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Owen McKenna #9
Tahoe Hijack
When Tahoe Detective Owen McKenna responds to a boat hijacking on Lake Tahoe, he gets pulled into the case of a woman named Anna Quinn who is on the run and hiding from members of a fanatical militia group. The militia men believe that Anna has information about a treasure that dates to the Gold Rush, and they will do anything to find her and learn whatever she knows. In order to save Anna, Detective McKenna has to find her first. But he is out-manned and out-gunned, and it looks like the militia men intend to put both him and Anna into their burial ground...
- GenresMysteryMystery Thriller
378 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 15, 2011
116 people are currently reading
125 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
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
July 6, 2018
Reading an Owen McKenna mystery while sitting on the beach of Lake Tahoe is just like slipping on a pair of comfortable shoes. The characters are familiar and well-liked; Spot, the wonder dog is just as loveable as ever; and the bad guys/gals always get their due. As usual, the setting of Lake Tahoe is the best part of the series and the action kept me breathless. And while Owen does his heroic manly-man-doing-manly-macho-tough-guy thing, he is still as sensitive as ever. The adrenaline-laced ending was a bit long and frantic (and I could have completely done without the dumpster scene), but as usual, all ends and well, and most important, Spot escapes unscathed.
All in all a great mystery series perfect for fans of J. A. Jance (especially the Beaumont series), Lee Child, and even Sue Grafton. I also highly recommend if you are at all familiar with the Lake Tahoe area. What I particularly like is how Borg incorporates real settings and history into the story so I can envision every place he mentions and learn a bit of history.
All in all a great mystery series perfect for fans of J. A. Jance (especially the Beaumont series), Lee Child, and even Sue Grafton. I also highly recommend if you are at all familiar with the Lake Tahoe area. What I particularly like is how Borg incorporates real settings and history into the story so I can envision every place he mentions and learn a bit of history.
July 23, 2011
First Line: When the yacht rounded Rubicon Point, the man lifted his flask of Irish whiskey, took a last sip of Celtic fire, and exhaled hard.
A yacht giving tourists a close-up view of Lake Tahoe is hijacked, and the hijacker insists on speaking to private detective Owen McKenna. Before he dies, he tells McKenna the identity of the killer in an unsolved murder case that the P.I. had worked before he left the San Francisco Police Department. As McKenna starts looking into the cold case, he finds himself dealing with a woman in hiding, a militia group, and a quest for treasure that dates back to the Gold Rush.
I'd often meant to sample this series, mainly because of the setting of Lake Tahoe, which I fell in love with on a family vacation when I was ten. Given the opportunity to read the latest book in the series, this stickler for reading-all-series-in-order caved in... and I'm glad I did. Beginning to read Tahoe Hijack is a bit like floor boarding a race car and-- just as you get up to speed-- finding out the steering and brakes don't work. The book is so fast-paced that I could only pick up some of the clues as I read, which left plenty of room for surprises all the way to the end.
The setting of Lake Tahoe certainly didn't disappoint either, but characterization shone even more brightly than the setting and plot. Owen McKenna is just the type of character I like: he cares deeply, to the point where he gets tied up in knots if he feels he's put someone in harm's way. He doesn't take chances just for the sake of an adrenaline rush; he likes to think things through but also thinks well on his feet when the occasion requires it. I also think I've found my favorite canine character: Owen's Harlequin Great Dane, Spot (often referred to as "your largeness").
Did this stickler for order regret starting this series at the end? Not at all. Tahoe Hijack stands alone very well. I really wish I'd gotten to this series earlier, but at least I know I have a treat in store for me as I go back and read the earlier books. If you like beautiful settings, a complex, fast-moving plot, and a main character who lives and breathes on the page, I'd urge you to read Todd Borg's Owen McKenna series.
A yacht giving tourists a close-up view of Lake Tahoe is hijacked, and the hijacker insists on speaking to private detective Owen McKenna. Before he dies, he tells McKenna the identity of the killer in an unsolved murder case that the P.I. had worked before he left the San Francisco Police Department. As McKenna starts looking into the cold case, he finds himself dealing with a woman in hiding, a militia group, and a quest for treasure that dates back to the Gold Rush.
