One of Us Is Back Summary, Characters and Themes
One of Us Is Back by Karen M. McManus is the thrilling conclusion to the One of Us Is Lying trilogy. Set in the small town of Bayview, this young adult novel brings together the original Bayview Four—now expanded to the Bayview Crew—who face new dangers as past secrets resurface.
With their former tormentor, Jake Riordan, unexpectedly released from juvenile detention, the crew must confront unresolved mysteries and their own lingering traumas.
Summary
Adelaide “Addy” Prentiss gathers with her friends Maeve and Bronwyn Rojas at the Rojas household to watch a live broadcast of Jake Riordan, Addy’s ex-boyfriend who assaulted her two years prior.
Jake is giving a speech as part of his rehabilitation from juvenile detention. Addy is tense, and when she and Maeve think they see their friend Phoebe in the audience, they keep it to themselves.
Phoebe rushes to her job at Café Contigo after attending Jake’s speech, anxious that someone might recognize her. She’s been troubled since discovering her younger brother Owen’s involvement in a deadly truth-or-dare game run by Jared Jackson, which resulted in the death of a boy named Brandon, who had once caused their father’s death.
Phoebe and her sister Emma have kept this secret, but the burden weighs heavily on Phoebe, who is desperate for a sign that people can change.
Nate, working at a country club, hears the shocking news that Jake’s trial is being reopened due to a legal error, allowing Jake to be released from detention. Nate is furious, knowing Jake’s role in framing him for their friend Simon Kelleher’s death, even though Simon had taken his own life.
Nate worries about how this will affect Addy, who was Jake’s victim.
The Bayview Crew, now a group of nine, gathers for a Fourth of July party, where Jake becomes a heated topic of conversation. Tensions rise when Maeve reveals that Phoebe not only attended Jake’s speech but also interacted with him recently.
Addy, feeling betrayed, lashes out at Phoebe, who then isolates herself from the group. After drinking a suspicious drink from Vanessa Merriman at the party, Phoebe becomes disoriented and later disappears.
The next day, Addy receives a call from Phoebe’s worried mother, prompting the Bayview Crew to search for her.
Phoebe is eventually found in a shed at Bayview High School by Nate’s father, but she has no memory of how she got there. She recalls a vague image of vine-covered wallpaper and finds the word “Practice” written on her arm.
Addy remembers Jake’s family vacation home has similar wallpaper, and with Maeve and Nate, they visit the house, suspecting Jake’s involvement in Phoebe’s disappearance.
Though they confront Jake and find nothing, the mystery deepens when Bronwyn is found unharmed after getting lost.
The situation escalates when Nate’s roommate, Reggie Crawley, goes missing and is later found dead at Bayview High School, with “Makes” scrawled on his arm.
Investigating further, Maeve uncovers a connection between the kidnappings and an old advertising campaign linked to Jake’s mother, Katherine.
This leads the crew to Chelsea, the daughter of a man Katherine had an affair with—who turns out to be Jake’s biological father, Alexander Alton, whom Jake had unknowingly killed years ago.
As the truth unravels, Chelsea and her accomplice Gavin, who is also Nate’s coworker, kidnap Addy and reveal their plan to exact revenge on Jake. In a tense confrontation, Chelsea shoots Jake before fleeing with Gavin.
Jake dies, and the Bayview Crew, now safe but forever changed, prepares to move on with their lives, leaving the dark events of the past behind them.
Characters
Adelaide “Addy” Prentiss
Addy Prentiss, one of the original members of the Bayview Four, has undergone significant personal growth throughout the series. Initially introduced as a vulnerable and somewhat dependent character in One of Us Is Lying, Addy has evolved into a resilient and strong young woman.
Her past relationship with Jake Riordan, marked by abuse and manipulation, has left deep scars. However, Addy’s journey in One of Us Is Back shows her determination to move beyond the trauma.
Her anger and anxiety upon learning of Jake’s release reveal the lingering impact of her past, but she does not let this fear paralyze her. Instead, Addy is proactive, participating actively in the investigation into the strange occurrences in Bayview.
Her role in the story highlights themes of recovery and empowerment. She gradually regains control over her life and begins to look toward the future with hope.
Maeve Rojas
Maeve Rojas, Bronwyn’s younger sister, is a central figure in the Bayview Crew, known for her intelligence and resourcefulness. Unlike her older sister, who is more straight-laced, Maeve is more willing to take risks and bend the rules to uncover the truth.
