Since Carl Weber first introduced the Duncan clan in 2012’s The Family Business, this addictive crime series has captivated hundreds of readers. Centering on the Duncans, an African-American family dynasty ruling a powerful New York crime enterprise, the saga spans generations of family drama, lethal power struggles, steamy romance, and more.
Told through multiple perspectives across a dozen installments, Weber’s multilayered crime saga explores nuanced themes of legacy, loyalty, and how far we’ll go to protect our loved ones. This article provides an orientation to the sprawling, intricate worlds within Weber’s storytelling—the glamorous nightclubs, gritty streets, and lavish mansions where the Duncans’ empire thrives. For crime fiction aficionados, this series guide offers the perfect entry point to become invested in a family bound by love and loyalty no matter the cost.
Carl Weber’s The Family Business Books in Order
- Grand Opening (2015)
- Grand Opening 2 (2017)
- To Paris with Love (2013)
- No More Mr. Nice Guy (2016)
- The Family Business (2012)
- The Family Business 2 (2013)
- The Family Business 3 (2014)
- The Family Business 4 (2018)
- The Family Business 5 (2020)
- Trouble in Rio (2019)
- The Education of Nevada Duncan (2021)
- The Family Business 6 (2023)
- Family Business 7 (2024)
Similar Authors
- “The Coldest Winter Ever” by Sister Souljah is a gritty novel about Winter Santiaga, a young girl from Brooklyn entangled in the world of drugs and crime, exploring her struggle for survival and identity amid her family’s downfall.
- “The Cartel” by Ashley Antoinette and JaQuavis Coleman – A thrilling tale of power, loyalty, and betrayal within the dangerous world of drug cartels. See Ashley Antoinette Books in Order.
See also: Meghan Quinn Books in Reading Order.
Most Recommended Books
- Grand Opening (4.57 Goodreads score)
- Grand Opening 2 (4.54 Goodreads score)
- The Family Business 2 (4.47 Goodreads score)
- The Family Business (4.44 Goodreads score)
- No More Mr. Nice Guy (4.36 Goodreads score)
Upcoming Releases
Carl Weber’s “The Family Business” series is set to continue with “Family Business 7,” scheduled for release on February 20, 2024.
Book Summaries
Grand Opening
"Grand Opening" is a prequel to the Family Business series. Set in a small Southern town, the story follows the lives of the Duncan brothers - Louis, Lawrence, and Lavernius - before they established Duncan Motors. Louis is a charismatic ladies' man, Lawrence is a trouble magnet, and Lavernius is a quiet college student with dreams of selling cars. Alongside them is Chippy, a mysterious and alluring woman seeking a way out of her circumstances. Their lives take a dramatic turn when Alejandro Zuniga enters the picture, offering them a life-changing opportunity.
Grand Opening 2
"Grand Opening 2" is a story about four best friends from Queens, New York. Terrance, Trey, Ash, and Devin have been inseparable since childhood, but their love lives are about to become complicated. Terrance thought he had found the perfect life with his wife, but soon realizes that things are not as they seem. Trey, a notorious ladies' man, struggles to find true happiness. Ash, recently released from prison, wants to relive his wild days with his friends. And Devin, a believer in monogamy, thinks he has found true love with Danielle. Will their friendships survive the challenges of their love lives?
To Paris with Love
"To Paris with Love" is a story taken from the bestselling series The Family Business. This standalone novel follows the adventures of Paris Duncan and her flamboyant twin brother, Rio. Paris, a bright and sexy young woman, is about to graduate from Chi's Finishing School, where she has learned the deadly art of assassination. However, a family crisis forces her to change her plans and embark on a solo trip to the French Riviera. Meanwhile, Rio, who has recently come out as gay, decides to join his sister in Europe to live life on his own terms. Together, they will have fun, find trouble, and leave a trail of broken hearts.
No More Mr. Nice Guy
"No More Mr. Nice Guy" tells the story of Niles Monroe, a former Special Forces sniper who returns home after eight years of service. Niles is excited about his new consulting job and spending time with his family, but he soon discovers that his new employer is actually a CIA front. When Niles is wrongly accused of murder, he is offered a deal by the beautiful and deadly Bridget St. John - work for Dynamic Defense in exchange for his freedom. As Niles is trained by Bridget, their relationship takes an unexpected turn. When his personal life and work collide, Niles must use his military skills to protect his loved ones.
