Vanished by Joseph Finder

Joseph Finder did follow the hero rulebook with the creation of Nick Heller:

Special Forces background (check)
Troubled childhood (check)
Has trouble with authority (check)
Can punch his way out of a situation (check)
Loner (check)
Cracks cynical jokes when a pistol is pointed at his face (check)
Tough guy with a good heart (check)

What sets Nick Heller apart from the others is that Finder places him in a business environment (Heller is a corporate investigator). Heller isn’t fighting against a corrupt politician with his own personal agenda or terrorists groups whose goals are to tear down the government. No, Nick Heller isn’t scuffling with Bob the accountant, tossing paperclips at each other in the break room either--that would have been boring. Heller does face off with well-trained, well-armed private security personnel and must locate the individuals responsible for the abduction his older brother.

There’s plenty of action, suspense, good humor and mystery to satisfy everyone. The book is a quick read and Heller is a likable character. I’m looking forward to reading the further adventures of Nick Heller.

The Man with the Golden Torc by Simon R. Green

I don't recall that I've ever read a book that even came close to the number fight sequences in this book. How, Simon R. Green managed to write a solid story with likable characters amidst the mayhem is a surprise to me.
Edwin Drood a loyal but rebellious member of the Drood family as always thought of himself as fighting the good fight. After receiving a mission from the head of the Drood family, Edwin expected danger. What he didn't expect was to be called a rogue agent and to be hunted by his own family.
Edwin teams up with one of his most hated enemy to find out the truth and to clear his name. But on the path toward the truth, he quickly finds a new danger in the world whose primary goal is to destroy the Drood family.
Man with the Golden Torc is book one in a series. Simon R. Green provided laughs, lots of actions and a family secret that changes everything for Edwin Drood.