What do you think?
Rate this book
Owen McKenna #2
Tahoe Blowup
Tahoe Blowup is a thrilling mystery about an arsonist who is lighting deadly forest fires at Lake Tahoe. When the fire starter kidnaps Detective Owen McKenna's girlfriend, McKenna, and his Great Dane, Spot, they have just hours before the killer burns her in a fire so big that firefighters call it a Blowup.
320 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2001
231 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
About the author
Todd Borg
29 books144 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
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
January 8, 2018
Owen McKenna has moved to the Tahoe area after a life changing event that occurred when he was a policeman in a populated California city. This is the second book in the series. A forest fire starts below his cabin and a body is found. Notes start arriving from the arsonist who tells what the results of the next fire will be. The arsonist is an expert on fire because he can predict how many houses will burn with each fire. Owen is hired to find the arsonist. Soon it becomes very personal.
This series has it all. There are great characters that you care about. Spot the Great Dane is always a main character. Owen's girlfriend Street is a bug expert. She can study the bugs on victims and tell relative time of death. Owen is an art lover. The Lake Tahoe is a great location and one that the reader would like to visit after seeing it through the author's eyes. It is a book that you want to keep reading as it twists and teases with upcoming events. The two that I have read have held my interest all the way through without any slow areas for me.
This series has it all. There are great characters that you care about. Spot the Great Dane is always a main character. Owen's girlfriend Street is a bug expert. She can study the bugs on victims and tell relative time of death. Owen is an art lover. The Lake Tahoe is a great location and one that the reader would like to visit after seeing it through the author's eyes. It is a book that you want to keep reading as it twists and teases with upcoming events. The two that I have read have held my interest all the way through without any slow areas for me.
October 21, 2018
Again, not disappointed.....his prologue grabs you right away, couldn’t put it down till finished......my list of to do’s forgotten.....
The area where all his mysteries take place is Lake Tahoe, pretty close to my home in Nevada, Tahoe is part of Nevada and California, love that I know most of these places.
Blowup is about arson, and Owen McKenna PI is hired by local FD’s to track the killer down, it will keep you turning pages.
Borg’s main characters are the same as first novel, along with a mention of secondary characters from his first book, which gives me a sense of continuity to his stories......highly recommend this series!
The area where all his mysteries take place is Lake Tahoe, pretty close to my home in Nevada, Tahoe is part of Nevada and California, love that I know most of these places.
Blowup is about arson, and Owen McKenna PI is hired by local FD’s to track the killer down, it will keep you turning pages.
Borg’s main characters are the same as first novel, along with a mention of secondary characters from his first book, which gives me a sense of continuity to his stories......highly recommend this series!
April 17, 2019
Owen McKenna gets on the track of a serial arsonist/killer who is setting huge wildfires around Tahoe during the dry season. Lots of fire science, and profiling serial arsonists.
I really enjoyed it, but after the last couple of years, hit a little too close to home.
I really enjoyed it, but after the last couple of years, hit a little too close to home.
January 12, 2025
These books are so comforting to me it feels like reading a low stakes episode of criminal minds <3
February 2, 2023
A serial arsonist is at loose in Tahoe. It all appears connected to a construction company owner. Owen Jagger tries to sort it all out...and we spend many pages rescuing a mountain lion.
Read
January 22, 2025these are so smooth brain crime procedural i can’t wait to read at least a dozen more
March 28, 2024
This is the second in the series. There is more character development over the first. I found the storyline engrossing and kept me turning the page. I will continue with the series.
August 21, 2021
In early August, I read Tahoe Death Fall by Todd Borg and felt glad to be at the beginning of a long series which will be there when I need something to read in those periods when the pickings are poor or when a book I thought I'd enjoy ends up being abandoned.
Of particular interest is the plot. Owen McKenna is alerted by Spot, his Great Dane, and realizes that a fire is rapidly moving up the mountain toward his cabin. The speed of a forest fire depends on fuel, weather, and terrain and can move as fast as 10 mph. All conditions are present when McKenna registers the danger, and the fire is quickly moving up the slope at frightening speed. He notifies his closest neighbor and picks her up as quickly as possible to escape being trapped by the fire.
