Lucy Clark Will Not Apologize by Margo Rabb
Published by Quill Tree Books on May 11, 2021
ISBN: 0062322400
Pages: 368
Genres: Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

A coming-of-age story that quickly becomes a mystery when Lucy moves from a boarding school to NYC.  Following a bullying situation and an over-the-top response incident, Lucy has been suspended from school and is sent to the city to help an elderly woman. Edith is positive that someone is following her with the intention of ending her life.   Not to be forgotten are Lucy’s wandering parents who have never been there for Lucy and her deceased grandmother.  Despite sparse contact with her parents Lucy is determined to make them proud thus creating a rather unbelievable teenage character.

This is a story that slowly builds to the strange conclusion.  Lucy’s job starts with simple teas and lovely gardens   Many characters circle in and out of the text allowing for a degree of confusion. Teens who enjoy YA books with lots of minor plot changes will enjoy this constant parade of characters.  Those who prefer a riveting mystery may be disappointed.  The chapter heading art work is a nice touch as it ties into the garden theme of the story.  Libraries who collect YA mystery should consider this title.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, retired youth services librarian in Scarborough, ME