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Someone is stirring up a lot of trouble, all in the name of the Duncans, and unfortunately...it’s someone within the family.

Meanwhile, there’s another situation that requires the family attention, and his name is Vinnie Dash. The chase to find him leads to Jamaica, Fort Lauderdale and...another Duncan.

The readers have been asking for more about London, and I’m pleased to see her get the shine she so desperately deserves. And oh...Miss London has a secret of her own!

Speaking of secrets, each book reveals yet another family secret, and this one is juicy.

Once again, I lost hours of sleep with this page-turner, and recommend this 💎💎💎💎💎 by NYT bestseller @iamcarlweber with Essence bestselling author @lacooljill.

[Carol Hornsby-mccoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy the way a writer takes a reader alone as they fantasise. This was good writing! But something was missing. Yes I wanted to know what happened to LC and if
O ever got his son back... But I was looking for the bigger attraction. Something that would keep me reading, keep me in suspense and waiting for the next book. I didn’t get that!!! You may never be able to top the first book in this series, but I would sure try to come close. You came up with great characters, the Duncan family is awesome! Just let them do what they were created to do!

[Ashley H · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a good way to end the series, while containing some predictability. I have been a fan of the family business novel since the first book. I just wish their was more consistency. In the first novel they say that Lou was the younger brother of LC and there is no mention of any other brothers. Then Grand Opening comes out and we find out that LC is actually the youngest and there are two other brothers. The only thing that seems to stay consistent is the story line of Orlando trying to find Ruby and his son.

[Tracee - LN · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this novel, but not as much as the others. I felt something was missing, but whatever that was, it didn't take away from me finishing this book. This book is action packed and full of drama, just like I like it. We finally find out who shot LC. London is also full of surprises, and she's becoming one of my favorite characters. I hope there will be a part 5 that will answer many of the questions I have. Either way, I recommend this series, and his other books!

[Athenee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have come to the realization that this series is just a guilty pleasure for me. If you are looking for thought provoking content or a literary masterpiece, this series is not for you. I have allowed myself to overlook (well, somewhat overlook) the simplistic writing style and outlandish story lines and just enjoy the ride! I really like most of the characters and want to see what the author will come up with next.

[Jeanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another installment in the Duncan family saga. We've heard about crazy Uncle Larry -- well, this story brings him to life! Revelations abound as we learn who shot LC Duncan in the prior story. The only negative for me while listening to this on audio book was that the narrator who read the part of Chippy Duncan, matriarch of the Duncan family, sounded younger than the narrator who read the part of her teenage grandson. 6 out of 10.

[Charlotte Bembry · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG. I was so shocked to read that LC’s brother was the one that shot him. This book touched on Mental Illness in a touching way. I was ecstatic that Ruby and her son was found and she found out that her monster of a husband killed her brother. Maybe now, her son can find out the truth about the Duncan’s. I really hope that we won’t have to wait another year to read more about the Duncan’s.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!

I definitely can say I was intrigued from start to finish! Even though a few things was easy to figure out my being an avid reader of Carl Weber, I still enjoyed the book nonetheless. If you are a Family Business fan this is a must read and as I’m sure the story is not over ..

[S. Reid]

