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Josie Strong: A Dark Road Suspense #1
Wilderness Vacation
From the author of the bestselling Tahoe Mystery series...
She Witnessed A Crime. Now They Want Her Dead.
UCLA Medieval History Professor Josie Strong didn’t realize she and her daughter Samantha had witnessed something that made powerful men want them dead. Their would-be assassin didn’t realize how hard they’d be to kill…
The Assassin Has Met His Match...
When the killer followed Josie and her daughter on their canoe trip vacation into the Quetico Wilderness in Canada, he knew they were unarmed. Killing them would be a simple task. But Professor Strong’s specialty is medieval weapons. She might be in the wilderness. But even in a dark forest, she can take ordinary materials and construct lethal weapons. The out-of-shape professor can become a warrior…
She Witnessed A Crime. Now They Want Her Dead.
UCLA Medieval History Professor Josie Strong didn’t realize she and her daughter Samantha had witnessed something that made powerful men want them dead. Their would-be assassin didn’t realize how hard they’d be to kill…
The Assassin Has Met His Match...
When the killer followed Josie and her daughter on their canoe trip vacation into the Quetico Wilderness in Canada, he knew they were unarmed. Killing them would be a simple task. But Professor Strong’s specialty is medieval weapons. She might be in the wilderness. But even in a dark forest, she can take ordinary materials and construct lethal weapons. The out-of-shape professor can become a warrior…
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2024
153 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Todd Borg
29 books146 followersTodd Borg and his wife moved from Minnesota to Lake Tahoe in 1990. After his fourth Tahoe novel, he sold his business to write full time.
In addition to winning the Ben Franklin Award for Best Mystery of the Year, Todd Borg's Owen McKenna mysteries have been chosen for Top 5 Mystery lists by the prestigious Library Journal, and by Mystery News Reviewer G. Wedgwood. He's won Best Mystery and Best Thriller honors from the Bay Area Independent Publishers Association and received Best New Fiction accolades from libraries. His novels have also received starred reviews and raves in major trade journals and newspapers across the country.
Todd Borg and his wife live on Lake Tahoe's South Shore.
Series:
* Owen McKenna Mystery
In addition to winning the Ben Franklin Award for Best Mystery of the Year, Todd Borg's Owen McKenna mysteries have been chosen for Top 5 Mystery lists by the prestigious Library Journal, and by Mystery News Reviewer G. Wedgwood. He's won Best Mystery and Best Thriller honors from the Bay Area Independent Publishers Association and received Best New Fiction accolades from libraries. His novels have also received starred reviews and raves in major trade journals and newspapers across the country.
Todd Borg and his wife live on Lake Tahoe's South Shore.
Series:
* Owen McKenna Mystery
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 4, 2024
Definitely not an Owen McKenna story....
I have read all of Todd Borg's previous books. I am not sure what style of writing he is experimenting with, but I hope he reverts to his earlier style. His previous books all had a fluid story. Not Wilderness Vacation. I found myself skipping multiple paragraphs that gave unnecessary details about medieval history and weapons. Todd has always injected some trivia and minutia into his stories, but kept it short and relevant. I will definitely read the next Owen McKenna story but i don't know if I'll read another Josie Strong book.
I have read all of Todd Borg's previous books. I am not sure what style of writing he is experimenting with, but I hope he reverts to his earlier style. His previous books all had a fluid story. Not Wilderness Vacation. I found myself skipping multiple paragraphs that gave unnecessary details about medieval history and weapons. Todd has always injected some trivia and minutia into his stories, but kept it short and relevant. I will definitely read the next Owen McKenna story but i don't know if I'll read another Josie Strong book.
July 4, 2024
Loved the dog!
The dog is what saved the story for me. I'm not sure for what audience this is intended, perhaps middle school age? Although I have often enjoyed books written for toddlers and up to elderly. But I think the short declarative sentences made the reading choppy instead of flowing.
Not sure if I will read the next book or not. Probably I will because I want to know more about the dog.
The dog is what saved the story for me. I'm not sure for what audience this is intended, perhaps middle school age? Although I have often enjoyed books written for toddlers and up to elderly. But I think the short declarative sentences made the reading choppy instead of flowing.
Not sure if I will read the next book or not. Probably I will because I want to know more about the dog.
July 5, 2024
"Wilderness Vacation" by Todd Borg is an engrossing suspense novel that effectively combines historical knowledge with survival tactics. The story centers on UCLA Medieval History Professor Josie Strong and her daughter Samantha, who find themselves in peril after inadvertently witnessing a crime.
