Influence: Death on the Beach

by Carl Weber

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Family Business crime series comes the next installment in his provocative legal thriller series about the Hudson family, owners of a powerful law firm in Harlem.

Singing sensation Savannah Kirby has won thirteen Grammys and married the man of her dreams, superstar rapper/actor Kyle Kirby. Together they are of one of the most dynamic and powerful couples in entertainment—until Kyle is found murdered and Savannah is arrested for the crime. Things don’t look good for the singer when she can’t keep her stories straight and her bloody fingerprints are found on the murder weapon. Even with famed attorney Bradley Hudson and his family of lawyers handling her case, it looks like Savannah is headed to jail. However, this isn’t Bradley’s first rodeo, and he’s always got an ace up his sleeve.

273 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 28, 2020

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

[Karen Henderson · Rating 2 out of 5]

My real score would be 2.5 but that’s because Carl Weber is a great writer in general. I do not understand how this story did not pick up from what happened in the first book of the series. Even if the Hudson family was taking on a new client what ever happened to the little brother from the first book? I will give this series one more try if he continues to write but this is going on my do not read again pile.

[Jazzmyn Kennedy · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are so many things that I don’t like about this book and this series and that hurts me to say because I have always been a HUGE Carl Weber fan. This was just not it for me (or the first book for that matter)

Influence: Death on the Beach is the story of Hudson & Hudson fighting for Savannah Kirby’s life in the courtroom. After a drunken night out, superstar singer Savannah wakes up next to her dead rapper husband and of course is accused of the murder.

First let me say that I was really looking forward to the many questions that I had at the end of the first book to be answered in the sequel…doesn’t happen. It is entirely a different story and doesn’t even include any mention of Langston ever. Why?

Besides this let down, the story felt very basic, from the storyline to the characters, to the so-called “twist” felt surface level and just…easy.

I understand the premise of having each book being a different case but you would think the storylines of the characters that don’t change would at least be continued. Otherwise, why start them in the first place!

[Gemini · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s Giving Me Lifetime Movie Vibes

I thought this would be a continuation of the storyline in the first book. While it still focuses on the Hudson family’s law firm, he never addresses the plot from Influence. That was disappointing for me. This book started out with a bang. I was so interested to see how it would unfold. It ended up being over the top like a soap opera. For the most part, it was interesting. It just wasn’t executed as well as I expected. The ending hints that another book will follow. I’m invested enough to read it. Hopefully, I’ll get some answers that this book didn’t deliver.

[Michael Bell · Rating 1 out of 5]

The title is misleading. There was a death. It was not on the beach. I don't know what Influence is supposed to mean in the title also. This was a terrible novel by Carl Weber. Savannah Kirby is supposed to be a singing sensation. There was no mention of performances or songs. I actually don't feel sorry for her in this novel. She did some slimy stuff. The ending was without suspense. Then there was a prologue to another book.

[Samantha E. · Rating 3 out of 5]

There Stars at the most...

Story was good enough, even though it was kind of predictable, but the fact that the book ended at 67% and the remainder was the first pages of the book that came BEFORE this was irritating.

[Elle · Rating 2 out of 5]

This story was predictable and yet confusing in that there was no murder on a beach as suggested by the title. And there was no mention of youngest son, Langston, despite including a sample of 78 pages from the first book.

Bradley Hudson → Chapters: 1, 3, 6, 8,10,13,16,18,21,25,29, 31, & 33.
Lamont Hudson → Chapters: 2,5,11,12,17,20,22,27,30, & 35.
Detective Steven Barnes → Chapter: 4.
Desiree Hudson → Chapter: 7, 14, & 28.
Savannah Kirby → Chapter: 9 & 23.
Teresa → Chapter: 15.
Michael Butcher → Chapter: 19 & 32.
Billy King, Manger → Chapter: 24 & 26.
Kyle Kirby's death 34.

[Charlotte · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was just ok. I like part 1 better

[Paula · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF

[Steven Carter · Rating 1 out of 5]

Slow moving is usually ok. Here we are moved from character to character with little to excite us.

[Joyce M. H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read about the Hudson Law firm.

I was really hoping that the 2nd book in the series would pick up where the 1st book left off but it did not. It was a whole new storyline. I would have loved to hear more about Lamont and his earlier problems being stopped by the police, being framed, going to jail and what about his friends and what happened to Lamont’s girlfriend.

