Lucy Clark Will Not Apologize

“A delightfully offbeat mystery that is also about the mystery of becoming yourself.” —Rebecca Stead, New York Times bestselling author

In this witty and whimsical story by award-winning author Margo Rabb, a sixteen-year-old girl is suspended from boarding school and sent to New York City, where she must take care of an unconventional woman entangled in a mystery.

Lucy Clark has had it. After being bullied one too many times, Lucy retaliates. But when the fallout is far worse than she meant it to be, she gets sent to Manhattan to serve as a full-time companion to the eccentric Edith Fox.

Edith is glamorous and mysterious—nothing like Lucy expected. Though Edith’s world of hidden gardens and afternoon teas is beguiling, there’s one other thing about her that makes her unlike anyone Lucy has ever met...she thinks someone is trying to kill her.

And it’s up to Lucy to find out who it is. 

* A Bank Street Best Book of the Year *

“A full-on delight: funny, gripping, warm-hearted, and beautifully written—it made me cheer. Read it!” —Madeline Miller, award-winning author of Circe

"There's magic in this novel's quirky, sweet world. I want to live in its gardens and cheer Lucy on while she finds her heart’s loves!" —Kristin Cashore, New York Times bestselling author of Graceling

"Tender and fierce, witty and wise, this is a tale of the route we take when we grow up and into the love we deserve." —Judy Blundell, National Book Award-winning author of What I Saw and How I Lied

• Quirky Mystery: She was supposed to be a quiet companion. Now, sixteen-year-old Lucy must unravel a web of secrets to discover if the glamorous Edith Fox is truly a target—or just losing her mind.
• Unlikely Friendship: A witty, recently-suspended teen and a mysterious, world-famous horticulturist form an unexpected bond over afternoon tea and life-or-death stakes.
• New York City Setting: From a strict Texas boarding school to the enchanting streets of Greenwich Village, Lucy discovers a Manhattan filled with hidden gardens, eccentric neighbors, and secrets around every corner.
• Found Family: Surrounded by a cast of charming characters—including a former actress, a cat-walking neighbor, and Edith’s long-lost son—Lucy might finally find the place where she truly belongs.

"There's magic in this novel's quirky, sweet world. I want to live in its gardens and cheer Lucy on while she finds her heart’s loves!" - Kristin Cashore, New York Times bestselling author of Graceling and Jane, Unlimited

"Margo Rabb takes the elements of storybook and fable and twines them through a crackling murder mystery. Tender and fierce, witty and wise, this is a tale of the route we take when we grow up and into the love we deserve."  - Judy Blundell, National Book Award-winning author of What I Saw and How I Lied

“A delightfully offbeat mystery that is also about the mystery of becoming yourself.” - Rebecca Stead, New York Times bestselling author

“A full-on delight: funny, gripping, warm-hearted, and beautifully written—it made me cheer. Read it!” - Madeline Miller, award-winning author of Circe

“Lucy’s adventure is lush with opulent gardens, big-city charm, and charismatic characters. A beguiling, cozy mystery worth sinking into.” - Kirkus Reviews

“[An] engaging narrative about accepting oneself and defending one’s choices.” - Publishers Weekly

“Colorful characters, humorous situations, twists, red herrings, poison, family secrets—it’s all there, but this mystery will particularly speak to your old souls and plant lovers.” - Booklist

“A good fit for teens who feel misunderstood and yearn to be heard.” - School Library Journal