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In 1940, a teenage blind boy named Danny Callahan witnessed the scuttling of the SS Tahoe Steamer, the grandest ship to ever sail Lake Tahoe. Eighty years later, a killer beats up old man Daniel Callahan, demanding to know the truth about a secret that went down with the ship. If Callahan doesn't tell all he knows, the people closest to Callahan will die...

355 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2019

233 people are currently reading
132 people want to read

About the author

Todd Borg

29 books144 followers
Todd 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

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5 stars
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151 (28%)
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42 (8%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
Profile Image for Elizabeth of Silver's Reviews.
1,297 reviews1,614 followers
September 23, 2019
What could have happened on that ship or what could be on the sunken ship from 40 years ago that would cause someone to kill for it?

Daniel Callahan and anyone close to him including his neighbor, Mae, were the people someone targeted for this information.

Daniel was beaten, but didn't answer any questions the intruder was asking.

Since Daniel wouldn't go to the hospital to get checked out after he was beaten, Mae called Owen McKenna to help with the investigation.

McKenna and Spot arrived on the scene, and McKenna did his usual investigative magic that always includes tension and quick thinking.

Besides being treated to another mystery, when you read Mr. Borg's books, you will learn obscure facts about bugs as well as learn about a sport which in this case was free diving.

There is never a dull moment in Mr. Borg's books, and his characters and story line are very well developed along with his outstanding and pull-you-in descriptions.

TAHOE DEEP is filled with secrets, love, and murder.

All of Mr. Borg's books are excellent, but this book is one of his best.

If you haven't fallen in love with McKenna, Spot, and Street yet, what are you waiting for? 5/5

This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Robin.
1,603 reviews35 followers
August 22, 2019
Todd Borg again knocks it out of the park with his latest Owen McKenna mystery. It’s always a pleasure to spend a week or two each summer with Owen, a retired homicide detective; Street, his girlfriend; and of course, Spot (aka “His Largeness”), Owen’s Harlequin Great Dane. And, as always, most of the action takes place in the realistic setting of Lake Tahoe and surrounding landmarks.

In this mystery, Borg uses the event of the sinking of the Tahoe Steamer which occurred in the late 1940s. Daniel Callahan, an elderly blind man, is attacked by someone who thinks he may know about a treasure that went down with the ship. Owen’s job is to find out who is trying to harm not only Daniel but his fearless neighbor Mae, a librarian at the public library. As Owen investigates, he imparts information about such diverse topics as freediving, lemon mites, and parts of Tahoe’s historical past. Owen displays both his intelligence and fierce fighting skills in defeating the bad guys with a little help from Spot.

Borg again does a stellar job in developing his characters, and I was especially pleased with Mae, and I hope to see her featured in future mysteries.

This series is excellent for fans of authors C. J. Box, J. A. Jance, and Lee Child. It's always best to read a series in order but please don’t hesitate to read these out of order as each title can stand by itself.

My only complaint is that I didn't get to read this while sitting in my sand chair on Pope Beach.
Profile Image for Cathy Cole.
2,237 reviews60 followers
July 26, 2019
Summer isn't summer without a new Owen McKenna mystery, and Tahoe Deep satisfies on so many levels. I always learn something when I read one of Todd Borg's books. This time it was the SS Tahoe Steamer, which was a vital method of transportation for the folks living around Lake Tahoe in the decades before decent roads circled the lake. Not satisfied with that, Borg also gave me information about freediving-- something I didn't realize I did a lot of when I was a kid. I even taught myself many of the proper breathing techniques. (What's freediving? Diving with only the breath you can hold in your lungs. No air tanks allowed.) The fun thing about the information about freediving is that I knew it would figure into the story sooner or later-- and it did. Wow...

Daniel Callahan is a feisty curmudgeon, and it takes all of McKenna's people skills to get the old man to cooperate in saving his own life. Borg has a knack for creating characters that I really come to care for, and Daniel is no exception. For those of you who are already fans of this wonderful series, don't worry. Spot the harlequin Great Dane has his share of the action. (I am so glad that this series takes place in its own dimension of time because huge dogs do not have long life spans. This series would be crippled without Spot.)

Having been a homicide detective in San Francisco for many years, I really appreciate how McKenna has excellent working relationships with area law enforcement. Another thing I love about McKenna? Whenever I think of him, first and foremost I think of his relationship with a brilliant entomologist named Street. Street has her special quirks that most men would not be able to accept. It always warms my heart that McKenna is completely comfortable with accepting women-- especially strong women-- on their own terms. I wish he would teach classes.