The Family Business
Despite their luxurious lifestyle, the Duncans are not immune to drama. L.C. Duncan, the patriarch of the family, faces the dilemma of whether to retire from his successful car dealership after the recession hits and competition becomes fierce. As he contemplates his options, he must decide which of his children is trustworthy enough to take over the family business. Paris, known for her stunning looks and fiery temper, proves to be more dangerous than meets the eye. Orlando, although a successful businessman, may not be the best choice to lead the family into the future. Harris Grant, married to L.C.'s oldest daughter, believes he is the most qualified for the job and must convince L.C. while keeping a secret of his own. As the story unfolds, the Duncan family's deep, dark secret threatens to shock the entire community.
The Family Business 2
"The Family Business 2" introduces new family members and adds more drama to the already thrilling story. The Duncans are a respected car dealership by day, but by night, they control the drug traffic on the East Coast. The Duncan clan is plagued by baby momma drama and uncertainty about the paternity of the sisters' new babies. Orlando Duncan, the family's new CEO, faces his own baby momma problems while trying to launch a new product that could make the Duncans billionaires. However, his biggest obstacle is his mother, who forces the family to take sides and threatens to tear them apart. Will the Duncan family be able to avoid a civil war and stay united?
The Family Business 3
"The Family Business 3" follows Vegas Duncan, who is released from prison just in time for his brother Junior's engagement. However, their happiness is short-lived when Sonya's husband, Brother X, and his Muslim hit men declare war on the Duncan family. LC Duncan, the family patriarch, must find a way to shut down Brother X, but he is in a coma from a gunshot wound. As the family battles both their enemies and each other for control of their father's multimillion-dollar empire, they find themselves caught up in drama, intrigue, and nonstop action.
The Family Business 4
In "The Family Business 4" LC Duncan, the family patriarch, survives a gunshot and decides it's time for a family reunion in Waycross, Georgia. However, trouble follows them wherever they go, as their enemies Vinnie Dash and Ruby seek revenge. Orlando, one of the Duncans, takes matters into his own hands and travels to Jamaica to meet his son. Meanwhile, Paris Duncan is haunted by nightmares of her former love, Niles Monroe, and a family friend named Darryl Graham reignites a feud between Paris and her sister London.
The Family Business 5
LC Duncan, the family patriarch, has faced racism since his childhood in Georgia, and even now, as a successful family, they still encounter it. Sheriff KD Shrugs, a power-hungry racist, poses a significant threat to the Duncans. Nevada Duncan, a young man obsessed with girls and sex, falls for Kia, a beautiful call girl, and they decide to escape to El Paso, Texas, where they are not welcome due to KD Shrugs' influence. Meanwhile, Rio Duncan, a wealthy millennial, becomes a victim of mistaken identity, leading to a series of unexpected events that test the Duncan family like never before.
Trouble in Rio
"Trouble in Rio" is a novel that follows the story of Rio Duncan, the youngest member of the notorious Duncan family. Feeling out of place in his family's business, Rio decides to escape to Baltimore in search of a new life. However, he soon finds himself caught up in unexpected trouble and violence. As he navigates the dangerous streets of Baltimore, Rio must confront his own ruthless traits and find a way to stay safe. Meanwhile, Corey Grant, who is dealing with his own challenges as the heir to a drug empire, becomes entangled in a street war that may be connected to Rio's arrival.
The Education of Nevada Duncan
"The Education of Nevada Duncan" tells the story of Nevada Duncan, the heir to a powerful crime family. In order to prepare him for his future role, Nevada enrolls in Chi's Finishing School, a prestigious institution for the children of underworld figures. On his first day, Nevada befriends a group of misfits from different backgrounds. However, he soon discovers a dangerous enemy lurking in the shadows. As Nevada faces threats alone, he learns the value of friendship and embarks on an exciting adventure.
The Family Business 6
In "The Family Business 6" Orlando Duncan, the creator of a highly profitable drug called HEAT, discovers that his lab has been robbed and all his research stolen. Meanwhile, Dr. Brandi Richardson, a brilliant chemist with a troubled past, finds herself in a new job at CVS. Billionaire Alexander Cora, known as the Moor, sets his sights on the Duncan family, leading to a dangerous confrontation. With the return of Niles Monroe, Paris Duncan's former love and a hitman, the lives of these wealthy and powerful individuals are on a collision course. The question remains: who will survive and come out on top?
Family Business 7
In "The Family Business 7" join the Duncan family as they navigate the challenges of running Midnight Blues, a popular club in New Orleans. Big Shirley and her son Tyrese, who are descendants of the original owners, find themselves caught in a turf war involving local politicians, developers, and a dangerous underworld boss named Jean LeBlanc. Worried about losing control of the club, Big Shirley sends Tyrese to New York to seek help from her brother-in-law, LC Duncan. LC then recruits his nephew Curtis Duncan, a bounty hunter, and his skilled niece Lauryn Duncan to provide security for the struggling family business.