OKAY, STRAIGHT OFF THE BAT I CAN SAY THAT I DID NOT LIKE THIS INSTALLMENT OF THE FAMILY BUSINESS & IT HAS EVERYTHIIIIIIIIIIIIINNG TO DO WITH LAJILL HUNT'S RECOLLECTION OF WHO SHE BELIEVES THESE CHARACTERS TO BE!
DON'T GET ME WRONG; I LIKE THAT ORLANDO IS FINALLY REUNITED WITH THE BOY HE BELIEVES IS HIS SON LITTLE VINNIE & RUBY FINALLY GETS A CLUE OF WHO VINCENT DASH REALLY IS, & IT ONLY TOOK THE DEATH OF HER BROTHER & A FEW OTHER FOLKS TOO.
LONDON ONCE AGAIN SLEEPS WITH SOMEONE OTHER THAN HER HUSBAND HARRIS, BEING REPULSED AT THE VERY THOUGHT THAT HARRIS WOULD EXPECT HER TO WANT TO HAVE SEX WITH HIM, GIVEN SHE'D BEEN RUNNING AROUND WITH & SCREWING DARRYL GRAHAM-A DUDE THAT WAS RAISED AS A BROTHER TO HER BROTHER VEGAS, BTW!
WTF WAS DARRYL PISSED AT?! OF COURSE LONDON WENT BACK TO HER HUSBAND HARRIS---THERE'S CHILDREN INVOLVED! WHAT? HE THOUGHT THAT HE'D BE A BETTER DADDY TO HARRIS'S KIDS THAN HARRIS HIMSELF?!
I DON'T BUY THAT LONDON IS ABOUT THAT LIFE THE SAME AS HER COUSIN SASHA DUNCAN, SHE SEEMS TOOOOOOOOOOOO OLD FOR WHAT IT REQUIRES OF THOSE WHO ARE REALLY DOWN LIKE THAT! PARIS ISSA STRAIGHT UP BAWSSSSSSSE IN THAT REGARD, LONDON AIN'T--PERIODT! WHILE HER HUSBAND HARRIS IS HOSPITALIZED LONDON NEGLECTS HER WIFELY & MOTHERLY DUTIES TO RUN OFF & TRY TO PROVE THAT SHE CAN BE ABOUT THAT LIFE SAME AS HER SISTER PARIS & COUSIN/POSSIBLE HALF SISTER SASHA DUNCAN. BUT, SHE AIN'T!
LONDON IS BETTER OFF MOTHERLY HER TWO DAUGHTERS MARIAH & MARIA TRYING TO KEEP THEM FROM BEING KIDNAPPED AGAIN BECAUSE SHE WAS TOO STUPID F--KING THE OPPS SHARING PRIVATE INFO WITH A DUDE THAT WOULD USE WHAT SHE'D STUPIDLY SHARED WITH HIM TO USE IT AGAINST HER & HER FAMILY!
I THINK PARIS & SASHA WOULD HAVE NEVER FALLEN FOR WHAT GULLIBLE LONDON HAD, WHICH RESULTED IN MARIAH BEING KIDNAPPED IN BOOK 2.
YEAH, PARIS SON JORDAN HAS BEEN KIDNAPPED IN BOOK 6, BUT THE KIDNAPPER HAS MORE TO DO WITH WHO JORDAN'S DAD (NILES MONROE!) IS THAN ANYTHING ELSE.
I LISTENED TO THIS BOOK A FEW YEARS AGO VIA AUDIBLE & I DON'T LIKE WHO THEY HAVE NARRATING FOR CHIPPY! THE NARRATOR SOUNDS AS THOUGH SHE WOULD HAVE BEEN BETTER READING LONDON'S PARTS INSTEAD OF STERN SPEAKING CHIPPY DUNCAN.
COME TO THINK OF IT. I DON'T LIKE THE DUDE WHO NARRATES FOR VEGAS DUNCAN EITHER!
RIO WAS UNDERUSED IN THIS BOOK, MAINLY DUE TO THE AUTHOR FOOLISHLY GIVING PARIS & RIO A THIRD SHARED WOMBED-SIBLING: ROMAN, WHO HAD BEEN KIDNAPPED AS A NEWBORN BY A NURSE IN THE DELIVERY ROOM.
THEN, THERE'S YOUNG NEVADA DUNCAN WHO I STILL CAN'T & WON'T ALLOW MYSELF TO GET USED TO. THIS SERIES DON'T NEED NO NEW N*GGAS IN IT! THERE ARE WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY TOO MANY UNDER USED CHARACTERS FROM THE MAIN CAST THAT DESERVES A PLACED IN THE STORY.
LARRY DUNCAN & HIS SONS WERE.............. SH*T, I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO MAKE OF THEIR PRESENCE,BUT I SHOULD'VE KNOWN THAT IT WOULD BE SOME B-LLSH-T IN THE AIR WHEN NE NE DUNCAN SHOWED UP IN NY TO ASK FOR LC & CHIPPY'S HELP WITH AN ESCAPED FROM A MENTAL HOSPITAL: LARRY DUNCAN & HE HAD HIS MAMA IN HIS EAR 'DIRECTING' HIM & HIS SONS ON WHAT SHOULD BE DONE. IT LED TO SASHA BEING ORPHANED (I THINK MS. HUNT KILLING OFF DONNA DUNCAN WAS A HUGE MISTAKE!).
MY FAOVRITE PART IS WHEN LARRY WAS AIRING OUT ONE OF HIS SONS IN A PUBLIC SETTING ON 'BEHALF OF HIS MAMA' & PEOPLE/STRANGERS WERE STARING RESULTING IN HIM ASKING THE STRANGERS "WTF THEY/Y'ALL LOOKIN' AT?!" I YELLED OUT :THEY LOOKIN' AT YOUR CRAZY ASS, FOOL!
IT ALSO EVENTUALLY LED TO LARRY BEING HOG-TIED & CARTED BACK OFF TO THE HOUSE FOR THE UNWELL.. THAT IS, UNTIL BOOK 6.
I WASN'T FEELIN' THIS BOOK & QUITE ANNOYED THAT MR. CARL WEBER ALLOWED THIS SERIES TO GO WAAAAAAAAAAAY LEFT BY MS. LAJILL HUNT!
I HAD HOPED & EXPECTED SOMETHING DIFFERENT.