Her involvement in the investigation is crucial, especially with her ability to connect the dots between the various clues and incidents. Maeve’s character represents the theme of seeking redemption; she is determined to right the wrongs of the past, both her own and those committed by others.
Her relationship with the other members of the Bayview Crew is complex. She often serves as the glue that holds the group together, even as she grapples with her insecurities and the pressure of living up to her sister’s legacy.
Phoebe Lawton
Phoebe is a newer member of the Bayview Crew, introduced in One of Us Is Next. Her character is defined by a mix of vulnerability and determination.
Phoebe carries the burden of her family’s secrets, particularly the truth about her brother Owen’s involvement in the death of Brandon, which weighs heavily on her conscience. Her decision to attend Jake’s speeches reflects her internal struggle to understand whether someone who has committed a crime is beyond redemption—a theme that resonates throughout the novel.
Phoebe’s experience of being kidnapped and drugged further complicates her emotional state, leading to feelings of isolation from the rest of the group. Despite these challenges, Phoebe’s character arc is one of survival and resilience as she continues to fight for her own sense of justice and closure.
Nate Macauley
Nate Macauley, another original member of the Bayview Four, continues to be a central figure in One of Us Is Back. Nate’s character is deeply affected by his past, particularly the wrongful accusation and subsequent legal troubles he faced in One of Us Is Lying.
In this final installment, Nate’s protective nature comes to the forefront, especially concerning Addy and the other members of the Bayview Crew. He is deeply angered by Jake’s release, seeing it as a personal affront given Jake’s role in his own legal troubles.
Nate’s relationship with his father, who plays a small but significant role in the novel, also highlights Nate’s ongoing struggle to break free from his troubled past and build a better future for himself. His loyalty to his friends and his determination to uncover the truth, even at great personal risk, underscores the theme of redemption and the fight for justice.
Bronwyn Rojas
Bronwyn Rojas, the brains of the original Bayview Four, plays a slightly more subdued role in One of Us Is Back compared to earlier books. As she prepares to move on to college, Bronwyn’s character represents the transition from adolescence to adulthood.
Her relationship with Nate, which has been a central subplot throughout the series, faces new challenges as they navigate their different paths. Bronwyn’s occasional absence from the action in this book symbolizes her growing distance from the world of high school drama and crime-solving.
However, her commitment to her friends remains strong, and she steps up when they need her. Bronwyn’s character embodies the theme of moving forward and the tension between holding on to the past and embracing the future.
Jake Riordan
Jake Riordan, the antagonist of the series, returns in One of Us Is Back as a catalyst for much of the novel’s conflict. His release from juvenile detention is the event that triggers the Bayview Crew’s renewed sense of fear and uncertainty.
Jake’s character is a complex mix of privilege, entitlement, and deep-seated anger, making him a dangerous figure in the story. His actions, both in the past and present, are driven by a toxic combination of pride and a need for control.
Jake’s ultimate fate—being killed as a result of the violence he has both suffered and inflicted—serves as a grim reminder of the destructive power of secrets and the cyclical nature of violence. His character arc is a stark portrayal of the novel’s exploration of privilege as a hindrance to justice and the peril of keeping dark secrets.
Owen Lawton
Owen, Phoebe’s younger brother, is a more peripheral character in terms of direct action but is crucial to the story’s emotional and thematic depth. His involvement in the truth or dare game that led to Brandon’s death is a source of immense guilt and conflict for Phoebe and Emma.
Owen’s character represents the vulnerability of youth and the way in which children can be drawn into dangerous situations beyond their understanding. His innocence is juxtaposed with the serious consequences of his actions, highlighting the novel’s exploration of moral ambiguity and the impact of decisions made under duress.
Owen’s relationship with Phoebe, who tries to shield him from further harm, adds an additional layer of complexity to her character and the overarching narrative.
Reggie Crawley
Reggie Crawley, Nate’s roommate, plays a pivotal role in the novel’s mystery. Although not a central character throughout the series, his sudden disappearance and subsequent death become a crucial turning point in the story.
Reggie’s character, like others, is tied to the theme of secrets and their consequences. His fate is a stark reminder of the dangers that lurk beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary lives in Bayview.
