​

From the screen of ‘The Family Business’ to the pages of a new thriller: Ben Stephens and La Jill Hunt unleash the next chapter of the Duncan legacy.

For fans of the Duncan family universe, the next chapter begins not on screen — but in print. With New York Times best-selling author Carl Weber Presents A Family Business Novel – CURTIS DUNCAN: Bounty Hunter, actor-author Ben Stephens and veteran novelist La Jill Hunt invite readers into a high-stakes mission where faith, loyalty, and danger collide. Stephens, known for his breakout role as Curtis Duncan on The Family Business, knows the character inside-out.

On camera, Curtis is the hard-charging, faith-grounded bounty hunter whose loyalty to his family is as fierce as his fight strategy. Off camera, Stephens brings that same intensity to his writing table — proving he’s just as captivating with a pen as he is on screen. La Jill Hunt joins him as co-author, lending her seasoned storytelling prowess to shape a fast-paced thriller. When Curtis is summoned to Washington D.C. to track down a fugitive Haitian crime boss and finds himself framed and out-gunned, the chase becomes personal.

Every page is packed with action, emotional conflict, and hard choices that test his faith and his family’s code. Sources confirm the book is already available for pre-order on major platforms, with a release date set for Dec. 16, 2025 through Urban Books. Readers can secure their copies now via Barnes & Noble and Google Books, ensuring they’re among the first to experience this explosive addition to the Duncan legacy.

Family first, always

One of the things that makes this story pop is the built-in drama of family. “The Duncans are dysfunctional,” Stephens admits, “but we ride for each other.”That single line captures the heartbeat of The Family Business universe. On both the page and the screen, Curtis’s devotion to his relatives is unshakeable — even when it leads him into the most dangerous of scenarios. Readers will find themselves rooting for him — not just as a bounty hunter, but as a brother, a protector, and a man of deep conviction navigating the gray spaces between right and wrong. Every chapter of CURTIS DUNCAN: Bounty Hunter highlights the unbreakable — and sometimes destructive — bonds that tie the Duncans together. It’s that tension between loyalty and survival that keeps the story racing forward.

Faith, fury & forward motion

Curtis isn’t your cookie-cutter action hero. He believes in something higher than himself — and yet he steps into the fire without hesitation. As Stephens explains, “He loves the Lord but will still take you out if you mean his family harm.” That dual nature — spiritual grounding fused with raw grit — sets this story apart in today’s crowded thriller landscape. It gives readers something more than just shoot-outs and high-speed chases: It gives them a man who fights for faith, justice, and redemption in a world that rarely rewards any of the three.

The novel doesn’t shy away from Curtis’s flaws. Instead, it leans into them, allowing his humanity to drive the suspense. He’s fierce, funny, faithful, and flawed — a perfect reflection of the contradictions that make the Duncan universe so addictive.

Why this book matters

For longtime fans of The Family Business franchise, this novel represents a bold expansion of the world Carl Weber built. It’s not a simple tie-in — it’s a front-row seat to one of the most compelling and misunderstood characters in the entire series.For new readers, CURTIS DUNCAN: Bounty Hunter stands alone as a gritty, character-driven thriller. The story dives deep into the mind of a man torn between his calling and his conscience, his love for family and his need for freedom. It’s equal parts action, emotion, and empowerment — and a testament to how far faith can carry you when the odds are stacked high.

The final word

Whether you caught Curtis Duncan on screen or you’re just discovering him in his literary form, CURTIS DUNCAN: Bounty Hunter promises a ride you won’t forget. This isn’t just another spin-off — it’s a full-throttle evolution of a fan-favorite character, told by the man who knows him best. Buckle up for December, and get ready to join the hunt. Visit the website  curtisduncanbook.com to pre-order now. Follow Ben Stephens @officiallybenstephens on instagram for updates.