[kilobyyte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook version and it was great I liked all of the voice actors. LC's voice matches his character personality very well. Only two people voices that I did not care for was Chippy's voice and Curtis voice. Chippy sounded like a teenager the voice sounded too youthful and the cousin Curtis he sounded horrible. But overall it was a great listen.

The story picks up where we are still searching for Orlando's son and Ruby, however, we are introduced to some more Duncan relatives. This is the thing that Carl Weber does that makes you want to read the side stories because I feel like there was information that is important to know that is told in the backstory that isn't detailed in the main series. I know "The Grand Opening" and "The Grand Opening 2", takes us back to were LC, Chippy and his brothers first started off. So introducing them in this story kind of balances out.

Larry Larry Larry, that man has gone to extraordinary measures to take what was "stolen" from him and his boys. London has more of a break through moment midway and close to the end of the story. I still wonder why Daryl Graham was placed back into the story line as a sub-character. If you read some of Weber's books Mr. Graham will be referenced or appear outside of his own story "The Man in 3B". There were a lot of things left unanswered besides the main two concerns that were settled by the end of the story.

I would like to see more of Rio brought to life. He really just seems like the immature twin brother of Paris and they like to highlight Orlando, Vegas and Junior as the strongest of the Duncan clan but like London just now getting her dues, I think for the next book I would like to know more about Rio. Now Orlando and Ruby ehh... not feeling it and I am totally lost on where Vegas's son Nevada comes from?? I do not recall reading any backstory on Vegas having the oldest grandchild of LC and Chippy. The scandal I can see being revealed surrounding one of the Duncan children is something I can't wait to read more about.

The Family Business 4 did not disappoint. There may have been a few things that are questionable in the story that could have made the story better and maybe it needs to be added to the next installment. Larry's attempts to bring down his brother never worked and that should have been mentioned I think that would have added more intensity. The other drama I was actually glad happened because some characters need more shine while others need to fade out.

[Michelle Wood · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not enamored with this book and it seems that the authors have become lazy. It makes zero sense to me that Larry is running around killing everyone that doesn't agree with him, LC and the entire family are aware but not on alert. Chippy's guards are just not being aware of their surroundings?? Then Chippy who is supposed to be an OG is all scared and has the nerve to faint after the experience! REALLY.

This was also a very good opportunity to address mental illness. What this book shows is how people completely ignore it. While they rushed Larry to a mental institution, someone should've thought it necessary to get Curtis some counseling. Nene, is doing what, while Larry is walking around killing people??? It seemed that she was under the impression that because she loved this man that it is ok to co-sign unacceptable behavior, UNTIL the end after how many people were dead?? This was just ridiculous.

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy the Family Business series and I can't decide which Duncan is my favorite. I think too much time passed between books three and four for me. I did not remember Vegas having an almost grown son named Nevada. You also need to be reading the Grand Opening series at the same time because a lot of things were mentioned in passing that related to the books in that series.

I do not remember Larry Duncan being bat shyt crazy either. There are some family secrets that need to be addressed. I could not STAND Ruby. I have been hating her for a while. I gave it 4 stars because it's the Duncans but there seemed to be something missing and I did not like the ending. It was anticlimactic.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Duncans are back in business for this fourth installment of the "Family Business" series. LC has just recovered from being shot by an unknown person. The experience naturally causes him to reflect on what's most important to him, like the relationship with his family. Due to the drama in his life,he decides to have a family reunion in Georgia. Seems fairly drama-free, right? Nope, old enemies are out to make sure that they get their revenge. Will they survive,or will a lot of people get hurt in the process? Read it and find out!