The word “Makes” written on his arm links his death to the broader conspiracy at play, driving the Bayview Crew to dig deeper into the mystery surrounding Jake and the other events. Reggie’s death also serves to heighten the stakes for the Bayview Crew, showing that the threats they face are very real and deadly.
Chelsea Alton/Evie
Chelsea, also known as Evie, is the hidden antagonist of the novel, whose motivations are rooted in a desire for revenge and justice for her family. Her character is a tragic figure, shaped by the trauma of her father’s murder and the subsequent cover-up.
Chelsea’s actions throughout the novel, including the kidnapping and attempted murders, are driven by a warped sense of justice. She represents the novel’s exploration of how unresolved trauma and a thirst for revenge can lead to further violence and tragedy.
Chelsea’s relationship with Gavin, her boyfriend and accomplice, adds another layer of complexity to her character, highlighting themes of loyalty, manipulation, and the destructive power of love when twisted by past wrongs.
Gavin
Gavin, Chelsea’s boyfriend, is a secondary antagonist who supports Chelsea in her quest for revenge. His involvement in the plot is driven by his loyalty to Chelsea, though it is clear that he is also motivated by a desire to prove himself.
Gavin’s character is a reflection of how individuals can be drawn into destructive actions by their relationships and the influence of others. His willingness to kidnap and harm others, including Addy, in the name of love underscores the novel’s theme of the dangers inherent in unchecked emotions and misguided loyalties.
Themes
Seeking and Offering Redemption
In One of Us Is Back, the theme of redemption is central to the characters’ journeys and the resolution of the overarching plot. The novel explores how individuals who have committed wrongs seek redemption and how society offers or withholds it.
Jake Riordan, who once harmed Addy Prentiss, appears to be on a path toward redemption through his rehabilitation efforts, including giving speeches about his mistakes. However, his release from juvenile detention and subsequent actions raise questions about whether true redemption is possible for someone with his past.
Jake’s attempts at redemption are complicated by his history of violence and manipulation, suggesting that while redemption is sought, it may not be easily granted or genuine.
Phoebe also grapples with the concept of redemption as she struggles with the knowledge of her brother Owen’s involvement in a fatal game. Her attendance at Jake’s speech reflects her hope that someone who has committed a grave wrong can be redeemed, a hope she clings to as she tries to reconcile with the secrets she and her sister Emma have been keeping.
The novel suggests that redemption is a complex and often elusive goal, particularly when intertwined with deep-seated guilt, unresolved trauma, and the repercussions of past actions.
Privilege and Entitlement as a Hindrance to Justice
Privilege and entitlement are depicted as significant barriers to justice in the novel, particularly through the character of Jake Riordan and his family. Jake’s release due to a trial error highlights how privilege can undermine justice, allowing those with power and resources to evade full accountability for their actions.
Jake’s family background and connections enable him to manipulate the legal system to his advantage, which stands in stark contrast to the experiences of other characters like Nate, who comes from a less privileged background and faces harsher consequences for his involvement in past events.
The Bayview Crew’s investigation into the Alton family further explores how privilege can distort justice. The Altons, particularly Chelsea/Evie, seek to avenge past wrongs in a way that perpetuates the cycle of violence and retribution, rather than achieving true justice.
This cycle underscores how those who feel entitled to exact their version of justice can end up perpetuating further harm. The novel critiques the ways in which privilege can create an uneven playing field, where the wealthy and powerful can escape the full weight of their actions, leaving others to suffer the consequences.
The Peril of Keeping Secrets
The danger of keeping secrets is a recurring theme in One of Us Is Back, as the characters’ lives are entangled in a web of deception and concealed truths. The novel demonstrates how secrets, once kept to protect or shield individuals from harm, can instead lead to greater peril.
Phoebe and Emma’s decision to keep Owen’s involvement in Brandon’s death a secret is a prime example of this. Their silence only deepens their guilt and anxiety, isolating them from others and making them vulnerable to manipulation and blackmail.
Addy’s trauma and the lingering effects of her past relationship with Jake also reflect the destructive power of secrets. Her reluctance to fully confront or share her experiences leaves her emotionally vulnerable, making it difficult for her to move forward and find closure.
The novel suggests that secrets, while often kept out of fear or a desire to protect, can fester and lead to further harm, both for the individual keeping them and for those around them. The resolution of the story emphasizes the importance of confronting and revealing these secrets to break the cycle of harm and begin the process of healing.