Tahoe Deep has a strong mystery, a cast of memorable characters who have become my friends, and fantastic underwater action sequences. Now that I've savored this book, I know that the Summer of 2019 is proceeding exactly the way it should.
Profile Image for Sara Marshall.
45 reviews1 follower
March 15, 2020
Great Book, Stalled in Some Parts

I really enjoyed the overall story of this book. It had a happy ending and it was well researched and thought out. The only reason why this is not a five star book for me is because it began to stall at some points which took away from the thrill of reading it. Also, when there was action the additional information slowed down the read, making it more clunky. With all of this in mind, I would highly recommend the read to anyone who loves a good mystery and buttoned up endings.
11 reviews
August 15, 2019
It's a thriller, it's a mystery, it's a historical crime story... it's #17 of the all new Owen McKenna Tahoe Series, published by Thriller Press, August 2019.
I am spending a few days in South Lake Tahoe and immediately immersed myself in TAHOE DEEP.
As we learn of the 1940 scuttling of the Tahoe Steamer the book begins, as always in Borg's novels with a teaser of a storyline of the past, only to bring us into the current city of South Lake Tahoe and surrounding mountains as the mystery unravels.
Fast pace, interesting non-fiction information about Tahoe history and suspense got me half-way through already.
I can't put the book down......!
Finished and it did not disappoint! Great story & looking forward to the next one!
Profile Image for Harvee Lau.
1,420 reviews38 followers
September 1, 2019
McKenna takes us on an investigative ride with thrills, suspense, and danger, especially involving diving or free diving (diving without equipment) in Lake Tahoe.

The author has made Lake Tahoe and its surroundings the setting for his series, and it is still a magnificent and unusual place, lending its aura and uniqueness to the mystery novel. Highly recommended.

My full review: https://bookdilettante.blogspot.com/2...
Profile Image for Hedda Hopscotch.
13 reviews
August 9, 2019
Todd Borg’s best yet! Don’t pass up the chance to read “Tahoe Deep”

For readers who enjoy well rounded characters, a tight story with just the right amount of tension, mystery, and humor! This has it all! I happened to hear about Todd Borg several years ago when I was invited by a friend to attend a talk he gave about his books at the library in Vacaville, California. I write some and I’m a voracious reader of books, mostly mysteries. I hadn’t yet read any of his books but I ended up buying a few that night and have since read all of this series! The lead character, Owen McKenna is a former veteran officer from the San Francisco police department who now resides in Lake Tahoe and works as a private investigator. Owen lives alone except for a beautiful,smart, and loyal Harlequin Great Dane named spot. The pair solve murders and other mysteries happening in the Tahoe area. Tahoe Deep focuses on an old rumor about some kind of treasure that may have gone down with the Tahoe Steamer more than 40 years ago when she was scuttled. An elderly man is badly beaten in his home because someone thinks he know what the treasure is. Owen is called in by the local Police after he refuses to talk about what happened and to see if the old man knows any reason someone might want to harm him. Each book in this series focuses on a new crime with colorful characters and a story that quickly grabs and carries you along for a roller coaster ride! The books also bring in recurring characters who work with Owen and Spot from the Police and Sheriff’s Department, and Owen’s brainy girlfriend Street Casey! You will soon feel as though they have become your friends along the way. If you want to start with Tahoe Deep, I would highly recommend it!
74 reviews3 followers
September 4, 2019
When Owen McKenna takes on a case, he never knows where it will lead and he takes the reader along for a thrill-packed ride of discovery. In "Tahoe Deep," the 17th book in the series, McKenna helps an elderly assault victim and finds himself in the middle of a deep and deadly story stretching back decades.

One of my favorite parts of Borg's books is learning, along with McKenna, about new things. This book takes us into the world of treasure hunters and free divers. McKenna finds the experts and learns the inside information he needs to put the pieces of the puzzle together. We get to learn along with him.

Borg's novels are well-crafted, taut and gritty mysteries. His hero, a former police officer turned private investigator, inhabits a world of fascinating people. McKenna's sweetheart, entomologist Street Casey brings a softer side of the detective to light. Spot, his harlequin great Dane, goes by the nickname Largeness. His connections in the various police departments in the Lake Tahoe area add their own flavor to the mix.

