Life After Theft (Life After Theft)

by Aprilynne Pike

[inlibrisveritas]

Life After Theft took me by surprise. I knew coming in that it was a standalone and that i dealt with a ghost with a former stealing problem, so I expected it to be middle of the road. I know it’s unfair to place standalones in that category but that’s usually the way it is for me. However Life After Theft turned out to be a quick, fun and light read that I really found myself enjoying.

The plot isn’t complicated though it might seem that way. Jeff finds himself in the odd position of being able to see a ghost no one else can….and she desperately wants his help finishing her earthly business so sh can move one. The only problem is her unfinished business has a lot to do with her kleptomania. This would be the perfect light movie; it’s fun, it has sweet moments, moments of pure tension, and those few moments where it touches on emotional all the while keeping it fresh and interesting.

Jeff is probably the nicest main character I’ve read about in a while. He’s not completely perfect but this kid is pretty flawless when it comes to personalities, though he is a bit quirky and socially inept. He believes in doing what’s right and he genuinely tries to be a goo person. I really loved the budding relationship with Sera even though the rocky moments and the tension, it’s a really cute relationship and their chemistry works. Kimberlee however is a difficult character. She’s not easy to like because she spends a good deal of the book being stuck up and rude, but that’s kind of the point. The whole idea is redemption and second chances, everyone is entitled to a second chance and this book focuses on that. Jeff, Sera and Kimberlee experience second chances and all three of them walk away with something new.

While Life After Theft is not the most mind-blowing or emotionally riveting book I’ve read I really enjoyed it. It was a comfortable book that really broke up the heavy and detailed pace I was setting.