The Family Business 7: New Orleans

by Carl Weber, C.N. Phillips, Ace Bentley (Narrator)

Keep up with the Duncan family down South as we travel to New Orleans in The Family Business 7.

Operated by the same family for more than a century, Midnight Blues may be fun for the locals and the tourists, but as of late, the club hasn’t been fun for its owner, Big Shirley Duncan, or her son Tyrese, descendants of the original proprietors. The pair finds themselves in the middle of a turf war between local politicians, developers, and a ruthless underworld boss, Jean LeBlanc, who is looking to make a name for himself.

Afraid for the first time in her life that her family may lose control of The Blues, Big Shirley sends Tyrese to New York to see her brother-in-law, LC Duncan. In turn, LC enlists his nephew, bounty hunter Curtis Duncan, and his highly trained niece Lauryn Duncan, to help add some muscle and security to their family’s struggling business.

This audiobook is narrated by Elyse Anthony, Ace Bentley, K. Bernard, Morris Kellswater, Midnite Michael, and Charlie L. Wood

Genres: Crime, African American

Audible Audio

Published August 20, 2024

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

[Lauren Carthan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ending just didn’t work!

This book was scattered from the beginning to ending. It was hard to follow at times with all the drama. I felt as though there were far too many storylines. I did miss the original Duncans as they were only mentioned. This was probably the worst ending of all the series, which was rolled out in the Epilogue, something I always thought was supposed to give a look into the future. This book had potential but for all the storylines portrayed, not one had a conclusion. This ended like a soap opera on a Friday that won’t air again for a year!

[Kira Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story but I can’t believe it wasn’t a continuation of the last one 😫😫. How long do I have to wait to find out what happens to Niles, Paris and the kids?!?!!?!?

[Dilon Wilson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was all over the place. I’m gonna assume that Marie was the killer but they never explained wtf was going on. It left too many loopholes and didn’t continue the story from the last 3 books. Big Shirley is also one of the dumbest characters in the series.

[Brenda Hillmon · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is one of the most disappointing books that Carl Weber has ever written. It is incomplete. The storyline it’s so weird that it makes you not want to find out what happens next there must be a second-half to this book. If not, this was a big waste of my time.

[C.M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seven is a three for me

The story did not vote or even snap like the previous versions. This one was just all over the place. In fact, it did not feel like a CW family business story. It might be time for me to give up this adventure.

[Nickita Council · Rating 4 out of 5]

I may have rated this a 5, if not for the ending. I loved the book but I felt like some storylines could have been fleshed out more, like what does Gabriel do for a living? Why mention that Simone likes Prince and not mention it but once again?

[Tynece · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm giving this book 4 stars even though we could have totally did without the Gabriel storyline.....

[James Garman · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a while to read this book as I had several others I was trying to read at the same time. This is the story of Big Shirley Duncan, apparently the sister-in-law of LC Duncan who was the primary character in the other book I read (volume 5). This book is a whole different group of characters but centers around Big Shirley who rules a gambling house around New Orleans, in a smaller town.

She is the base and runs the place with the help of her brother and son. She also has to deal with the local mob, who wants to encroach on her business as well. The past comes back to home her from her previous life before she married into the Duncan family and was a working girl for another semi-gangster type.

The head of the mobster gang's brother gets killed in her gaming house and she has the body moved and things go from there. Obviously she survives and manages to get rid of all her problems but the gangster doesn't end up anywhere near as well set after she wins.

I recommend this to anybody who enjoys urban fiction about the lives of gangsters who make their living outside the law and the different codes of conduct they work under, and what it takes too get them to change their behavior.

[Destiny Britton · Rating 2 out of 5]

The worst book in the entire franchise. It was both all over the plus and yet gave us absolutely nothing at the same time. What happened to Big Sheryl’s husband/bd?! The other Duncan?! They made NO mention of him.

We still don’t know who killed the guy the entire book premise is about. I mean it may have been implied who did it at the end but literally it’s so left field, you are thinking, “what?” “How?” “Why?”