Their serene canoe trip into the Quetico Wilderness in Canada turns into a fight for survival when a determined assassin tracks them down. Borg skillfully depicts Josie's transformation from an academic into a resourceful and resilient fighter, utilizing her expertise in medieval weapons to navigate the wilderness dangers.
The narrative is fast-paced and filled with tension, as Borg's vivid descriptions of the wilderness setting enhance the sense of urgency and danger. Josie's character is particularly well-developed, showcasing her strength and ingenuity in the face of life-threatening adversity.
"Wilderness Vacation" is a thrilling read that captivates with its blend of history, suspense, and survival. Todd Borg has crafted a compelling story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, making it a must-read for fans of suspenseful, character-driven novels.
Their serene canoe trip into the Quetico Wilderness in Canada turns into a fight for survival when a determined assassin tracks them down. Borg skillfully depicts Josie's transformation from an academic into a resourceful and resilient fighter, utilizing her expertise in medieval weapons to navigate the wilderness dangers.
The narrative is fast-paced and filled with tension, as Borg's vivid descriptions of the wilderness setting enhance the sense of urgency and danger. Josie's character is particularly well-developed, showcasing her strength and ingenuity in the face of life-threatening adversity.
"Wilderness Vacation" is a thrilling read that captivates with its blend of history, suspense, and survival. Todd Borg has crafted a compelling story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, making it a must-read for fans of suspenseful, character-driven novels.
July 22, 2024
I bought this entire series based on the fact that I love Todd Borg's Owen McKenna series. This first one was a bit slow to start but once it got going it grabbed me and I was unable to put it down. Josie and her daughter Sam were on a vacation in the Canadian wilderness to get away from everything and relax. Josie wanted Sam to not be dependant on her phone all the time. Unfortunately their first day on a seculded island turned their world upside down when there was a killer shooting at them. Neither one of them could figure out who or why and all they knew was that they needed to no only stay alive but get from this island back to the mainland on their own.
With Josie's knowledge of ancient weapons, they were able to arm themselves and make it through the first night. They finally got the upper hand and were able to escape. Unfortunately they didn't kill the bad guy on the island before they left and he followed them home.
Once Josie figured out which one of them the killer was really after she was able to figure out a way to get the better of him.
I am looking forward to the rest of this series
With Josie's knowledge of ancient weapons, they were able to arm themselves and make it through the first night. They finally got the upper hand and were able to escape. Unfortunately they didn't kill the bad guy on the island before they left and he followed them home.
Once Josie figured out which one of them the killer was really after she was able to figure out a way to get the better of him.
I am looking forward to the rest of this series
February 19, 2026
I have read and enjoyed all of Todd Borg‘s Owen McKenna books, and was excited to see that he had written a new series. However, the plot of this book seemed to be explanation after explanation after explanation of subjects that are included in the plot.
Now I know that this happens in all his books, but in the first few chapters of this book we had lectures on medieval weapons, camping gear, canoeing, and the use of a compass.
Since the title of this book is wilderness vacation, I expected that the book would be set in the wilderness. But again that was only for the first few chapters before the action is moved to Los Angeles.
The Relationship between the mother and daughter was also problematic. For a teenager this kid must have never picked up any articles or books or photos of the things her mother teaches in college. She seemed to have very little knowledge at all until the bad guy shows up and then all of a sudden she becomes a freaking warrior.
All in all, I was very disappointed in this book and not sure I will continue reading the rest of the series.
Mr. Borg I think you can do better.
Now I know that this happens in all his books, but in the first few chapters of this book we had lectures on medieval weapons, camping gear, canoeing, and the use of a compass.
Since the title of this book is wilderness vacation, I expected that the book would be set in the wilderness. But again that was only for the first few chapters before the action is moved to Los Angeles.
The Relationship between the mother and daughter was also problematic. For a teenager this kid must have never picked up any articles or books or photos of the things her mother teaches in college. She seemed to have very little knowledge at all until the bad guy shows up and then all of a sudden she becomes a freaking warrior.
All in all, I was very disappointed in this book and not sure I will continue reading the rest of the series.
Mr. Borg I think you can do better.
August 10, 2024
I have read and enjoyed many of the Tahoe books and was excited to try a new series byTodd Borg. Josie Strong was just very unlikeable to me. She's this academic with a serious disdain for anything in the real world. She books this wilderness trip with zero experience of the outdoors and is surprised on arrival to realize the weather in Minnesota is different from California? She is miffed to discover the wilderness cuisine that has to be packed in doesn't include a bunch of fresh fruits and vegetables? After a man tries to shoot her and her daughter multiple times, when she manages to disarm him (twice!) she doesn't want to touch either gun because she doesn't want to get her fingerprints on them? When her daughter is kidnapped she wastes time getting a pep talk from a casual acquaintance and explaining medieval history to a former student and the kidnapper just hangs around waiting for her to show up and save the day? I'm out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2024
At least there was a dog
Rounded up from two and a half stars. The only character I liked in this book, and the only reason I kept reading, is Unknown, the dog.
Josie and Samantha are mother and teenage daughter, and Josie, who is not in great shape, decides to take Samantha to a remote area for a week of bonding with no distractions. This doesn’t make sense because Samantha did not want to do it, and neither of them are experienced outdoor types.
It went downhill from there. Too many implausible scenarios. Josie was annoying for many reasons.
If you want to learn about medieval weapons, give this book a try. There are many details about them, which bogged down the story.
Todd Borg’s Owen McKenna series has been enjoyable and I will continue to read that series. Not planning to continue with this one.
Rounded up from two and a half stars. The only character I liked in this book, and the only reason I kept reading, is Unknown, the dog.
Josie and Samantha are mother and teenage daughter, and Josie, who is not in great shape, decides to take Samantha to a remote area for a week of bonding with no distractions. This doesn’t make sense because Samantha did not want to do it, and neither of them are experienced outdoor types.
It went downhill from there. Too many implausible scenarios. Josie was annoying for many reasons.
If you want to learn about medieval weapons, give this book a try. There are many details about them, which bogged down the story.
Todd Borg’s Owen McKenna series has been enjoyable and I will continue to read that series. Not planning to continue with this one.
September 5, 2024
A slower pace than Owen McKenna books. However, Todd is introducing new characters. He’s establishing what skills, traits, & personalities the mother daughter possesses or lack of them.
For me it was a challenge to hang in there & stick with it. 46% in, the pace & action got going!! Todd has always included a good dose of details. With Josie’s academic background & medieval weaponry focus there was a hefty dose of details.
The writing style of this book is totally different than his Tahoe series. So, read with an open mind ready to accept new characters, new settings, new situations. Read for the story & skip comparing it to Tahoe series!!
I’m writing this review as I’m starting book 2—September 3, 2024. I highly recommend these new adventures!!!!
For me it was a challenge to hang in there & stick with it. 46% in, the pace & action got going!! Todd has always included a good dose of details. With Josie’s academic background & medieval weaponry focus there was a hefty dose of details.
The writing style of this book is totally different than his Tahoe series. So, read with an open mind ready to accept new characters, new settings, new situations. Read for the story & skip comparing it to Tahoe series!!
I’m writing this review as I’m starting book 2—September 3, 2024. I highly recommend these new adventures!!!!
March 6, 2025
This is the first book I have read by this author, and I have to wonder if I downloaded it in error. It's perhaps more of a YA genre than adult book.
While the history of medieval weapons was thorough and midly interesting, it was more of the plot than the actual plot, such as it was. I found myself actually skimming the book so I could call it 'finished'.
The plot wasn't well developed, the characters each individually and especially the interaction between the mother and daughter, just not believable and lacking.
The second in the series was available at the same time, so I downloaded it as well...I will be deleting this and not bothering to read it.
But, like I said, perhaps if I was 14 yrs old it would have appealed to me more.
While the history of medieval weapons was thorough and midly interesting, it was more of the plot than the actual plot, such as it was. I found myself actually skimming the book so I could call it 'finished'.
The plot wasn't well developed, the characters each individually and especially the interaction between the mother and daughter, just not believable and lacking.
The second in the series was available at the same time, so I downloaded it as well...I will be deleting this and not bothering to read it.
But, like I said, perhaps if I was 14 yrs old it would have appealed to me more.
January 31, 2025
Old is new again
The kidnap/murder of a young girl causes a deranged son of a professor to hunt down the 14 year old Samantha who inadvertently witnessed the kidnapping. Josie, Samantha's mother, decides to take a wildness vacation to a remote island accessible only by canoe. The deranged son follows them and tries to kill both mother and daughter. Josie's knowledge of midieval weaponry helped them escape, only to find out the killer had murdered their guide, orphaning his dog. They adopt the dog. Unfortunately, the killer is still alive and continues his bent on murdering the daughter and her mother.
