I had high hopes for A Secondhand Life, for two main reasons. One, I am a huge fan of thrillers and the premise to this novel promised a roller coaster of highs and lows. Two, A Secondhand Life garnered such acclaim that I was sure that I would be drawn in by the characters and the story. Sadly, I was disappointed on both fronts.

The biggest failure to me was the way in which the characters spoke, especially the killer and Mia. Between poor word choices and awkward phrasing, the syntax often seemed wrong. There was a lot going on in the book at once, but not much really happened in the end. Overall, I just could not find a connection with the characters or their stories, though Mia's should have been compelling. For these reasons, I would not recommend A Secondhand Life to other readers.

Disclaimer: I was given an Advanced Reader's Copy of A Secondhand Life by NetGalley and the publisher, Tabella House. The choice to review this book was my own.

When I first got to know my characters for this story, I wrote Mia as part me and part who I wish I could be. She's weak and self-destructive, which I can relate to. My scars may not be as outward as Mia's, but I have my own internal scars that haven't faded with time or age. Yet she possesses a strength I wish I had--the courage to face difficult choices and sacrifice whatever is needed for those who cannot. I wish I was so bold. I hide behind my computer sharing her tale of sacrifice because it's easier than facing it in reality. I'm spoiled in that way, I guess.

Some readers didn't like Mia. Who likes someone whose self-esteem causes them to hurt those she loves and yet be so doggedly determined to "fix" situations that she'll leave those she loves hanging in the balance? It's not a likeable trait, especially being on the receiving end of her neglect, but Mia has the guts to give up everything in order to do the right thing.

I wrote her to be who I hope to become--a woman who can handle what isn't easy, no matter the cost. I don't want easy. Easy doesn't challenge personal growth. So as you get to know Mia, and perhaps get frustrated at her choices, understand that she's in a growing process, trying to figure herself out...just like I'm doing.

I like the way Pamela Crane writes, and I admit I was sold as soon as I hit that blurb. A serial killer AND the promise of 'organ memory' as one of the key elements in solving the case? How can I say no to that?! I had high hopes for A Secondhand Life and I found myself hooked as soon as I started reading. Honestly, I would have finished this killer thriller in one sitting if I would have had more time... It is without doubt a suspenseful and intriguing pageturner. The plot itself is an interesting one and both past and present play a role in putting together the story. I'm not sure I actually liked the main character Mia, but her development is interestingly done. And then I'm not even talking about the 'organ memory'... I loved how this element was incorporated into the story and it was also interesting to find out how the author first came across this topic. This phenomenon of changes in personality and having memories of the donors after an organ transplant is simply fascinating. These memories and dreams are key in the plot of A Secondhand Life and definitely give this thriller an unique touch. The crime/investigation part is mix of cold case with new murders and has some graphic details, but nothing too gory. There are quite a few twists and turns as well, although I did had a hunch quite early on that turned out to be right. I didn't guess the full truth though and the final reveals were definitely a surprise. I had a great time reading this one and I will be looking forward to read the companion novella A Secondhand Lie soon.

If you like your thrillers fast, well written, suspenseful and with an unique touch, A Secondhand Life is the one for you. I personally loved the incorporation of 'organ memory' in the plot and how this element played such an important role in the investigation. I admit I didn't really warm up to the main character, but her development is well done and my feelings for her didn't influence my general feelings for the story. I was just too intrigued by the plot and twists to pay attention to minor details and possible flaws. A highly entertaining and addictive serial killer thriller with a twist, and without doubt worth reading.

By god, this book was bad. Like, really, really, ridiculously bad.
I am just stunned that this was published - and not even self-published, like a whole hoard of editors and publishers probably read through this and actually liked it. The thought boggles my mind.
There were no filler scenes. Not a single one. Everything happens at lightning speed and nobody, not the heart transplant recipient or the people around her, ever stop and think about the impossibility of her experiencing flashbacks of another person’s death. Her boyfriend, the murder victim’s family, her THERAPIST are all like, “that seems legit, carry on”. I mean, firstly can you imagine any person having that reaction in real life? And secondly, I had to read through each and every explanation of the situation, over and over, with the main character giving the exact same details and them having the exact same reaction.
It was monotonous, exhausting, repetitive.
A Secondhand Life had the plot structure of old fan fictions, you know before everyone got good at writing? Think 2007/2008: where everything is telling instead of showing, the dialogue is wooden and unrealistic, and even the most banal thing is explained in excruciating, unnecessary detail.
It was just bad. So, so bad. I-can’t-even-find-words-to-explain-just-how-bad-it-was bad. I have another Pamela Crane book, The Art of Fear, waiting in the wings and I was excited about it, but honestly, after reading A Secondhand Life, I can’t imagine how this author would ever be able to write a book that is anything other than bad.