The epilogue was lazy. Barely over 300 pages and y’all couldn’t write up 3-5 more chapters to tie everything together? Literally makes no sense

Such a waste. I waited for THIS?! Come on!

[booktrovert · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Carl Weber. I have been a fan for nearly 20 years. The Family Business is my favorite series even the spin offs. My true rating for this book is 3.5⭐️. It started slow but got good. Here are my two critiques, sometimes he does this, he will introduce new characters and story lines when there are other story lines left unfinished. Family Business 6 left us with a cliffhanger, I guess we will have to wait until 8 to get resolution to that story. My other critique was this book was slow in the beginning, it felt like that book is just getting good and it just ended. I am assuming well hoping for some resolution in a future book.

[Charlotte Bembry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Carl Weber banger. His books always leave you wanting more sand this was no exception. Amazing book that gave us new characters along with some new ones. The ending was a little disappointing, but I’m sure that the next book will take care of that. I got a sneak peak of the spin-off TV series of this book and I can’t wait to see it!!

[Ann Merriweather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series started a little slow, for me, but I get it. There were new characters that needed to be introduced with some of their backgrounds. But when I say, I loved this installment...I did. The end had me on the edge of my couch, like wth???? I know there's going to be a part 8. I'll be waiting patiently!

[Cecilia Willis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredible. Each character was fully developed as individuals and family members.
The book supports the story line of the Family Business and has expanded it to include one more branch on the Family Tree.
This family always has each other's back.
Cannot wait for another installment

[Danae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carl Weber does it again!

As usual, Carl Weber leaves me dying for more. I hope it's not years before we get Family Business 8. I can't wait for the spinoff of the tv show either. I'm definitely a fan for life.

[Terry Lumpkin-olivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family Business 7

Once again Carl Weber left me begging for more. I just recommend every person that watches Family Business the TV Series to please go back and read all of the books! The books will leave you breathless and wanting more.
Terry

[fidel may · Rating 5 out of 5]

may be the best yet. excitement all the way

This is really good read. Never a dull moment. Families, friends and lovers unknowingly crossing paths. Can’t wait for everyone to meet at the crossroads!

[Warren E Beach · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Family Business New Orleans takes you into a new city and ownership of a night club/casino with the Duncans. Several characters from previous Family Business books are brought into Book 7 such as Curtis, Lauryn, mother Nee Nee and a taste of Larry Duncan.
I can’t wait for the spinoff on BET!

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a good book, don’t get me wrong…. I’m just a little disappointed the whole Paris/Nadja ordeal wasn’t dealt with and we were kinda left on another cliff hanger 🥺😅😩…. I’ll be anxiously awaiting The Family Business: 8

[Kim Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book even though it was all over the place. I wished more loose ends would have been tied up. I don’t want to spoil anything, so I will just note that many of the characters had no redeeming qualities so it was challenging to root for anyone.

[Shea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely my least favorite in the series so far.

[Marlene Shaw]

Good read

There's nothing that I didn't like about the book. I am ready for the next one. I like the series.

[LaLeshia Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Come on The Family Business 8

This book was a page turner. Couldn't put it down. I was wanting more to read when the last chapter ended.

[TJ Spence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carl Weber did it again!

One of my favorite authors. This book was really good. My goal is to one day
collaborate! Congrats on another successful release!

[Margaret Ramsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable

[Angelique Cornish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good book. I can't wait to see what happens next

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good and keep jt up

I am ready for the next book in this saga. Amazing story with new and old players I love this seriesit is one of the best!

[starlin gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely did not disappoint

My goodness this is a page turner...I have never been so scared to read a book in my life
.I'm nervous about the next one

[Chere' Brady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes it’s full of STUFF!!! Too much stuff! Good read!!!

[Kendra Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good! I love the way the entire family comes together when needed.

[Deanna Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page turner

Oh how I loved this addition to the Family Business Series. Plenty of action in this page turner. Every chapter it was something crazy going on. It's a must read. 🔥🔥❤️‍🔥