The Bricklayer by Noah Boyd

The FBI is desperate when a group named the Rubaco Pentad have successfully extorted three million dollars from them and killed four people. Not having any clue who could be behind these acts, they decide to enlist the help of Steve Vail, an ex-FBI agent who disdains authority. Vail works closely with Kate Bannon, an assistant deputy director of the FBI, to try and stop the Pentad's killing spree and to recover the money that the bureau has lost. Vail, at times reckless and operating outside the law, is similar to Lee Child's Jack Reacher. But, Boyd does not have Child's gift for great characterization and intense action. After reading all of Child's books, Boyd's chararacters came across as clunky and pale imitations. Also, it was obvious pretty early on who one of the Pentad's members was.