Seconds

Seconds' protagonist (whom we know only by his adopted name of Wilson) procures the exclusive services of a mysterious organization, which, for a price, creates new lives for its customers. After carefully arranging the demise or disappearance of a client, this organization then surgically alters that client's appearance. After a long period of convalescence and physical training, the client is provided with a new identity and alternative lifestyle. Most clients quickly adapt to their new lives, but some, like Wilson, have a harder time. Wilson longs for the life he gave up, but finds, upon investigation, that he is not really missed by his family and acquaintances. The organization, which depends upon secrecy for survival, cannot tolerate such backsliding and brings Wilson back into the fold. Eventually realizing that his old life is in fact over, Wilson blithely resigns himself to the new, only to discover he has forfeited both ... In the end, Wilson is locked away and euthanized as a failed project. This book was made into a movie staring Rock Hudson. --Henry A. Wagner & A Customer at Amazon.com.