With all the fires currently burning across the West, the book felt even more relevant Aside from the search for the arsonist, the information about forest fires was educational. Blow ups, sudden increases in intensity that risk fire fighters losing control; trees that are more flammable and those that have greater resistance; methods and equipment used in fighting forest fires are all included as McKenna, the fire department, and the forest service deal with the fires.
I like the characters and, although the arsonist is not too difficult to spot, I enjoyed the way the plot played out.
Thriller Press/Kindle Unlimited
Suspense. 2001. Print length: 320 pages.
Of particular interest is the plot. Owen McKenna is alerted by Spot, his Great Dane, and realizes that a fire is rapidly moving up the mountain toward his cabin. The speed of a forest fire depends on fuel, weather, and terrain and can move as fast as 10 mph. All conditions are present when McKenna registers the danger, and the fire is quickly moving up the slope at frightening speed. He notifies his closest neighbor and picks her up as quickly as possible to escape being trapped by the fire.
With all the fires currently burning across the West, the book felt even more relevant Aside from the search for the arsonist, the information about forest fires was educational. Blow ups, sudden increases in intensity that risk fire fighters losing control; trees that are more flammable and those that have greater resistance; methods and equipment used in fighting forest fires are all included as McKenna, the fire department, and the forest service deal with the fires.
I like the characters and, although the arsonist is not too difficult to spot, I enjoyed the way the plot played out.
Thriller Press/Kindle Unlimited
Suspense. 2001. Print length: 320 pages.
March 9, 2025
“Tahoe Blowup” is a very traditional P.I. tale with a solid plot and believable investigation.
We find out why Owen McKenna quit his city police career to live in Tahoe and, to some extent, an explanation of what sometimes seems an odd obsession with the waiflike Street Casey.
An arsonist is getting increasingly cocky, leaving notes of his future intentions and, of course, threatening Owen (two chances of that working!)
One peculiarity of the series is Owen's interest in art, often finding a correlation between a painting (in this case 'The Sierra Nevada in California' by Thomas Bierstadt) and the case he is pursuing. It doesn't quite work for me as my appreciation of art barely extends beyond old chocolate boxes.
The list of suspects, initially everyone, grows and shrinks over time but a positive identification is withheld until the end – a finale worthy of, and probably inspired by, the big screen.
About the two-thirds mark I felt the book was running out of steam (as was I) but the pace promptly picked up.
It's all very solidly done but I couldn't help but feel, as with the first book in the series, that the plot broke absolutely no new ground. Of course there is no rule that mandates ground-breaking but, as a result, it just isn't a book that will stick long in your mind.
3 Stars.
We find out why Owen McKenna quit his city police career to live in Tahoe and, to some extent, an explanation of what sometimes seems an odd obsession with the waiflike Street Casey.
An arsonist is getting increasingly cocky, leaving notes of his future intentions and, of course, threatening Owen (two chances of that working!)
One peculiarity of the series is Owen's interest in art, often finding a correlation between a painting (in this case 'The Sierra Nevada in California' by Thomas Bierstadt) and the case he is pursuing. It doesn't quite work for me as my appreciation of art barely extends beyond old chocolate boxes.
The list of suspects, initially everyone, grows and shrinks over time but a positive identification is withheld until the end – a finale worthy of, and probably inspired by, the big screen.
About the two-thirds mark I felt the book was running out of steam (as was I) but the pace promptly picked up.
It's all very solidly done but I couldn't help but feel, as with the first book in the series, that the plot broke absolutely no new ground. Of course there is no rule that mandates ground-breaking but, as a result, it just isn't a book that will stick long in your mind.
3 Stars.
March 12, 2021
SalAnne "Silence" Ramirez was an exceptional artist, and, according to one of her teachers, brilliant. She was also autistic and mute and had not spoken a single word in her 17 years. When Silence is kidnapped for a secret she possesses, Tahoe Detective Owen McKenna investigates. McKenna discovers that the likely kidnappers belong to a motorcycle gang with ties to an ancient Aztec religion. As he learns more, he comes to a horrifying realization. The gang plans a ritual sacrifice at the next full moon, and Silence is to be the victim.
Very good read. I liked the education of Autism in story form.
Very good read. I liked the education of Autism in story form.
January 7, 2021
Borg is getting better and better
As I read this series in order, I see the writing evolution that Ford is going through. I’m really enjoying this series as it is set in my favorite place in the world, Tahoe. I also appreciate the different twists and turns and character development that he is perfecting. Looking forward to the rest of the series. One little complaint though,He didn’t really explain what happened to silence is biological father end why did he go to Tahoe for a two week vacation?
As I read this series in order, I see the writing evolution that Ford is going through. I’m really enjoying this series as it is set in my favorite place in the world, Tahoe. I also appreciate the different twists and turns and character development that he is perfecting. Looking forward to the rest of the series. One little complaint though,He didn’t really explain what happened to silence is biological father end why did he go to Tahoe for a two week vacation?
May 14, 2021
This was not my favorite book from this author, but that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it. I always enjoy reading Borg's stories with Owen McKenna. In this story I felt that the author got swept up in the story of the young autistic girl and the story was much more about that than the actual mystery and story. It didn't all quite come together with me and I felt Owen was off asking questions and chasing information that made the story not seem as realistic and interesting. But...I wouldn't skip one of Owen's adventures!
April 22, 2020
Another Good one
I liked Deathfall and this book was just as good. There i a lot in these books about the outdoors and forests which I love but they bring out the problems too. The author covers the facts about our forest, both good and bad, but does it so any one can understand. I adore Spot,the Great Dane. And was glad to see so much more of Natasha the German Shepherd. With out the dogs these books would not be any good.I look forward to the next book.
I liked Deathfall and this book was just as good. There i a lot in these books about the outdoors and forests which I love but they bring out the problems too. The author covers the facts about our forest, both good and bad, but does it so any one can understand. I adore Spot,the Great Dane. And was glad to see so much more of Natasha the German Shepherd. With out the dogs these books would not be any good.I look forward to the next book.
October 2, 2024
Very exciting and well written.
This book is really interesting. The characters are quirky. The ability to use art as a way to solve a mystery is totally cool. I recognize the places in the Tahoe area and have hiked them many times. Sitting in a 102 degree October day in the foothills with a hot breeze blowing scares me as I read this. Lots of action, and thank goodness the good guys prevail. On to Mr. Body's next book.
This book is really interesting. The characters are quirky. The ability to use art as a way to solve a mystery is totally cool. I recognize the places in the Tahoe area and have hiked them many times. Sitting in a 102 degree October day in the foothills with a hot breeze blowing scares me as I read this. Lots of action, and thank goodness the good guys prevail. On to Mr. Body's next book.
January 18, 2019
Love SPOT❤ Owen & Street are great characters. I grew up at Tahoe so would hate to see a blowup. Very good read intense situations. Loved the mountain lion & Natasha. Owen is very kind to Seniors but not with the bad guys. A lot of great lessons about fires
Highly recommended! Fire is a horrifying power in a forest so respect nature and enjoy the beauty, & scent on the breeze.
Highly recommended! Fire is a horrifying power in a forest so respect nature and enjoy the beauty, & scent on the breeze.
June 25, 2019
Tahoe Blowup
Todd Borg is a writer from my home in Lake Tahoe and I love reading about the mysteries he solves while describing so many locations I know about from Tahoe. This book was a bit slower than his first and had more details of how to understand forestry, risks for fires etc. it was interesting, but not as adventurous diring those parts.
Todd Borg is a writer from my home in Lake Tahoe and I love reading about the mysteries he solves while describing so many locations I know about from Tahoe. This book was a bit slower than his first and had more details of how to understand forestry, risks for fires etc. it was interesting, but not as adventurous diring those parts.
