EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in the Summer 2015 edition of Tahoe Magazine. It was first published on this website in August 2018 and is presented in its original form.
What better way to relax on a lazy summer afternoon at the beach than to read a good book?
Lake Tahoe authors have produced fiction, facts and fantasy for your reading pleasure — here are eight of our favorites to explore. So, pour a cold drink, slather on the sunscreen and dive in!
Pursuit of Vengeance — By Bruce Simonian
The opening scenes of this gripping crime novel quickly kick the plot into play. Wade Crawford, a Reno detective, has his hands full solving more than a few murderous events. It is a fast-moving story and perhaps a bit shocking in spots. It’s Incline Village resident Bruce Simonian’s second novel in as many years, and he nicely showcases his talent and versatility in this suspense-filled thriller.
Tahoe Ghost Boat — By Todd Borg
Lake Tahoe author and literary icon Todd Borg delivers a nail-biting storyline in “Tahoe Ghost Boat.” It is the 12th book of the Owen McKenna Mystery Series, and it does not disappoint. The tale begins with a boating accident that is shrouded under a cloud of strange circumstances. Gertie, a lonely teenager, is suddenly kidnapped, and Detective Owen McKenna is determined to rescue her from harm.
Bigfoot and The Baby — By Ann Gelder
Bigfoot and The Baby, published by Tahoe’s Bona Fide Books, is quirky and profoundly unique. It introduces societal enigmas that produce multiple laugh-out-loud moments within a dark comedic framework. The tale focuses on the Majeskys, a dysfunctional family searching for life’s meaning while living in a remote California town.
Mexico In The Rearview Mirror — By Michael Tassone
Incline Village author Michael Tassone tells a wild tale about a trip to Mexico involving two college grads that seek enlightenment at the bottom of a bottle of beer. This psychedelic travelogue involves more than a few illicit “trips.” There’s fun, fighting and fear along the way, but at the end of the day, there is peace. Clark and Rudy ultimately learn more about themselves than they bargained for.
Saving Lake Tahoe — By Michael J. Makley
In 233 pages, Michael J. Makley summarizes major Lake Tahoe environmental events. This is not a light read, but it is a must read for environmental aficionados and for those who want to learn more. It will give readers a platform from which to consider the relationship between Tahoe’s natural ecosystems and human activity.
Sierra Nevada: Trail of Murder — By Jennifer Quashnick
A dead body and a canine companion are central to this story by South Lake Tahoe’s Jennifer Quashnick. Environmental scientist Rachel and her dog Bella stumble across an unfortunate victim while hiking. A handsome detective comes to their aid to help them find answers. It’s a whodunit tale with an environmental spin and some subtle political overtones.
End of Snow: Murder in Squaw Valley — By Prudy Grimes
This fictional novel surrounds the death of two environmental lawyers in the backcountry of Squaw Valley. Laura Bailey, a snow scientist, must find out what happened to these two women since others seem to lack interest. As she talks to a group of San Francisco lawyers who knew them, the truth is exposed, but not without uncovering some unsettling details. Snow science and climate change are topics of discussion.
Images of Sports: The 1960 Winter Olympics — By David C. Antonucci
This well-done documentary nostalgically depicts details surrounding the 1960 Winter Olympics held in Squaw Valley. Longtime Tahoe resident and historian Dave Antonucci provides an overview of the trials and tribulations from inception to conclusion. Awe-inspiring images of those glory days are chronicled through a revealing narrative, as well as through an array of vintage photos.