I'd often meant to sample this series, mainly because of the setting of Lake Tahoe, which I fell in love with on a family vacation when I was ten. Given the opportunity to read the latest book in the series, this stickler for reading-all-series-in-order caved in... and I'm glad I did. Beginning to read Tahoe Hijack is a bit like floor boarding a race car and-- just as you get up to speed-- finding out the steering and brakes don't work. The book is so fast-paced that I could only pick up some of the clues as I read, which left plenty of room for surprises all the way to the end.
The setting of Lake Tahoe certainly didn't disappoint either, but characterization shone even more brightly than the setting and plot. Owen McKenna is just the type of character I like: he cares deeply, to the point where he gets tied up in knots if he feels he's put someone in harm's way. He doesn't take chances just for the sake of an adrenaline rush; he likes to think things through but also thinks well on his feet when the occasion requires it. I also think I've found my favorite canine character: Owen's Harlequin Great Dane, Spot (often referred to as "your largeness").
Did this stickler for order regret starting this series at the end? Not at all. Tahoe Hijack stands alone very well. I really wish I'd gotten to this series earlier, but at least I know I have a treat in store for me as I go back and read the earlier books. If you like beautiful settings, a complex, fast-moving plot, and a main character who lives and breathes on the page, I'd urge you to read Todd Borg's Owen McKenna series.
October 9, 2021
As you can tell if you read my reviews, I've become a fan of Todd Borg. I wasn't sure I was going to like this one because early in the novel Street is in danger but she is saved before too long. Poor Street suffers tremendously because of whom she loves. But the bulk of the novel is about an unsolved murder that Owen worked on when he was still part of the SFPD. A man hijacks a tour boat and demands that Owen show up so that he can give him the name of the murderer. The man he names is arrested but Owen is not sure he is the real killer. The rest of the plot involves hidden treasures, a daughter given up for adoption, a suicide and more murders. As usual we learn much about several topics including history of Chinese miners, tour boats, as well as the usual tour of the Tahoe area.
January 12, 2023
What I love about this series of books is that it is always fun, interesting and keeps you learning about new topics throughout the book.
I look forward to reading these books when I just want to be entertained with some light reading with familiar characters. Reading these books during vacation is my favorite.
If you know anything about Tahoe, you will always enjoy the landmarks and references to the area in each book. Usually Owen also visits "the bay area" quite a bit which is a common theme if you live near Tahoe.
Even though I predicted some of the outcome, I wasn't completely "right" on who did what. Todd always keeps you guessing.
I look forward to reading these books when I just want to be entertained with some light reading with familiar characters. Reading these books during vacation is my favorite.
If you know anything about Tahoe, you will always enjoy the landmarks and references to the area in each book. Usually Owen also visits "the bay area" quite a bit which is a common theme if you live near Tahoe.
Even though I predicted some of the outcome, I wasn't completely "right" on who did what. Todd always keeps you guessing.
Read
August 4, 2020I am a big fan of Todd Borg's book combining my love for a good mystery and set in and around Lake Tahoe (a special place for our family), as usual he delivers a fast paced story keeping you interested the entire way along with many dots of humor. Many times I found myself on the edge of my seat because his descriptions of the character's location and surroundings I felt as if I might be watching a movie. As usual, the ending has a twist that leaves you surprised no matter how much you try to figure it out. Excellent reading, especially for murder mystery lovers.
March 4, 2018
One good thing about Todd Borg’s Tahoe books is his descriptive writing about the Lake Tahoe area. He brings the beauty of the area to life. He also writes in an easy-to-read manner, including suspense and history. However I find some of the situations the hero (Owen McKenna) finds himself in are implausible. The best part of his books is his huge Great Dane, Spot, and his long suffering girlfriend, Street. If nothing else, Mr. Borg’s books are entertaining. I gave it 4 stars.
March 15, 2025
Excellent as always.
I love these stories! I always learn something. This time about the Chinese miners in California, although due to endeavors by my father in law, I learned a lot. It's awesome when Todd mentions a winery that I buy wine from or read about Valhalla, an estate owned by my husband's grandfather. The adventure is crazy good, but Owen needs to quit ruining boats in Tahoe.
I love these stories! I always learn something. This time about the Chinese miners in California, although due to endeavors by my father in law, I learned a lot. It's awesome when Todd mentions a winery that I buy wine from or read about Valhalla, an estate owned by my husband's grandfather. The adventure is crazy good, but Owen needs to quit ruining boats in Tahoe.