April 6, 2023
A Smokin' Intense Adventure
A race against an arsonist and the huge fire set by the character. Page turner to get to the conclusion for about the last third of the story. Interesting detective work by McKenna and the author had a good bit of information regarding what these kinds of fires involve . Every Tahoe book I've read so far have been reasonably good to dive into.
A race against an arsonist and the huge fire set by the character. Page turner to get to the conclusion for about the last third of the story. Interesting detective work by McKenna and the author had a good bit of information regarding what these kinds of fires involve . Every Tahoe book I've read so far have been reasonably good to dive into.
April 29, 2025
I was pulled along quite slowly at first and then tugged into the deep end in the past 5o pages. I embodied Owen's fear and felt his adrenaline in my core. I couldn't have guessed the trail would lead where it did, nor could I have guessed who got themselves involved in the crime, both voluntarily and involuntarily. I enjoyed.
July 7, 2025
Exciting plus a real twist at the end.
I just moved into the Tahoe Carson Valley area and saw the stack of Tahoe/Owen McKenna novels at the breakfast spot extraordinaire mentioned in the story. Eventually bought #s 1 & 2 and now I’m hooked. Good tense yarns enhanced by the background knowledge I’m gaining about my new home.
I just moved into the Tahoe Carson Valley area and saw the stack of Tahoe/Owen McKenna novels at the breakfast spot extraordinaire mentioned in the story. Eventually bought #s 1 & 2 and now I’m hooked. Good tense yarns enhanced by the background knowledge I’m gaining about my new home.
December 16, 2019
Page turner
Absolutely keeps you on the edge of your seat
It’s definitely a book that’s hard to put down Can hardly wait to go to the next book only problem is I think I’ve read them all he need to write some more soon can’t wait for a new one
Absolutely keeps you on the edge of your seat
It’s definitely a book that’s hard to put down Can hardly wait to go to the next book only problem is I think I’ve read them all he need to write some more soon can’t wait for a new one
January 15, 2023
Todd Borg books just grab me right from the beginning through the end. They are filled with short chapters and I keep telling myself I'll stop after reading one, but I just can't. The fact that I am very familiar with Lake Tahoe makes them that much more engaging!
July 14, 2024
A good hair raising story
The author does a great job of keeping interest throughout the book At times you can't help but feel a little concerned Because of Because of what happened But it's a pleasure reading and I enjoy this author's book very much
The author does a great job of keeping interest throughout the book At times you can't help but feel a little concerned Because of Because of what happened But it's a pleasure reading and I enjoy this author's book very much
December 16, 2024
It has been a couple of years since I have read this author. WOW! What an intense book! I didn't have a clue until the last couple of chapters who the arsonist was! You won't want to put this book down!
September 24, 2018
Loving this series
I grew up in northern California, and moved away some years ago. Borg is a great mystery writer keeping me guessing. I also like going down memory lane.
I grew up in northern California, and moved away some years ago. Borg is a great mystery writer keeping me guessing. I also like going down memory lane.
October 1, 2018
gripping story
January 15, 2019
Hair-raising!
Living nearby and having seen some fires in the area up close, this book is a vivid reminder of how easy it can be to lose so much!
Living nearby and having seen some fires in the area up close, this book is a vivid reminder of how easy it can be to lose so much!
September 18, 2020
I met the author in Truckee and I am working my way through his catalog. This is #5 and one of my favorites. Love the Tahoe background and the characters.
May 31, 2021
Fun to read about a place I know so we’ll
September 2, 2021
Okay but farfetched
Another story where the hero does physical feats that in my opinion are farfetched. No real suspense when the final outcome is predictable
Another story where the hero does physical feats that in my opinion are farfetched. No real suspense when the final outcome is predictable
October 21, 2022
On the from start to finish!
This book is great from start to finish. Anyone who enjoys the thrill of the chase will love this book.
This book is great from start to finish. Anyone who enjoys the thrill of the chase will love this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews