Review: Hugo (Olive Township #2) by D.D. Giorgis
When I first stumbled upon "Hugo," the second installment in D.D. Giorgis’s Olive Township series, my heart raced with anticipation. Having thoroughly enjoyed the first book, Penn, I found myself grappling with what I hoped would be a delightful return to the vibrant, quirky charm of Olive Township. But, as the pages turned, I realized this cozy mystery might not quite live up to its charming predecessor.
Hugo de la Vega is at the heart of this tale, navigating the shadowy truths surrounding his father’s long-ago death. Those initial moments sparked a myriad of thoughts—You are my choice. It’s a potent line that encapsulates themes of choice and responsibility, yet I felt a disconnect as the story unfolded. The build-up, which had tantalizing potential, seemed overshadowed by the delightful distractions of Olive Township—picturesque shops, blooper moments at the local sandwich counter, and moments of romance intertwined with the weight of unsolved mysteries.
What made it difficult for me to engage fully was the pacing. The writing itself is fine, flowing smoothly but often trudging through slower sections that drew too much focus on character interactions, leaving the pivotal crime investigation somewhat neglected. The closer we got to the climax, the more rushed it felt—like we were speeding toward a neatly wrapped conclusion without having fully explored the plot’s deeper intricacies. It was intriguing to see Hugo’s character evolve, showcasing his loyalty and compassion toward Mallory, the podcaster with personal wounds of her own, but I found myself longing for a deeper exploration of the suspense that initially drew me in.
Hugo, as a character, is undoubtedly a great guy, stepping up in ways that would make any woman swoon. However, I felt the trope of the guardian figure to be overemphasized, almost as if Mallory’s reminders of her pregnancy were mere anchors pulling the story away from its central mystery. Instead of a slow-burning trust, their connection bordered on forced, leaving little room for genuine chemistry or tension that could have made their bond feel real.
Furthermore, the plot twists, particularly around Mallory’s sister’s tragic story, felt rushed and somewhat implausible. I had hoped for a connectedness that emerged organically but found it to be too convenient. It left me questioning decisions made by characters, especially Hugo, who, after grappling with such painful trauma, seemed to fall into trust too readily with a new person whose motives were unclear.
However, amidst my criticisms, I cannot overlook the elements of charm and humor that Giorgis has crafted into Olive Township. Even if the character dynamics felt a bit off, the whimsical setting and quirky characters still provided moments of joy. I adored Hugo’s sassy sister, Vivi, and can only hope her antics might take center stage in future books.
In closing, while "Hugo" may not have met my high hopes, it still offers a cozy escape with its charming town and diverse characters. Readers who enjoy light mysteries mixed with romantic entanglements set against a picturesque backdrop may find enjoyment in this read. For me, it was a step down from Penn, but I hold onto hope that the next installment might reclaim the whimsical magic I fell in love with.
Happy reading! 💖📚
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