Step into the thrilling world of Owen McKenna, where the stunning shores of Lake Tahoe become the backdrop for heart-pounding mysteries! The Owen McKenna series, crafted by author Todd Borg, follows a former San Francisco homicide inspector turned private detective as he unravels complex cases in the breathtaking Sierra Nevada. With his loyal Harlequin Great Dane, Spot, by his side, McKenna’s adventures blend gritty investigations with the allure of Tahoe’s alpine beauty, captivating mystery fans worldwide.
This critically acclaimed series is a love letter to classic detective fiction, drawing comparisons to legends like Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler. Packed with twists, vivid characters, and a setting that feels like a character itself, it’s no wonder readers keep coming back for more. Let’s dive into the story behind Owen McKenna and why this series is a must-read for thriller enthusiasts!
How Owen McKenna Began
Todd Borg, a Minnesota native with a passion for mysteries and skiing, moved to Lake Tahoe in 1990, inspired by its dramatic landscapes. Growing up devouring detective novels, Borg saw Tahoe’s rugged beauty as the perfect stage for a mystery series. Thus, Owen McKenna was born—a tough yet relatable ex-cop who trades San Francisco’s gritty streets for Tahoe’s serene yet deceptive calm. Borg’s first novel, Tahoe Deathfall (2001), kicked off the series, introducing McKenna and his trusty dog, Spot, to rave reviews.
Borg’s love for Tahoe shines through in every book, blending his childhood fascination with storytelling and his new home’s natural splendor. His goal? To craft intelligent, fast-paced mysteries that honor the genre’s roots while offering fresh, Tahoe-flavored adventures. The result is a series that feels both timeless and uniquely grounded in its setting.
The Heart of Owen McKenna
The Owen McKenna series spans 22 books (as of 2024), each a standalone thriller woven with intricate plots and recurring characters like McKenna’s entomologist girlfriend, Street Casey, and sheriff sergeant Diamond Martinez. In Tahoe Deathfall, McKenna investigates a young girl’s fatal fall, uncovering dark family secrets. Tahoe Blowup (2001) sees him racing against time to stop an arsonist threatening Tahoe’s forests, while Tahoe Silence (2007) tackles a kidnapping with a deeply moving exploration of autism. Tahoe Hit (2020) blends Shakespearean themes with a high-stakes kidnapping, showcasing Borg’s knack for layering intellectual depth into pulse-pounding narratives.
Themes of loyalty, justice, and resilience run deep, with Tahoe’s landscape—its shimmering lake, towering peaks, and hidden dangers—serving as more than just scenery. Borg’s vivid descriptions transport readers to the heart of the Sierra Nevada, while his mysteries delve into human nature, from greed and betrayal to courage and redemption. The series’ style is action-packed yet thoughtful, balancing edge-of-your-seat suspense with rich character development.
Spot, McKenna’s 170-pound Great Dane, steals scenes with his protective instincts and charm, while supporting characters like Street and Diamond add warmth and wit. Whether it’s art forgery, environmental threats, or coded treasures, each book introduces fresh challenges, making the series accessible to newcomers and rewarding for longtime fans.
Why Owen McKenna Resonates
The Owen McKenna series has earned a devoted following and critical praise, including the Ben Franklin Award for Best Mystery and a spot on Library Journal’s Top 5 Mysteries list. Its blend of classic detective tropes with Tahoe’s unique setting appeals to fans of Lee Child and John Sandford, while Borg’s research into topics like entomology and local history adds depth. Readers praise the series for its immersive storytelling, with many feeling like they’re exploring Tahoe alongside McKenna and Spot.
Beyond entertainment, the series celebrates Tahoe’s culture and natural beauty, inspiring readers to appreciate the region’s allure and fragility. Its lasting appeal lies in its ability to feel both familiar and fresh, offering reliable thrills with ever-evolving stakes. For mystery lovers, Owen McKenna is a hidden gem that keeps delivering.
- Publication Years: 2001–2024
- Number of Books: 22
- Awards: Ben Franklin Award for Best Mystery, Library Journal Top 5 Mysteries
- Setting: Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Ready to chase clues with Owen McKenna and Spot? Grab Tahoe Deathfall and dive into a world of Tahoe mysteries that’ll keep you guessing until the final page!