Out of the Black

This generic stand-alone from Rector (Already Gone) offers plenty of action if little character development. Ex-Marine Matt Caine, an Afghanistan vet, has a lot to cope with since his wife’s death in an auto accident, including daughter Anna’s injuries and medical expenses, and a potential custody battle over Anna with his in-laws. Necessary decisions, followed by bad decisions (including borrowing money from dangerous Brian Murphy), lead a desperate Caine to go along with friend and ex-con Jay’s plan to kidnap the wife of wealthy Roman Pinnell. Caine has no idea how deadly Pinnell can be, but when things go wrong with the kidnapping scheme, both he and Anna may find out. When a vengeful Pinnell begins striking back, Caine turns to Murphy and his associates for help, a move that leaves him and Anna trapped between warring factions. Readers not expecting any surprises will best appreciate this straightforward thriller. (Aug.)