Bradley Hudson and the Hudson’s have been hired by Billy who is Savannah’s manager whom they have represented in the pass and owes them $100,000.00 that he has not paid. He brings to their office doors Savannah Kirby Grammy award winner who is being accused of killing her husband rapper/actor Kyle Kirby. Savannah has a huge shopping addiction, accused of killing her husband, having an affair and thru it all constantly states that she is innocent and loves her now deceased husband.

There is a lot going on and the Hudson’s are working diligently to keep their client Savannah Kirby out jail. I was not surprised at the person who killed Kyle, it’s usually the one that speaks the loudest and accuses the person they should not be accusing.

Can’t wait for the 3rd book in the series would love to read more about Desiree, Pert, Bradley’s 1st wife the judge.

[Emily L. Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guilty or not.

Savannah and Kyle were a married couple living the life. She goes out with her manager and returns home drunk and wakes up the next morning and discovers her husband in bed dead. I thought Savannah was rather flaky, an obsessive shopper but not a murderer. I initially thought the spray Billy, her new manager was suspect. Then momentarily I considered Kyle's mother Cathy. She was so loud with her accusations. I liked the entire Hudson clan along with Perk and Michael character. I liked this story. I thought it was well written.

[Na'Tisha Riley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was slightly displeased with this book! I felt it was lacking content! However, I still enjoyed the book in itself! There are two things about the book I don’t understand! This is listed as the 2nd installment in this series, however it has nothing to do with the 1st book! Yes, the 1st installment had an ending but there were still questions that needed to be answered! Which brings me to the 2nd thing I’m confused about! Why is the first couple of chapters from the 1st book proceed this book! It just doesn’t make sense!

[KarynReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good audio and story. This was not a part 2 to part 1. Its an “Influence” book about Hudson Law Firm and who they defend. New case new crime. I enjoyed this audio book. I do see some comments thinking this would pick up from book 1. It did not. A whole new person to defend. Actress Savannah who is accused of murdering her husband.
Wanted to be clear in case ppl were curious. Enjoy!

[Robin Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a super fast read.. the last 88 pages of the book was the first 18 chapters of the previous book in the series.

It leaves you with a cliff hanger... got you wondering, “What the heck??!!”

[Charlotte Bembry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m always good for a Carl Weber book. This book was full of suspense, sliminess, lies and deceit. If I’m ever in a criminal bind, I’d definitely want the Hudson Law Firm in my corner. As they say, “I brought you into this world and I’ll take you out”, was definitely proven in this book.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, Carl does not disappoint. Love this Hudson family. Now I’m going to read the whole series because I guess I’ve been missing out lol. And to find out it’s on BET +. That’s awesome and m proud of his works.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book even though you rich and famous you are treated just like everyone else. Savannah loved her husband was accused of the worst crime. Killing the love of her life She kept saying she was innocent. You'll be shocked at the end

[Keesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carl Weber has been a favorite of mine for years. I still think that Up to No Good was his best. But these other stories are also entertaining enough to hold the attention and I see - made into movies for BET.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another Carl Weber book that I enjoyed. This one involved the main character, who was famous and accused of killing her husband. You would never guess who the murderer was. It was quick and to the point. This was not my favorite book by him, but it was interesting to read.

[Monique · Rating 2 out of 5]

I listened to this one to pass the time at work. I was totally disappointed. I read book one so long ago that I didn’t remember the characters. This book gave Tyler Perry vibes. There clearly seems to be another book in the series and I’m on the fence and reading it.

[Veronica Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a shocking story from beginning to end 😳

Truly enjoyed this novel by Carl Weber, who never disappoints with an exciting storytelling as well as characters 👍🏾

[Marketta Petty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hope there is another book soon.

[Rose 'I Have Too Many Books To Read And No More Room' Barrientos · Rating 3 out of 5]

None of the questions the last book left unanswered were answered here...book ends on a cliffhanger. Wasn't a bad book and am curious to read the next one.

[Cheryce Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twists and turns at every turn

[Vandolin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good murder mystery! It seemed familiar to me as I listened and then I realized it had become a Movie I viewed months ago!
Good work Mr. Weber!

[Charlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the drama in this book and the surprise ending was great!

[Mishelle McGrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good mystery and suspense... you did it again Carl Weber good book.

[Madlyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was so disappointed in this book. I thought it would pick up on what happen to the son Hudson who was released from jail. And jail the real criminal who put the drugs inside the car.

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read. Disappointed that it didn't continue from the first book

[Bradgirl5 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my! You will not believe the ending! I was not expecting it.