Book Review: Hugo (Olive Township #2) by K.D. Millikin
From the moment I caught wind of Hugo (Olive Township #2) by K.D. Millikin, I was both excited and a bit apprehensive. Having thoroughly enjoyed the first book, Penn, I had built up some lofty expectations. The promise of a whimsical, cozy town threaded with mystery and romance was simply too alluring to resist. But alas, while the book certainly had its bright spots, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me this time around.
In this installment, we follow Hugo de la Vega as he grapples with the shadows of his past — specifically, the unsolved murder of his father twenty years ago. Alongside him is Mallory, a spirited podcaster eager to dig into the murky waters of cold cases, including Hugo’s father’s. The chemistry between them promised sparks, but I found the execution of their connection to feel flat and rather forced. Hugo, a character I liked for his depth and complexity in Penn, seemed to shed some of that richness here, becoming a bit too readily trusting and emotionally available. "You are my choice," Hugo reflects at one point, and while it’s a sweet sentiment, it felt a little too sudden given his prior character development.
As I dove into the story, I found myself yearning for more suspense and intrigue. The investigation, which should have been the driving force of the narrative, often felt overshadowed by the characters’ interactions instead of integrating naturally into their journey. While the charm of Olive Township and its quirky shops offered a delightful backdrop, I wanted the stakes to feel higher. The whodunit aspect lost its momentum, especially as the pacing felt uneven. The climax rushed to a close, tying everything up a bit too neatly.
There was something particularly compelling about Hugo’s role as a father figure, stepping in for Mallory as she navigates parenthood alone after her ex’s departure. However, I found this plot twist unnecessary to validate Hugo’s character. It felt almost as if the narrative were saying, “Look! He’s a good man!” rather than allowing his actions to speak for themselves. Mallory’s character also fell flat for me; her quirky humor didn’t always land as intended, and her past trauma felt less like depth and more like a means for trauma bonding, which left me uneasy.
Overall, Hugo showcased K.D. Millikin’s gift for crafting a cozy setting filled with intriguing characters; however, its story didn’t unfold as cohesively as I’d hoped. If you’re new to the Olive Township series, don’t miss out on meeting Hugo and his quirky community, but I’d recommend starting with Penn for a richer context.
I think avid readers of the cozy mystery and romance genres might still find something to enjoy here, particularly fans of character-driven stories. Personally, I’m holding out hope that the next installment will bring back the magic I found in Penn. Until then, I’ll be cheering for Hugo and his sassy sister, Vivi. Happy reading! 💕📚
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