February 14, 2019
I enjoy the historical aspects of this book... Chinese miners during the California gold rush. But I didn't enjoy the story nearly as much as the previous ones.
But that won't stop me from reading the rest of the series.
And thank you, Mr. Borg, for keeping Spot safer.
But that won't stop me from reading the rest of the series.
And thank you, Mr. Borg, for keeping Spot safer.
March 10, 2020
Absolutely exciting!
Todd Borg does NOT disappoint! Another absolutely exciting thriller in Tahoe Hijack! As always, I love Street and Spot, as well as other characters that frequent his stories.
Todd Borg does NOT disappoint! Another absolutely exciting thriller in Tahoe Hijack! As always, I love Street and Spot, as well as other characters that frequent his stories.
July 4, 2021
Entertaining
A fun read, but the details of the plot were a stretch. Not sure why these imagined right-wing groups get so much coverage, while real-life, left-wing groups keep causing overt havoc across the country.
A fun read, but the details of the plot were a stretch. Not sure why these imagined right-wing groups get so much coverage, while real-life, left-wing groups keep causing overt havoc across the country.
November 20, 2024
I am really enjoying these books. It’s so fun to read books with a familiar setting. It’s like being in the passenger seat during the drives into the Central Valley or chase scenes around or across the Lake.
November 5, 2025
Another great read by Todd Borg! I love that his books take place in the Lake Tahoe and surrounding areas, as I can easily picture it in my mind. This story was a good one, and the ending took me by surprise! Looking forward to the next one.
July 9, 2017
A little heavy on extraneous information and requires some acceptance of coincidences right place, right time, but a page turner and the good guys win.
July 26, 2020
Combines history and suspense for a great read.
July 12, 2022
Another great Owen McKenna thriller. I love how California history is woven into the books.
March 21, 2023
Mostly Very Good
As always, Owen and Company kept my interest. I’m finding that there’s a bit too much ‘McGyver’ in some of Owen’s heroic sections.
As always, Owen and Company kept my interest. I’m finding that there’s a bit too much ‘McGyver’ in some of Owen’s heroic sections.
July 23, 2023
Not my favorite Tahoe book.
February 20, 2024
Perfect for a rainy day read. Well written and gripping.
May 13, 2024
Quite a tale
This was one of Todd Borgs best books. It was exciting, fast moving and kept me turning pages fast. A great read!
This was one of Todd Borgs best books. It was exciting, fast moving and kept me turning pages fast. A great read!
February 28, 2025
It was good! Definitely not who I expected!
August 6, 2011
The action starts fast with a boat hijacking on Lake Tahoe. Someone near and dear to Owen McKenna (and well known to us faithful readers of Todd Borg’s Tahoe mysteries) is taken hostage. Owen gets called into the action, which he finds revolves around the days of our country’s Gold Rush and the Chinese workers who took part. (There is just enough history to keep us interested, but not so much that we get impatient.) The present-day lure of gold draws out the bad characters Owen must deal with, such as a hateful militia at their hidden encampment. Part of the mysteries uncovered in Tahoe Hijack is, of course, if everyone is really whom they say they are, and are things really as they seem?
Back on the scene are all of Mr. Borg’s favorite characters, plus Owen’s huge dog Spot, who is amazing both on land and on water.
When I read Tahoe Hijack, I had just returned from a Tahoe vacation, and as usual Todd Borg takes us back to the beauty of the lake and surrounding area, and we want to be with him and his girlfriend Street having a beer or glass of wine on his deck.
Back on the scene are all of Mr. Borg’s favorite characters, plus Owen’s huge dog Spot, who is amazing both on land and on water.
When I read Tahoe Hijack, I had just returned from a Tahoe vacation, and as usual Todd Borg takes us back to the beauty of the lake and surrounding area, and we want to be with him and his girlfriend Street having a beer or glass of wine on his deck.
February 12, 2017
Nice twist
I like his stories. He's tenacious. Him & Spot always get their man. I recommend his books. A must read.
I like his stories. He's tenacious. Him & Spot always get their man. I recommend his books. A must read.
March 7, 2012
I really enjoyed Tahoe Hijack. It kept me guessing. I tend to figure out mysteries before the reveal. Then it is hard for me to continue reading. This was easy to keep reading. Owen McKenna is a retired cop who now fills some of his time as a private investigator. His beautiful entomologist girlfriend is named Street. Owen's dog's name is Spot. Oh well! Poor Spot has to climb ladders and ride in dinghies to keep up with his intrepid master. This particular mystery involves a boat hijacking and the California gold rush tie it all together with a militia group and you get an intricate story that ends with an exciting trip across Lake Tahoe.
I received a complimentary copy of the book for review.
I received a complimentary copy of the book for review.
August 6, 2011
I have been reading the Todd Borg series since they first started. Purchased the first two books while in an independent book store in Tahoe City, Califoria which is right on the Lake. This book was as good as the first if not better. This time Mr. Borg took us back in history to the first Chinese in California during the Gold Rush Era. We visited new places in the book (for readers) including Truckee, California. I really like the way Mr. Borg wove the old history, now 150 years old into a modern mystery story, great. Even if you have never been to Lake Tahoe, this is an easy series to fall in love with and all the regulars characters are in this book, including "Spot".
September 10, 2013
A boat hijacking is just the start of the adventures for P.I. Owen McKenna and his Great Dane, Spot. The hijacker has taken Street as a hostage and demands that McKenna exert pressure to re-open an old murder case from his days in the Los Angeles Police Department. The hijacker also gives Owen the name of the murderer; a murderer who just happens to currently reside in Lake Tahoe. When a mishap occurs on the boat, Owen is plunged into his most intriguing case that involves suicides, murders, and a possible connection to Chinese laborer’s and the Gold Rush
December 24, 2014
Owen McKenna is unstoppable!
Todd Borg always writes fast paced novels when Owen McKenna is the lead character. This one is no exception. I didn't see the twists and turns that were abundant in this book coming. I loved how "his largeness" played a more active role in this book. I enjoy his part in the books. I think most readers - even non dog lovers - find his behaviors and antics an irreplaceable part of life on Lake Tahoe. This series continues to interest, delight, demand attention, provoke higher thinking and entertain. This is another one I highly recommend
Todd Borg always writes fast paced novels when Owen McKenna is the lead character. This one is no exception. I didn't see the twists and turns that were abundant in this book coming. I loved how "his largeness" played a more active role in this book. I enjoy his part in the books. I think most readers - even non dog lovers - find his behaviors and antics an irreplaceable part of life on Lake Tahoe. This series continues to interest, delight, demand attention, provoke higher thinking and entertain. This is another one I highly recommend
September 17, 2017
Good story and I like the area of Tahoe he focused on, the rubicon trail and emerald bay area. His stories seem to have an abduction theme and Owen and spot come to the rescue. This was more of a cold case and i liked that. i thought he did an excellent job of writing the climax section of the book especially when owen found himself in the dumpster.... My favorite thing about these books is his research of the area and I love to learn all about Lake Tahoe.
February 19, 2012
I cannot believe I read a third book by this guy when I pretty much hated my first two. I seem to get hooked by his covers as I make my "all you can grab in 2 minutes" sweeps of the library. This guy can make action scenes go on for pages and pages. If you love this kind of thrill and don't mind completely implausible plots, be my guest. Meanwhile, I am working on developing a complete aversion to the word "Tahoe". I won't be fooled by the sight of a pretty lake and great scenery again.
July 25, 2014
Tahoe Hijack is an amazing, wonderful addition to the Tahoe series
Tahoe Hijack is an amazing, wonderful addition to the Tahoe series
Todd Borg has kept me from untold hours of sleep, I just can't put the books down. I am so anxious to begin the next one. I have recommended this series to my book friends and won't hesitate to suggest it to others. Borg's style keeps readers enthralled and intrigued with every turn of a page, right to the very last sentence.
Tahoe Hijack is an amazing, wonderful addition to the Tahoe series
Todd Borg has kept me from untold hours of sleep, I just can't put the books down. I am so anxious to begin the next one. I have recommended this series to my book friends and won't hesitate to suggest it to others. Borg's style keeps readers enthralled and intrigued with every turn of a page, right to the very last sentence.
September 1, 2012
Aa with the others, I enjoyed the Tahoe setting and the main character, Owen and his dog, Spot. I liked the historic connection to the 49ers and the point that history does impact us today... sometimes in surprising ways. I also thought the characterization of the militia group was excellent, but Owen going it alone there a bit impossible. A fun holiday weekend read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews