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Owen McKenna #14
Tahoe Dark
When Tahoe resident Jonas Montrop is kidnapped, his father pays the ransom but is then murdered. The next day, four robbers in hoodies and hockey masks take down an armored truck loaded with cash destined for a casino at Lake Tahoe. The company's boss calls Tahoe Detective Owen McKenna. As McKenna tracks the robbers, he finds two of them murdered in the grisliest of ways. McKenna uncovers evidence that implicates a young woman named Evan Rosen in all three murders. Evan worked for the father of the kidnap victim, and she had a powerful motivation for wanting the robbers dead. Evan is arrested and charged with murder. The problem is that McKenna doesn't believe Evan did it. The only way to save her from death row is to find the real killer. But this killer is smarter and meaner than any McKenna has ever caught. It looks like McKenna and Evan are both going to die before the killer is finished...
- GenresMysteryContemporaryCrime
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2016
205 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
About the author
Todd Borg
29 books145 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
September 17, 2016
Familiar characters we love, more murders than you care to hear of, but as always Owen McKenna has everything covered.
Todd Borg's latest, marvelous thriller, TAHOE DARK, includes a kidnapping, a murder of the father of the kidnapped son, a robbery of an armored truck, and old grudges coming to the surface.
TAHOE DARK is packed with action and twists. The surprises just keep on coming, and Owen keeps on resolving them.
TAHOE DARK continues the tradition of Todd Borg's excellence with his wonderful descriptions and plot lines. You think the characters have had enough, and then along comes a situation that is somehow connected to the previous one. The action doesn't stop, and it all smoothly flows and connects.
The ending comes crashing in with the final scene being another Todd Borg masterpiece.
Give yourself a treat and read a TAHOE book. ENJOY when you do. 5/5
This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation by the author in return for an honest review.
January 30, 2017
I would say that Todd Borg cranks out one marvelous book after another, but that would give you the impression that each Owen McKenna mystery is thrown together on an assembly line. Nothing could be further from the truth. Tahoe Dark-- like the other books in this series-- is tightly plotted and well-paced, with a mystery that keeps you guessing, and a cast of characters that many other writers would kill for. Throw in the breathtaking scenery of Lake Tahoe, and you've got a little slice of heaven between the covers of a book.
There's a lot going on in Tahoe Dark: kidnapping, multiple murders, an armored car heist, skullduggery out on the lake, skulking around buildings in the dead of night... but none of it is confusing, and all of it makes you work at coming up with the right solution. Speaking of that solution, it's going to be difficult because Borg throws in some excellent misdirection.
Some of you are going to see the word "thriller" being used to describe this book (and the entire series), and you're going to turn up your noses. Don't. Yes, the plots are fast-paced thrillers with hair-raising action. Yes, Owen McKenna is a private investigator. Yes, damsels in distress-- like Evan Rosen-- turn up from time to time. But McKenna isn't your typical gumshoe who gets beat up regularly, has a love affair with his gun, speaks in terse gumshoe, and thinks women are only good for one-night stands. He's the type of man most women would sell their eye teeth to get their hands on. He doesn't shoot first and ask questions later. He doesn't talk like Sam Spade. He has a good working relationship with the various law enforcement agencies in the area. He likes art and music and the outdoors, and he is in a committed relationship with a brilliant entomologist. (For those of you who don't care for romance in your books, don't you turn up your noses either. Owen's relationship with Street is done so well it should make almost everyone happy.)
Outside of Owen, my two favorite characters in Tahoe Dark are Evan Rosen and Owen's sidekick. Evan Rosen is an intelligent, loving, hard-working young woman who's never caught a break her entire life. Borg makes you see past her tough exterior and into her deep despair and longing. You want-- more than anything-- for McKenna to prove her innocence. And that sidekick? Spot is probably the best four-legged partner in the thriller biz. This Harlequin Great Dane is not only good at subduing stubborn bad guys, he comes in handy when victims need reassurance and reluctant witnesses need softening up. He's also a master at eating:
"He lunged. It was fast and probably painless for the hotdog. I know Spot bit down at least once, and he had to have swallowed at least once, unless he'd developed a new food-vac technique that I hadn't yet witnessed. But I wouldn't swear that there was more than one bite or swallow."
All this and humor, too. Plus the fact that Spot is just a dog. A well-trained dog, but not Super K-9.
Tahoe Dark ends with a hint of possible danger for Street, which makes me rue the fact that Borg's books only come out once a year. I can't recommend this series highly enough. I love it, and I sincerely hope you'll get your hands on an Owen McKenna mystery. Where should you start? Anywhere actually because Borg does an excellent job of providing just the right amount of backstory to keep you grounded. But don't be surprised if you read one and start looking for all the rest of the books in the series. They. Are. That. Good.
There's a lot going on in Tahoe Dark: kidnapping, multiple murders, an armored car heist, skullduggery out on the lake, skulking around buildings in the dead of night... but none of it is confusing, and all of it makes you work at coming up with the right solution. Speaking of that solution, it's going to be difficult because Borg throws in some excellent misdirection.
Some of you are going to see the word "thriller" being used to describe this book (and the entire series), and you're going to turn up your noses. Don't. Yes, the plots are fast-paced thrillers with hair-raising action. Yes, Owen McKenna is a private investigator. Yes, damsels in distress-- like Evan Rosen-- turn up from time to time. But McKenna isn't your typical gumshoe who gets beat up regularly, has a love affair with his gun, speaks in terse gumshoe, and thinks women are only good for one-night stands. He's the type of man most women would sell their eye teeth to get their hands on. He doesn't shoot first and ask questions later. He doesn't talk like Sam Spade. He has a good working relationship with the various law enforcement agencies in the area. He likes art and music and the outdoors, and he is in a committed relationship with a brilliant entomologist. (For those of you who don't care for romance in your books, don't you turn up your noses either. Owen's relationship with Street is done so well it should make almost everyone happy.)
Outside of Owen, my two favorite characters in Tahoe Dark are Evan Rosen and Owen's sidekick. Evan Rosen is an intelligent, loving, hard-working young woman who's never caught a break her entire life. Borg makes you see past her tough exterior and into her deep despair and longing. You want-- more than anything-- for McKenna to prove her innocence. And that sidekick? Spot is probably the best four-legged partner in the thriller biz. This Harlequin Great Dane is not only good at subduing stubborn bad guys, he comes in handy when victims need reassurance and reluctant witnesses need softening up. He's also a master at eating:
"He lunged. It was fast and probably painless for the hotdog. I know Spot bit down at least once, and he had to have swallowed at least once, unless he'd developed a new food-vac technique that I hadn't yet witnessed. But I wouldn't swear that there was more than one bite or swallow."
All this and humor, too. Plus the fact that Spot is just a dog. A well-trained dog, but not Super K-9.
Tahoe Dark ends with a hint of possible danger for Street, which makes me rue the fact that Borg's books only come out once a year. I can't recommend this series highly enough. I love it, and I sincerely hope you'll get your hands on an Owen McKenna mystery. Where should you start? Anywhere actually because Borg does an excellent job of providing just the right amount of backstory to keep you grounded. But don't be surprised if you read one and start looking for all the rest of the books in the series. They. Are. That. Good.
October 10, 2016
We start the story as a man is on the phone and learns his son is being held for ransom. Even though he follows instructions he still meets a sad end. Owen McKenna is called in since the victim has accused him of trying to kill him. Owen recognizes the victim as a scam artist that was freed on a technicality. Owen decides that he is going to look into the victim’s son and finds him tied up in a half sunken boat.
Owen also discovers a house cleaner, Evan that is working hard to support her and her special needs sister. After and bank robbery that seems to draw Evan into the mix all signs are pointing to her. Owen just has a gut feeling that Evan is being framed but is having a hard time finding the truth.
This is another great Owen McKenna story. You start out with a murder with a paddle board of a scam artist, a kidnapping, and the robbery of an armored car. But I have to say one of the things that I love the best is Owen and Street’s relationship. Plus having Street teach Owen about Facebook was hilarious.
If you want a great mystery that will keep you guessing until the end, I strongly recommend any of the Owen McKenna books. Although they are a series you can easily read them out of order. You can’t go wrong with a book from Todd Borg.
I received Tahoe Dark from the author for an honest review.
Owen also discovers a house cleaner, Evan that is working hard to support her and her special needs sister. After and bank robbery that seems to draw Evan into the mix all signs are pointing to her. Owen just has a gut feeling that Evan is being framed but is having a hard time finding the truth.
This is another great Owen McKenna story. You start out with a murder with a paddle board of a scam artist, a kidnapping, and the robbery of an armored car. But I have to say one of the things that I love the best is Owen and Street’s relationship. Plus having Street teach Owen about Facebook was hilarious.
If you want a great mystery that will keep you guessing until the end, I strongly recommend any of the Owen McKenna books. Although they are a series you can easily read them out of order. You can’t go wrong with a book from Todd Borg.
I received Tahoe Dark from the author for an honest review.
January 13, 2017
Another great mystery about Owen and his dog Spot. Cleverly plotted with well-developed characters we've grown to love in a favorite beautiful setting. Fictional private detective Owen McKenna is every bit as intelligent, resourceful, and courageous as the best of them, with gentleness, integrity, and an aversion to violence to add. I especially love Borg's portrayal of his women characters, and how they are treated with respect in his stories. Women: Even if you don't think you like private eye stories, you'll love Todd Borg's, I promise.
December 27, 2016
Set in Nevada and California around Lake Tahoe, the series has always been captivating and suspenseful. In this novel, evidence points to a young woman, Evan Rosen, as the perpetrator of three murders. Owen McKenna doesn't believe she is guilty, however, and sets out to prove it.
February 6, 2020
I know I shouldn't have started this series near the end, but I found this copy at the Library Shop where I work. It sounded interesting and I'm a sucker for a good PI story. I was looking for something I could enjoy as much as Bill Pronzini's Nameless series.
Lake Tahoe has a special place in my heart; my son was married there. I love how Todd Borg completely utilizes the landscape of the area. I also like the interactions between local LEOs and PI Owen McKenna. It is refreshing not to read the cops-dislike-PIs trope and the PI-hides-things-from-cops trope. I also like Borg's pedantic style and the explanations of everything from old ski poles and the lifespan of maggots to the difference between a sociopath and a psychopath.
The reason I only gave this book 3 stars is that the case was unnecessarily complicated and the level of some of the coincidences was unbelievable. This is one of those books that doesn't hold up to scrutiny after it is read because the plot had several "that doesn't make sense" moments. In trying to establish the brillance of the antagonist Borg glosses over some of the moments of how the crime actually worked. Some of the things that McKenna said were necessary to commit the crime turned out not to be necessary at all, I guess.
I liked the lead character and his girlfriend and the beautiful locale enough to read another of his books.
Lake Tahoe has a special place in my heart; my son was married there. I love how Todd Borg completely utilizes the landscape of the area. I also like the interactions between local LEOs and PI Owen McKenna. It is refreshing not to read the cops-dislike-PIs trope and the PI-hides-things-from-cops trope. I also like Borg's pedantic style and the explanations of everything from old ski poles and the lifespan of maggots to the difference between a sociopath and a psychopath.
The reason I only gave this book 3 stars is that the case was unnecessarily complicated and the level of some of the coincidences was unbelievable. This is one of those books that doesn't hold up to scrutiny after it is read because the plot had several "that doesn't make sense" moments. In trying to establish the brillance of the antagonist Borg glosses over some of the moments of how the crime actually worked. Some of the things that McKenna said were necessary to commit the crime turned out not to be necessary at all, I guess.
I liked the lead character and his girlfriend and the beautiful locale enough to read another of his books.
January 27, 2018
One of the best of the Tahoe series
I’ve now read the first fourteen Tahoe books. I’ve quite enjoyed all but one (see my review of Tahoe Ghost Boat). Some reviewers complain about the level of detail given to minor matters, such as the descriptions of the weapons used in Tahoe Dark. It’s one of my favorite things about the series. I learn something new and interesting every time. This time I looked up the Van Gogh painting mentioned as well as finding more information and videos of the weapons. Also learned a little more about narcissists, sociopaths and psychopaths, which was key to the killer‘s motivation. Although I figured out who the killer was before Owen did, I didn’t get the motive until the connections to the victims was revealed. I’m sad there’s only one book left, but hope there are more to come.
I’ve now read the first fourteen Tahoe books. I’ve quite enjoyed all but one (see my review of Tahoe Ghost Boat). Some reviewers complain about the level of detail given to minor matters, such as the descriptions of the weapons used in Tahoe Dark. It’s one of my favorite things about the series. I learn something new and interesting every time. This time I looked up the Van Gogh painting mentioned as well as finding more information and videos of the weapons. Also learned a little more about narcissists, sociopaths and psychopaths, which was key to the killer‘s motivation. Although I figured out who the killer was before Owen did, I didn’t get the motive until the connections to the victims was revealed. I’m sad there’s only one book left, but hope there are more to come.
November 1, 2017
Taho Dark
Great Happy ending! Took me a little while to get and stay interested but worth it! Good descriptions of areas of interest and actions.
Certainly a surprise as to the final identity of the perpetrator.
Definatelt interested in reading the other books by Todd Borg.
Thank you. Neva.
Great Happy ending! Took me a little while to get and stay interested but worth it! Good descriptions of areas of interest and actions.
Certainly a surprise as to the final identity of the perpetrator.
Definatelt interested in reading the other books by Todd Borg.
Thank you. Neva.
July 17, 2025
Excellent of course
These books by Mr. Borg are always good. I enjoyed this one as much as the first one I read. There is always something informative about some esoteric thing. The characters are interesting and well developed. It took me until the very end when I finally figured out who was the bad guy.
These books by Mr. Borg are always good. I enjoyed this one as much as the first one I read. There is always something informative about some esoteric thing. The characters are interesting and well developed. It took me until the very end when I finally figured out who was the bad guy.
March 21, 2017
Thank you Kit for the connection to this book!
I have read several of this series before, years ago. I had no idea the author was married to one of my favorite artists. I'm thrilled no end. I may be retreading the earlier books but I must read them all. I'm of an age where I may reread something and I'll still not remember the ending. Old friends are new again.
usually can feel where the author is going with the story. It wasn't possible here. The twists and turns were awesome. The humor was the icing. I could not put the book down.
I have read several of this series before, years ago. I had no idea the author was married to one of my favorite artists. I'm thrilled no end. I may be retreading the earlier books but I must read them all. I'm of an age where I may reread something and I'll still not remember the ending. Old friends are new again.
usually can feel where the author is going with the story. It wasn't possible here. The twists and turns were awesome. The humor was the icing. I could not put the book down.
May 15, 2018
I have now read all of Todd Borg’s books. This was my favorite. It had me within its grasp the whole way. I take pride in figuring out his stories before Owen McKenna reveals the guilty party, but this one fooled me and I loved it.
June 23, 2018
Once Again, Nothing But Pure Enjoyment!
Every time I read Owen McKenna the most difficult part is knowing that it will end. The story and and characters always
feel comfortable and familiar. Keep on writing. Thanks.
Every time I read Owen McKenna the most difficult part is knowing that it will end. The story and and characters always
feel comfortable and familiar. Keep on writing. Thanks.
January 26, 2020
An ending never thought of!
Todd and Owen really did it great! I have been pretty close to the "Who did it? This one really threw me for a loop (or should I say spear). Another great one. On to the next in the series!
Todd and Owen really did it great! I have been pretty close to the "Who did it? This one really threw me for a loop (or should I say spear). Another great one. On to the next in the series!
November 12, 2021
Best book yet
Solid story. Great pace of action and with head-jerking, but believable, plot twists. As a former Lake Tahoe resident, the assorted locations described brought back great memories! Todd's attention to details is impressive.
Solid story. Great pace of action and with head-jerking, but believable, plot twists. As a former Lake Tahoe resident, the assorted locations described brought back great memories! Todd's attention to details is impressive.
May 15, 2017
Loved it
Great read as all Tahoe books in the series. Just fun page turner, great characters and if you have ever been to Tahoe you will remember the towns.
Great read as all Tahoe books in the series. Just fun page turner, great characters and if you have ever been to Tahoe you will remember the towns.
July 12, 2017
A trivia lover's delight. Lots of bits of curious information about bugs, insect developmental stages, and some obscure tools from Australia . The characters are also unique and worthy of studying.
October 14, 2017
Maybe the best yet. It will keep you guessing until the very end and then you might want to reread it to see if there were clues you missed. You didn't. Very exciting.
December 9, 2018
A little slow at the beginning but then it picks up the pace. Excellent use of local geography.
May 17, 2019
Todd Berg always catches the essence of the lake Tahoe region. The stories are excellent except the detective or is girlfriend keep getting injured.
August 29, 2019
As always... riveting!!
March 31, 2020
A mystery you can't put down
A story with many twists and turns. You think you know the killer to find out you don't. If mystery is your love, this is the book for you!! Enjoy
A story with many twists and turns. You think you know the killer to find out you don't. If mystery is your love, this is the book for you!! Enjoy
June 4, 2020
Must read!
Another great thriller from Todd Borg! As a rule, I don't like thrillers, but this author has enough excitement without too much gore. Loved it!
Another great thriller from Todd Borg! As a rule, I don't like thrillers, but this author has enough excitement without too much gore. Loved it!
January 18, 2023
Always something to learn about in the Tahoe series. Familiar characters make an appearance.
July 17, 2023
Learned lots about psychopaths and narcissist.
September 7, 2025
Another intense series.
December 28, 2016
very good
March 3, 2024
I started with book one, and I've kept reading. I've enjoyed them all. I really had a difficult time putting this one down for life necessities. I'm retired so have more time than a lot, but it definitely was difficult.
I'm looking forward to the rest of his books.
I'm looking forward to the rest of his books.
November 3, 2017
I think Owen McKenna and Spot are a GREAT team. As I have with ALL Todd Borg books I have read so far, I highly recommend them. Great plots twists and turns and fairly clean with language and adult romance. McKenna is a terrific detective and keeps the reader in suspense throughout the book.
November 19, 2018
Pretty good mystery, likable characters, interesting situations, relaxed writing style...I enjoyed this book.
October 7, 2016
BEST BOOK IN THE SERIES! Lake Tahoe is one of my favorite places on earth. The breathtaking beauty of the mountains and the almost indescribable alpine blue of the Lake are truly unforgettable! Though it's been many years since my last visit, all I have to do is read the latest Todd Borg novel and I feel as though I'm there! His descriptions are so vivid, I always know exactly where he is when he is whipping around the curves and going in and out of coves and such in pursuit of the criminal/criminals. I've read all of Borg's books but I do believe this is his BEST! The action never stops from Page 1 to the end. The plot is compelling, the characters well thought out (regular characters from all of Borg's books and new characters just for this story), the fantastic settings all over Tahoe, friendships that are longstanding and have the attributes of respect and admiration and the deepening love between Owen McKenna and Dr. Street Casey. Borg's books are always entertaining but TAHOE DARK is the best to date!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews