Somebody Worth Killing

Payne (Never Trust the Husband) delivers a stale domestic thriller about a contract killer who’s assigned to murder her husband. On the surface, Nadia Davis appears to be a self-employed wedding planner in San Antonio, Tex., as well as a devoted wife and mother. In truth, she’s a hit woman and self-diagnosed psychopath who takes great pleasure in planning kills, stalking her prey, and ending their lives. Her workplace satisfaction sours when she learns that her handlers have put her on the “mommy track,” passing her over for more complex and lucrative jobs in favor of simple murders closer to home. She demands a big hit, and gets more than she bargained for when her next victim is none other than her husband, Brian, a management consultant. She launches an investigation to find out who ordered the hit and why, fearing that Brian may also be leading a double life. Payne’s plotting is predictable, Nadia’s voice lacks verve, and the momentum is minimal. Not much here feels new or fresh. Agent: Kimberly Brower, Park, Fine & Brower. (June)