Another of Borg's gifts is the ability to deliver a highly satisfying resolution in the face of complex stories. "Tahoe Deep" is no exception.

I always look forward to the next volume in the Owen McKenna Tahoe Mystery Series the same way a kid looks forward to Christmas. And I'm always delighted, never disappointed.

If you like hard-boiled but goodhearted heroes in the vein of MacDonald's Travis McGee or Parker's Spenser and Stone, you'll love this series. Throw in the fabulous scenery of the Lake Tahoe Basin and you've got a winner!
12 reviews
August 2, 2019
REVIEW: “TAHOE DEEP” by Todd Borg

This seventeenth in Todd Borg's “Tahoe” series breaks new ground but stays well within the uber-professional writing style that is Borg's trademark. He not only takes us on a tour of the beautiful Lake Tahoe area, but weaves into his story an education about peripheral topics that support the plot, the characters, and the pleasure of what amounts to an adventure vacation. It's a trip!

“Tahoe Deep” goes 400 feet under the surface of the lake, although not really. If you think that's an unusual paradox, just keep reading! And just when you think something's finished, it's not. When I picked up the book, I read until I was over 100 pages into it, and needed to be somewhere else.

Following Todd's developing story line is easy, but without predictable plot twists. As characters, it helps to have a huge Great Dane, a loyal but independent best girl friend, and professional contacts around The Lake that allow progress towards solving the mysteries, but it's never done by drawing a straight line between two plot points.

The words “Story Arc” applies in more ways that one. I highly recommend that you buy this latest in the series, and then give into the desire to read the entire series from the beginning.

Just don't make appointments that you cannot break!
180 reviews
August 1, 2019
Another masterpiece!

In many book series there are a few books that aren't as good as others. That doesn't happen in the Owen McKenna books. I just can't pick a favorite. This book is definitely of the same high quality as the previous books. It is exciting, interesting, well-written, and even educational. Free diving, Jenny stamps, and lemon mites are covered here. One other quality of Todd Borg's series is that any of the books can be read and thoroughly enjoyed as a stand-alone. Of course, I don't recommend that. I think if you read one, you'll want to read them all. With books of this quality, the author certainly doesn't resort to the cliffhanger ending that seems to be way too prevalent in fiction series lately. It is my contention that if books are good, you'll want to read more by the same author. It seems way too many authors these days don't have enough confidence in their writing to think you'll want to read their next book unless you have to find out what happens. Thankfully, Borg's books don't follow that frustrating disgusting formula. Kudos to Mr. Borg! Keep the Owen McKenna books coming. I love all the intelligent interesting characters and stories.
Profile Image for Elaine Bachmann.
4 reviews2 followers
September 6, 2019
Tahoe Deep is the 17th book in the Owen McKenna series featuring Owen McKenna a PI in Lake Tahoe. His Harlequin great dane Spot, who has a diamond stud in his ear. His lady friend Street Casey, who makes a living as an entomologist that helps Owen a lot in his investigations..this book being no exception. And his best friend Diamond Martinez of the Sheriff’s dept.
I have enjoyed all his books as he takes the time to flesh out his characters. He also brings in characters with varied talents to help him solve his cases..this book being free diving.
Our story revolves around his reluctant and gruff client Daniel Callahan, a 92 year old recluse living in Tahoe and the SS Tahoe Steamer scuttled in the lake in 1940 (which is true).
The story starts out innocently enough and leads to a very dramatic conclusion. It moves at a pace that makes it hard to put down while keeping you very entertained.
All his characters have traits you love and hate, but Daniel burrows into your heart, and for me still is there. I think by far he is my favorite to date.
I am sure once you start the book you will not want to put it down.
In my opinion Todd Borg has once again written a book that will make it on your favorites list as it did mine…Enjoy.

4 reviews
August 26, 2019
Whew! "Tahoe Deep,” McKenna book #17 is as thrilling as McKenna book #1 and all books inbetween.
The dialogue is snappy, informing, and commanding. The clues, that lead to the “evil”
person are sparsely sprinkled within conversations and not easily sussed out. In a conversation
between McKenna and Street Casey, an entomologist also his girlfriend, brought forth a roaring out-loud laugh from me. I will never feel the same about mites again.
Todd Borg’s narrative descriptions of people, places and the natural world are as crisp as a
photograph. I had no problems visualizing the landscape, hardscape and people. The obvious research the author does is informative and reveals a depth of inquiry; this makes for a learning process I appreciate.
Last but not least is Spot, a Harlequin Great Dane, who is invaluable as Mc Kenna’s sidekick in taking down [ literally ] the bad guys and gals. Spot is also excellent as a therapy dog for McKenna’s
vulnerable clients.
-karie-
PS: Spot loves hot dogs.
2 reviews
August 2, 2019
I always learn something new when I read Todd Borg's wonderful Tahoe mysteries. This time, it was the challenge of freediving - I could feel myself holding my own breath in response, (and also because of the surprises and twists in the story.

Daniel Callahan, in his 90's and virtually blind, is attacked in his own home. Mae, his trusted neighbor, call on Owen McKenna for help. McKenna comes to believe that the attack could be related to a scuttled ship from many years ago, when Daniel was a witness. Two people had rowed out to the ship and only one person returned.

Love the characters in the story: Street, a capable and strong person in her own right, Mae, a skilled freediver, and of course, McKenna and his wonderful companion, Spot.

Thanks, Mr Borg, for another wonderful mystery!
59 reviews
August 11, 2019
If you're a Todd Borg fan, this one is for you!
After his last book (Tahoe Skydrop) I pretty much gave up on reading anything further from this author. In my opinion, Tahoe Skydrop just didn't measure up to any of the previous works. The plot wasn't that good, but what really turned me off, was the amount of time he spent on hang gliding, and how it all worked. One of the many things I like about this writer is the way that he explains thing in detail. Obviously he's well versed in many areas. The hang gliding was over the top though.
This novel was a pleasant surprise, as the author got back to writing the way he used to before Skydrop. The plot was well laid out, and even though I had an idea who dunnit I was still surprised. The knowledge about Jenny as well as the SS Tahoe was so intriguing, that it left me wanting to look them up and read more on them, which I did.
Profile Image for Kerry.
237 reviews8 followers
January 5, 2021
Borg is very good at action scenes, and terrible at dialogue. His characters who want to impart information always seem like they're reading from a Wikipedia article about the topic. When it comes to explication, his characters all sound exactly alike. And yes, it's interesting and quirky that he is in a relationship with an entomologist, but we don't need to be beaten over the head with her profession every time they talk. Bug lady, bug doctor, "as an entomologist," we get it. One more thing, the past tense of "pet" is "petted." The first time I saw "I pet Spot," I assumed it was a typo. But he says it all the time. Where is the editor?

All that being said, the book is a quick and mostly entertaining read, especially if you live in NorCal and are familiar with the Tahoe area.
5 reviews
August 12, 2019
Captivating!

As

The characters and Tahoe come alive in this latest installment of the Owen McKenna series. Todd captures the magic of Tahoe - just today we were boating in Emerald Bay and I found myself thinking of this book-reality and fiction intertwined -as I looked as Fanette Island in real life my mind was drifting to Owen and when I got home I immediately finished reading it. It was exciting, unexpected, and delivers characters you can't help but truly care about. I don't usually write reviews- I'm not much of a writer, but I really wanted to share how much I love this series, and this newest book did not disappoint!
5 reviews
October 1, 2019
A true Todd Borg story that I wait for every year. I started out not knowing anything about what freediving was and ended up living thru it; what an adventure! Spot or largeness my favorite pup along with Blondie his side kick devoted to their owners, always melt my heart. I just couldn’t live without those 2 characters. Each time I read one of Todds books I find myself so terrified nearing the end that I fly thru the last 100 pages. I am however disappointed the book has ended because I have to wait a year until another book is published. Thank you Todd, a favorite author – I feel like I am a part of the Owen/Street family.
1 review
March 3, 2021
An excellent mystery especially if you enjoy time in Lake Tahoe

I really enjoyed the book. Once I started the book I could not put it down. I have been going to Tahoe since I was kid. My grandfather and Dad built a small cabin in Tahoe City. It was fun recognizing the locations where the story takes place. We have a picture of the S.S. Tahoe in our townhouse.
The plot was complex with several near death episodes and also had very sentimental moments.
The book has sentimental ending near the Vikingsholm castle. I have walked to the castle many times during the past 70 years Looking forward to reading another of Todd's mysteries
7 reviews
August 2, 2019
The stories just keep getting more exciting! Another imaginative, action-packed thriller by Borg! It was genuine Owen McKenna all the way! I love Borg's humor and sensitivity in this story, as well as his ability to make you feel you are right there where the action is happening! I had never heard about the Tahoe Steemer and was impressed at the way he included it in the story. I also enjoy the characters in his story - especially Spot and the reaction people have when seeing him!

I have read all of his books and would recommend them to anyone! You really need to read them all!
251 reviews3 followers
October 19, 2019
Todd Borg does it again.

I wish we could give half stars as I would have given four and a half stars. Having said that it's always a happy day for me when I can lose myself in new Todd Borg book. I love the characters and the fast pace. Mr. Borgs books are never boring and there is never a time when the reader wants a break from reading it. Prepare yourself for some binge reading if you start reading his books. Spot often steals the spotlight, and the continued development of his personality is delightful.
2 reviews
Read
August 5, 2019
As always, Todd has presented his readers with another page-turner! It's always a true pleasure to re-connect with Owen, Street, Spot, Diamond, and all of the new characters to grace his books. I learned about free diving, the SS Tahoe Steamer, lemon mites . . . the list goes on! Reading this book was like visiting with friends and sharing a story in front of the fire on a deck overlooking Lake Tahoe. I anxiously await the next Tahoe book and thank Todd for his continued good work.
Profile Image for Debbie.
8 reviews2 followers
August 30, 2019
Borg’s books are priceless treasures!

I’ve read all 17 of the books in this series. I’ve never found them lacking in any aspect. As in the prior 16 books, Tahoe Deep’s characters are so well-developed that you will never forget them. The storyline is riveting. As you draw closer to the end, you’ll need to remind yourself to breathe. The books have a constant dichotomy — you can’t read them fast enough, and you never want them to end!
Profile Image for Pam.
351 reviews4 followers
September 12, 2019
In 1940 a teenage Danny witnesses a murder but keeps it to himself. He is legally blind and now as an old man has people breaking into his house and almost beating him to death. His neighbor, and just about only friend, involved Owen to investigate the burglary but Danny wants no part of it. The harder Owen pushes the more Danny pushes back. They do eventually agree to work together to get to the bottom of the trouble
2 reviews1 follower
July 20, 2020
Todd Borg has done it again! His characters seem like they could step off the page. While it has been some time since I last visited Lake Tahoe, Borg transports you back to that majestic setting with ease. Of coarse it helped that I read the book while on vacation and gazing out on an equally stunning lake - Winnipesaukee. I also like how I come away from his books not only entertained but informed. This book features information on free diving and the visually impaired.
Profile Image for Ron Thaden.
19 reviews
August 15, 2019
Always riveting stories and always unexpected turns!

I have read all of the Tahoe books and each one teaches me a little history or a synopsis of how something works or how people think. This one has art, skin diving, and more. Add to that an exciting mystery and you have a classic Todd Borg story!
3 reviews
August 23, 2019
A winner, again!

It was perfect timing. I got to read Todd’s book while spending a week at Lake Tahoe. If you’ve just visited the lake only once, his descriptions will bring back all the memories. Then he weaves in a story that always includes an educational piece and some local history. All the while, he has you on the roller coaster of suspense and near-death experiences to solve the mystery. None of his books disappoint and I’ll be waiting for #18.
21 reviews
September 2, 2019
2nd best fav

While I have read and enjoyed them all, immensely, this is my new 2nd best of the Owen McKenna Mysteries. Deathfall will probably always come in first, 😉 but Tahoe Deep has earned second with a riveting story, and some new characters...lets get Mae and Diamond together...
37 reviews
November 14, 2019
Riveting, and different for Owen this time

The story is exceptional and with a different twist this time which kept me engaged and guessing. Great read as always with all the same folks and some new best friends. I have actually had the opportunity to meet a harlequin Great Dane in person and it was amazing
Profile Image for Lori Bindner.
168 reviews3 followers
January 3, 2020
Fascinating and Gripping mystery

This book gripped me and did not let go until the very end!! Fascinating characters with the most interesting attributes followed a path of a time lost treasure and generations of families through a harrowing hunt for the unknown.
I so enjoy each of these McKenna mysteries and I eagerly download the next, then the next to read.
Profile Image for Diane C Paulsen.
13 reviews
January 18, 2020
Couldn’t put it down!

As a California resident I have been to Lake Tahoe many times. As a Great Dane owner I adored Spot at once! My best friend was raised all her life at Heavenly Valley, and the surrounding area. I had no idea this series existed but I’m getting the rest of these books ASAP! Housework can wait!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews

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