One of Us Is Back

Adelaide “Addy” Prentiss is one of several protagonists in One of Us Is Back and one of three first-person narrators in the novel. Addy is also one of the original Bayview Four. It was her boyfriend, Jake Riordan, who was convicted of conspiracy and assault in the aftermath of Simon Kelleher’s death. Since Simon’s death, Addy has struggled to understand when and how Jake changed. She was attacked by Jake after learning that Jake intended for Addy to be convicted of Simon’s death. This betrayal resulted in trauma that has continued to manifest in multiple ways for Addy. Addy graduated from high school but chose not to attend college like most of her friends. Addy is reluctant to date and finds herself struggling to simply maintain friendships. When Jared Jackson perpetrated his truth or dare game against three younger Bayview High School students and sabotaged Ashton and Eli’s wedding rehearsal, Addy’s trauma was once again brought to the surface. The fact that Jake has been allowed to leave juvenile detention to give speeches at local high schools constantly compounds that trauma.

Addy’s obsession with watching Jake’s speeches on public access television reveals her continuing need to understand Jake’s actions and motivations.