Owen McKenna Books in Order

How to Read the Owen McKenna Series

For readers diving into Todd Borg’s thrilling Lake Tahoe mysteries, the absolute best way to experience the series is in publication order. Because the books were written and released in chronological order, following the publication timeline ensures that you see the character dynamics, romantic relationships, and local Tahoe lore develop naturally.

Each book in the series functions as a standalone detective case. You can pick up any mystery out of order and follow the primary investigation without getting lost. However, the overarching personal lives of Owen, his forensic entomologist girlfriend Street Casey, and their giant companion Spot grow from book to book, making the release order the most rewarding path for long-time readers.

Owen McKenna Publication Order

The Owen McKenna mystery series has been running since 2001, consistently delivering a new high-stakes adventure almost every year. Here is the complete list of the Owen McKenna books in their order of release:

1. Tahoe Deathfall (2001) – Owen McKenna investigates a young girl’s fatal fall, discovering dark family secrets. This book introduces McKenna, Spot, and Street Casey.
2. Tahoe Blowup (2001) – McKenna races against time to track down an arsonist threatening the Tahoe forests and municipal structures.
3. Tahoe Ice Grave (2002) – A frozen corpse in a snowdrift leads McKenna into a web of historical secrets and cold-blooded greed.
4. Tahoe Killshot (2004) – A high-stakes shooting draws McKenna into a world of elite marksmen and dangerous vendettas.
5. Tahoe Silence (2007) – The kidnapping of Silence Ramirez, a mute, autistic artistic prodigy, sets off a race against a brutal biker gang.
6. Tahoe Avalanche (2008) – A winter disaster serves as the backdrop for a cold-blooded murder investigation and family betrayal.
7. Tahoe Night (2009) – Under the cover of darkness, McKenna deals with secret societies, art theft, and long-buried crimes.
8. Tahoe Heat (2010) – A summer heatwave coincides with a series of high-profile kidnappings and murders.
9. Tahoe Hijack (2011) – A high-stakes transportation robbery turns deadly on Tahoe’s winding mountain roads.
10. Tahoe Trap (2012) – McKenna faces a clever adversary who sets a dangerous trap involving local law enforcement.
11. Tahoe Chase (2013) – A fast-paced pursuit across the rugged Sierra Nevada terrain testing McKenna's endurance.
12. Tahoe Ghost Boat (2014) – A legendary vessel on the lake holds the key to a modern-day murder mystery.
13. Tahoe Blue Fire (2015) – Art theft and family greed collide in this fiery installment.
14. Tahoe Dark (2016) – McKenna investigates a dark mystery hidden in the shadows of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
15. Tahoe Payback (2017) – A tale of vengeance and justice where McKenna must prevent a bloodbath in the alpine region.
16. Tahoe Skydrop (2018) – High-altitude suspense involving air-bound crimes and a fall from the sky.
17. Tahoe Deep (2019) – Underwater exploration reveals secrets submerged in the depths of Lake Tahoe.
18. Tahoe Hit (2020) – A revenge plot modeled after Shakespeare’s Hamlet combines with an extortion case.
19. Tahoe Jade (2021) – A case involving rare gemstones and international smuggling rings.
20. Tahoe Moon (2022) – A eerie mystery set during the lunar phases over the lake.
21. Tahoe Flight (2023) – High-flying action involving local aviation and missing cargo.
22. Tahoe Rescue (2024) – McKenna is hired to investigate a cosmetics tycoon's crash, unraveling an international art heist.
23. Tahoe Speed (2025) – The death of a world-class speed skier pulls McKenna into a world of competitive winter sports and corporate sabotage.
24. Tahoe Fear (2026) – The discovery of an 1881 historical diary leads to a modern-day kidnapping and treasure hunt.

Chronological Caveats: Does the Order Ever Shift?

Fortunately for readers, there are no complicated prequels, flashbacks, or time-skips that disrupt the timeline. The internal chronology of the series aligns perfectly with the publication years. Owen McKenna ages realistically, and the technology and local Tahoe landscape evolve alongside the real-world passage of time. If you read the series chronologically, you are reading it in publication order.

The Heart of the Series: Key Characters & Continuity

While the thriller plots and investigative mechanics keep the pages turning, the true engine of the series is its recurring cast of characters. Reading the books in order allows you to follow their relationships:

• Owen McKenna: A former San Francisco homicide inspector who left the force after a tragic loss. McKenna moved to Lake Tahoe seeking a quiet life but ended up opening a private investigation agency where he applies his gritty, ex-cop instincts.
• Spot: Owen's loyal, 170-pound Harlequin Great Dane. Spot is far from a passive pet; he is a crucial member of the detective team, often protecting Owen, sniffing out clues, and charms everyone he encounters. Spot's growth and relationship with Owen is a major highlight.
• Street Casey: Owen's girlfriend, who works as a forensic entomologist. Her scientific expertise with insects frequently helps Owen solve cases by determining timelines of deaths or linking suspects to specific geographic areas. Their slow-burn romance is a continuous thread throughout the books.
• Diamond Martinez: A dependable sheriff's sergeant who serves as Owen's contact and ally within local law enforcement, helping bridge the gap between private investigator and official police investigations.

Lake Tahoe as a Living Character

Todd Borg relocated to Lake Tahoe in 1990, and his deep appreciation for the area’s rugged terrain, alpine beauty, and local culture shines through in every page. The geographical setting is far more than just a backdrop. Borg utilizes actual locations—from Emerald Bay and Sand Harbor to the peaks of the Sierra Nevada and the streets of Truckee—to structure his mysteries. The weather, the altitude, the forest fire risks, and the seasonal tourist rushes all directly impact the plotlines, giving the series a distinct sense of place that makes the reading experience incredibly immersive.

Spin-offs, Tie-ins, and Crossovers

Todd Borg has also written the Josie Strong: A Dark Road Suspense series. Josie Strong is a UCLA professor of Medieval History and an expert in medieval weaponry who protects her daughter from wilderness threats. While both series share Borg's signature suspenseful style and appreciation for rugged settings, there are no official crossovers or tie-ins between Owen McKenna and Josie Strong. They remain distinct universes, meaning you do not need to read the Josie Strong books to understand any part of Owen McKenna’s adventures.

What to Know Before You Start

Todd Borg is highly regarded for his meticulous research. Whether he is writing about art forgery, autism, forestry, or local history, he consults with experts to ensure the details are accurate. This grounded realism makes the Tahoe setting feel vivid and alive. While the books touch on dark themes like murder, kidnapping, and arson, the overall tone remains warm, friendly, and deeply human, largely thanks to the interactions between Owen, Street, and Spot.