The kidnap/murder of a young girl causes a deranged son of a professor to hunt down the 14 year old Samantha who inadvertently witnessed the kidnapping. Josie, Samantha's mother, decides to take a wildness vacation to a remote island accessible only by canoe. The deranged son follows them and tries to kill both mother and daughter. Josie's knowledge of midieval weaponry helped them escape, only to find out the killer had murdered their guide, orphaning his dog. They adopt the dog. Unfortunately, the killer is still alive and continues his bent on murdering the daughter and her mother.
July 11, 2024
I have all of Todd Borg's Tahoe books and was expecting his style of writing as shown in those books. I am still trying to get myself wrapped around the new Todd Borg. I don't think the characters were developed enough. I didn't end the book wishing that I knew the characters like I did in the Tahoe books. And everyone loves Spot but Unknown is still unknown to me. A decent read but slightly disappointing to me. I will look forward to the next books to see if they will draw me in closer.
August 6, 2024
Todd Borg
I've read his Tahoe books for years, he's a good storyteller and getting to be a better writer. There's a bit too much detail for my taste , nevertheless I couldn't stop reading. I started to care about the characters and had to force myself not to finish it in one day. Plus, there's a dog, not quite His Hugeness but Unknown will do.
I've read his Tahoe books for years, he's a good storyteller and getting to be a better writer. There's a bit too much detail for my taste , nevertheless I couldn't stop reading. I started to care about the characters and had to force myself not to finish it in one day. Plus, there's a dog, not quite His Hugeness but Unknown will do.
October 29, 2024
This is book one of new series written by a favorite author of mine. A great travel read, there were moments while reading I caught myself holding my breath due to the suspense. Great ending, caught me by surprise. Only reason for an4 star was the story moved a little slow in the middle although it played into the storyline in an important way. An enjoyable read.
June 21, 2025
I’ve read almost all of Todd Borg’s books & loved all of them. This first one in the Josie Strong series was different - not Todd’s usual style & regular characters. I missed the usual characters! I enjoyed Wilderness Vacation but got a little bored with the knot tying details etc. I will read the next one in the series, however, hope he continues his main style😊
July 11, 2024
Can't believe this is the same Todd Borg. .
This reads like a high school textbook assignment. No realistic character development and totally unreal plot. Ugh. Will not read the next one.
This reads like a high school textbook assignment. No realistic character development and totally unreal plot. Ugh. Will not read the next one.
August 3, 2024
Great Book
I've been a fan of Todd Borg for a long time For his Lake Tahoe books. This series is great. I'm looking forward to the rest of them. Attention to detail is a Borg trait that I enjoy.
I've been a fan of Todd Borg for a long time For his Lake Tahoe books. This series is great. I'm looking forward to the rest of them. Attention to detail is a Borg trait that I enjoy.
August 16, 2024
A Fairly Good Start
Introducing characters in a new series must be difficult for an established author. Good premise for the characters, but one has to suspend disbelief quite a bit in this inaugural book. I’m curious enough to want to continue with the second book.
Introducing characters in a new series must be difficult for an established author. Good premise for the characters, but one has to suspend disbelief quite a bit in this inaugural book. I’m curious enough to want to continue with the second book.
January 7, 2025
Wilderness vacation
Interesting read. Maybe a little better suited for highschool age readers but that didn't stop me from reading every page. Really nice to read a book that didn't use profanity!!
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series 😀 📚
Interesting read. Maybe a little better suited for highschool age readers but that didn't stop me from reading every page. Really nice to read a book that didn't use profanity!!
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series 😀 📚
January 28, 2025
Love the Tahoe series but this seems like a completely different author. Very unbelievable storyline and poor writing style. I couldn’t picture the scenes being described, especially with the weapons.
February 19, 2025
Exciting read! Great Unknown is the best!
Great storyline……keeps you in suspense the whole way through….and to think that bears & cougars are the least of your worries on this camp out! Enjoyed every chapter…..you will too!
Great storyline……keeps you in suspense the whole way through….and to think that bears & cougars are the least of your worries on this camp out! Enjoyed every chapter…..you will too!
October 7, 2024
I like the new characters and the adventure was fun. The medeival weapon descriptions are a little confusing; a drawing would have helped me understand tremendously. Love Unknown.
February 2, 2025
I felt I was in a lecture hall on Medieval weapons.
March 29, 2025
Like his McKenna series much better. This one seemed highly implausible.
September 14, 2025
I started this book in August but couldn’t get into it. I picked it up again two days ago and could hardly put it down. I guess I have started a new Todd Borg series!
August 3, 2024
Prolific Lake Tahoe author, Todd Borg, has not one, but FIVE new books for us. In addition to his annual Tahoe series release with “private eye” Owen McKenna and his family-friendly cast, Borg is offering a similar mystery series through your not-so-average UCLA Medieval History professor, Josie Strong. who “saves the day” with improvised ancient weapons. "Tahoe Rescue" is fascinating as a literary adventure vacation among friends, while "Wilderness Vacation" engages your intellect and creativity. Both will pass your time too quickly but, fear not! – in the case of the Tahoe series, there are 21 previous and mostly independent stories. And the July release of the "Wilderness" series is the first of four, with the second available in early August, then September and October. When taken together, there is something for every aged reader, from an endearing Great Dane to an improvised “onager” or “trebuchet.” Reading either of the stories will be a feast for your curiosity.
July 16, 2024
Tood Borg Does It Again!!!!!
I just finished “Wilderson Vacation”
Very exciting. It keeps you reading & also surprises you along the way. Anxiously awaiting #2 in this new series, “ Wilderson Justice”.
I just finished “Wilderson Vacation”
Very exciting. It keeps you reading & also surprises you along the way. Anxiously awaiting #2 in this new series, “ Wilderson Justice”.
July 21, 2024
Since I am a huge fan of Todd Borg's Owen McKenna series set in gorgeous Lake Tahoe, I immediately pre-ordered Wilderness Vacation as soon as I heard about it. Although it took me some time to warm to medieval history professor Josie Strong and her fourteen-year-old daughter, Samantha, I now know that I'm going to enjoy this series.
After all, who wouldn't like a book featuring an out-of-shape medieval history professor whose glasses are always fogging up? Josie is an intelligent woman. She's made a success of her classes by bringing in medieval weaponry to wake up her students and interest them in history; however, I do question her decision to book a vacation in a remote Canadian wilderness area. Neither she nor her daughter has the slightest knowledge of canoeing or how physically demanding it is to carry a canoe and supplies from one lake to another. And that's just the tip of the iceberg.
Borg is a master at writing thrilling, fast-paced action scenes, and as Josie and Samantha tried to escape a very determined killer through rough terrain, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. The author also has a fondness for dogs-- one that I share-- so it was good to see that these two women soon collected a canine companion. Another thing that I really appreciated is the behavior of the sheriff in the wilderness area. So many authors, in the same circumstances as this sheriff, would have Josie and Samantha treated as prime suspects. Not Borg. His sheriff is intelligent enough to gather all the facts and trust the two-- even though what they did was incredible.
And as the action returns to Los Angeles, another character joins the cast. Cumberland Durand, a former student of Josie's as well as a computer hacker, is an unlikely hero, but his skills shone when he teamed up with Josie and Samantha.
Strong characters, thrilling action, a vivid setting... bring on the next book!
After all, who wouldn't like a book featuring an out-of-shape medieval history professor whose glasses are always fogging up? Josie is an intelligent woman. She's made a success of her classes by bringing in medieval weaponry to wake up her students and interest them in history; however, I do question her decision to book a vacation in a remote Canadian wilderness area. Neither she nor her daughter has the slightest knowledge of canoeing or how physically demanding it is to carry a canoe and supplies from one lake to another. And that's just the tip of the iceberg.
Borg is a master at writing thrilling, fast-paced action scenes, and as Josie and Samantha tried to escape a very determined killer through rough terrain, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. The author also has a fondness for dogs-- one that I share-- so it was good to see that these two women soon collected a canine companion. Another thing that I really appreciated is the behavior of the sheriff in the wilderness area. So many authors, in the same circumstances as this sheriff, would have Josie and Samantha treated as prime suspects. Not Borg. His sheriff is intelligent enough to gather all the facts and trust the two-- even though what they did was incredible.
And as the action returns to Los Angeles, another character joins the cast. Cumberland Durand, a former student of Josie's as well as a computer hacker, is an unlikely hero, but his skills shone when he teamed up with Josie and Samantha.
Strong characters, thrilling action, a vivid setting... bring on the next book!
August 9, 2025
I was a bit skeptical about the way this one began, but it grew on me and I ended up enjoying the story. I rate it 4.7 stars.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews