What do you think?
Rate this book
Parallel Peril
Not yet published
Expected 22 Apr 26A TV journalist searching for her long-lost sister becomes trapped inside an isolated colony where she must fight to survive—and confront her guilt, her past love, and the terrifying truth about what really happened to her sister.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication April 22, 2026
1 person is currently reading
10 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
The book’s main character, whom we met in the inaugural story, Parallel Secrets, is back in Parallel Peril.
Vicky Robeson is a local TV news director with a complicated past, who once again finds herself in deep trouble. Along with a sympathetic cast of local townspeople and her on-again, off-again boyfriend she comes out of it all alive. (Not everyone else does).
It was pretty obvious to any reader early in the book how it would end. The fun is getting there, through life-threatening danger and facing some really evil characters. A discovery of a dead dog and a symbol carved into a tree near the rural California high school points to a cult that, to many in the town, was just a rumor. But the heartless leader, who succeeded his late father has long ago given up on growing and selling vegetables and crafts. The former hippie commune’s main source of income now is selling babies born to women who have been held captive and believe the leader is next to God.
Vicky Robeson is determined to find her long-lost sister, from whom she was separated when both were children and when the girls’ parents died in a wildfire. Vicky’s crush, the handsome Pete returns, looking for love, but also finding himself (again) thrust into a dangerous situation.
Of course Vicky and Pete survive, to the relief and delight of those of us who cannot wait for them to return for the next adventure. It was a good, solid read for fans of mysteries and for those of us who appreciate both sympathetic characters and a good villain or two.
Vicky Robeson is a local TV news director with a complicated past, who once again finds herself in deep trouble. Along with a sympathetic cast of local townspeople and her on-again, off-again boyfriend she comes out of it all alive. (Not everyone else does).
It was pretty obvious to any reader early in the book how it would end. The fun is getting there, through life-threatening danger and facing some really evil characters. A discovery of a dead dog and a symbol carved into a tree near the rural California high school points to a cult that, to many in the town, was just a rumor. But the heartless leader, who succeeded his late father has long ago given up on growing and selling vegetables and crafts. The former hippie commune’s main source of income now is selling babies born to women who have been held captive and believe the leader is next to God.
Vicky Robeson is determined to find her long-lost sister, from whom she was separated when both were children and when the girls’ parents died in a wildfire. Vicky’s crush, the handsome Pete returns, looking for love, but also finding himself (again) thrust into a dangerous situation.
Of course Vicky and Pete survive, to the relief and delight of those of us who cannot wait for them to return for the next adventure. It was a good, solid read for fans of mysteries and for those of us who appreciate both sympathetic characters and a good villain or two.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I jumped right into this second book in the Vicky Robeson series (first one is Parallel Secrets) and couldn’t put it down. As a former TV news reporter, I can relate to the news aspects of the storyline and the situations experienced by Vicky when she was a reporter. That drew me right into the story.
I’m an avid mystery reader, so the unusual circumstances surrounding what happened to Vicky’s family when she was a young child, her search for answers in the Sierra Nevada, and the appearance of a former boyfriend make for a fast-paced thriller. It definitely kept me engaged.
Barrs does a great job of introducing secondary characters in this book that prove to be vital in the end – from the small-town newspaper editor and her niece to the owners of the cabin where Vicky is staying, a nearby neighbor who prompts a deeper dive into a clue from a present-day crime, and several others. I don’t want to give any of the plot away!
This book kept me reading with a growing amount of dread for the main characters and what might befall them as they continue to dig for answers about Vicky’s family. I highly recommend this series. Barrs’ growth as an author is evident in this dynamic read. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
I’m an avid mystery reader, so the unusual circumstances surrounding what happened to Vicky’s family when she was a young child, her search for answers in the Sierra Nevada, and the appearance of a former boyfriend make for a fast-paced thriller. It definitely kept me engaged.
Barrs does a great job of introducing secondary characters in this book that prove to be vital in the end – from the small-town newspaper editor and her niece to the owners of the cabin where Vicky is staying, a nearby neighbor who prompts a deeper dive into a clue from a present-day crime, and several others. I don’t want to give any of the plot away!
This book kept me reading with a growing amount of dread for the main characters and what might befall them as they continue to dig for answers about Vicky’s family. I highly recommend this series. Barrs’ growth as an author is evident in this dynamic read. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Parallel Secrets was a wonderful first novel by Maria Barrs. Her sequel, Parallel Peril is even better. The story involves Vicky’s Robeson’s search for her younger sister, her efforts to rekindle her relationship with Pete, and encountering a dangerous and violent cult. I had the honor of reading and reviewing a preview copy and I was not disappointed. I literally could not put this e-book down.
I loved how the author gave the reader insight into Vicky’s thoughts especially dealing her attraction and desire to be with Pete. It is very humorous because I can definitely relate to feeling infatuated with someone but not sure what to say or when to say what you are feeling. I also appreciated how the author incorporated her experience working with local television news.
The characters in Parallel Peril are all interesting, quirky in a fun way, and important to the story. The first half of the book nicely sets up the storyline and the second half is incredibly exciting and nerve wracking. The book crescendos with a wonderful mix of dangerous encounters, heroic actions, and a mystery solved (maybe).
I hope there will be a 3rd book (soon) in the Vicky Robeson series.
I loved how the author gave the reader insight into Vicky’s thoughts especially dealing her attraction and desire to be with Pete. It is very humorous because I can definitely relate to feeling infatuated with someone but not sure what to say or when to say what you are feeling. I also appreciated how the author incorporated her experience working with local television news.
The characters in Parallel Peril are all interesting, quirky in a fun way, and important to the story. The first half of the book nicely sets up the storyline and the second half is incredibly exciting and nerve wracking. The book crescendos with a wonderful mix of dangerous encounters, heroic actions, and a mystery solved (maybe).
I hope there will be a 3rd book (soon) in the Vicky Robeson series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ever since finishing Maria Barrs’ first novel, Parallel Secrets, I’ve been eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series. I especially wanted to see whether reporter Vicky Robeson would finally uncover the truth about the sister who disappeared in the chaos of a childhood fire — a mystery that has lingered since book one.
Parallel Peril does not disappoint. Barrs draws on her long career in television news to weave in authentic, fascinating insider details about the news business that add depth and realism to the story. I had planned to wait until I cleared a long list of work deadlines before diving in — but once I started reading, that was all she wrote. The rich detail, the steadily escalating suspense, and the vividly drawn characters in the town kept me turning pages. Add to that the sinister undercurrents surrounding the cult at the heart of the mystery, and I was fully hooked.
Fast-paced and deeply engaging, Parallel Peril is the kind of novel you pick up “just to read a chapter” and then find yourself finishing in a single day. Barrs delivers another compelling entry in the series, and I’ll be eagerly awaiting whatever comes next.
Parallel Peril does not disappoint. Barrs draws on her long career in television news to weave in authentic, fascinating insider details about the news business that add depth and realism to the story. I had planned to wait until I cleared a long list of work deadlines before diving in — but once I started reading, that was all she wrote. The rich detail, the steadily escalating suspense, and the vividly drawn characters in the town kept me turning pages. Add to that the sinister undercurrents surrounding the cult at the heart of the mystery, and I was fully hooked.
Fast-paced and deeply engaging, Parallel Peril is the kind of novel you pick up “just to read a chapter” and then find yourself finishing in a single day. Barrs delivers another compelling entry in the series, and I’ll be eagerly awaiting whatever comes next.
Read
February 12, 2026For those who were captivated by Vicky Robeson’s first adventure, this second book, Parallel Peril, takes us on an exciting new exploration of crime and mystery and personal discovery.
If anything, this second novel from Maria Lynn Barrs is even more personal and challenging than her first book, Parallel Secrets. Vicky and her main man Pete continue their on-again, off-again relationship, and the story takes on a powerful new element with the agonizing search for her long-lost sister. Along the way, we encounter a thoroughly enjoyable cast of characters, from charming townsfolk and less-than-helpful officials … to a darkly suspicious remnant of cult-like mountain community.
Through it all, Vicky employs her signature move: seemingly casual but persistent (some would say relentless!) questioning to draw tidbits of information from even the most reluctant of characters.
The pace is quick and surprises are many, and the ending proves that Vicky can deliver kick-ass action as well as an emotionally satisfying conclusion. Left me wanting more!
If anything, this second novel from Maria Lynn Barrs is even more personal and challenging than her first book, Parallel Secrets. Vicky and her main man Pete continue their on-again, off-again relationship, and the story takes on a powerful new element with the agonizing search for her long-lost sister. Along the way, we encounter a thoroughly enjoyable cast of characters, from charming townsfolk and less-than-helpful officials … to a darkly suspicious remnant of cult-like mountain community.
Through it all, Vicky employs her signature move: seemingly casual but persistent (some would say relentless!) questioning to draw tidbits of information from even the most reluctant of characters.
The pace is quick and surprises are many, and the ending proves that Vicky can deliver kick-ass action as well as an emotionally satisfying conclusion. Left me wanting more!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the best book I've read in almost 40 years!
OK, to be fair I haven't read a book in almost 40 years. I agreed to read this since I know the author, my former boss. Wasn't really looking forward to reading this on a computer screen, or reading it period! Did I mention I don't read books? Read on...
Started with the first few chapters thinking I would do this like a homework assignment, reading a few a day until it was over. Instead? I read half the book the first day and as the suspense built, read the other half the next day! It truly was enjoyable reading a mystery where you couldn't figure everything out until you just kept reading. And it made you keep going to try to figure out if Vicky would find her long lost sister.
Am I a good judge of books having read only one? Probably not, if books are your entire life. But would I recommend this to anyone who ever asked? Absolutely!
OK, to be fair I haven't read a book in almost 40 years. I agreed to read this since I know the author, my former boss. Wasn't really looking forward to reading this on a computer screen, or reading it period! Did I mention I don't read books? Read on...
Started with the first few chapters thinking I would do this like a homework assignment, reading a few a day until it was over. Instead? I read half the book the first day and as the suspense built, read the other half the next day! It truly was enjoyable reading a mystery where you couldn't figure everything out until you just kept reading. And it made you keep going to try to figure out if Vicky would find her long lost sister.
Am I a good judge of books having read only one? Probably not, if books are your entire life. But would I recommend this to anyone who ever asked? Absolutely!
Review of advance copy received from Author
LOVED this book!
I love a good mystery series, and while I haven't read the first in this series, I didn't feel that it spoiled reading this book. In fact, I can't wait to now go and read book 1!
The characters all felt well developed and I particularly loved Chrissy and the way she was portrayed as sassy but also you could see her fear and overwhelm as the stakes got higher.
I found the beginning a little slow, but as soon as the main story started, I was hooked. I stayed up late 2 nights because I didn't want to put it down!
I appreciated the strong female characters who all had strengths and skills written in nuanced, well developed ways.
While I love mysteries where the MC is in law enforcement of some description, I appreciated that Vicky wasn't as it stopped it becoming too procedural. I look forward to reading more about her family and backstory in future books.
I love a good mystery series, and while I haven't read the first in this series, I didn't feel that it spoiled reading this book. In fact, I can't wait to now go and read book 1!
The characters all felt well developed and I particularly loved Chrissy and the way she was portrayed as sassy but also you could see her fear and overwhelm as the stakes got higher.
I found the beginning a little slow, but as soon as the main story started, I was hooked. I stayed up late 2 nights because I didn't want to put it down!
I appreciated the strong female characters who all had strengths and skills written in nuanced, well developed ways.
While I love mysteries where the MC is in law enforcement of some description, I appreciated that Vicky wasn't as it stopped it becoming too procedural. I look forward to reading more about her family and backstory in future books.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Read this book in one day — the story grabbed me and didn’t let me go! Loved this one even more than the first in this series. Wonderful friendships-relationships. Author made me feel as if I was in the middle of the action — and I didn’t guess the ending before I read it. Excellent book. When is #3 coming out?? Thanks Maria Lynn Barrs!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Well paced mystery which put the reader in the middle of the action. I especially loved the characters and distinctive voices. This is the first book I read in the series and it can definitely stand alone. However, I will be going back to read the first one so I can read about Vicky and Pete's beginnings.
Review of advance copy
Great story that was entertaining and filled with suspense. I thoroughly enjoyed.
Review of advance copy
A gutsy read. A gutsy Vicky. Colorful characters. A compound from hell. Enjoy!
Review of advance copy
Brainy and Fun
This was a whip-smart, propulsive mystery that felt refreshingly original and genuinely satisfying. The plotting stayed delightfully twisty, and every time I thought I had it figured out, the story surprised me in the best way. It’s ambitious and clever. Thanks to the author and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a whip-smart, propulsive mystery that felt refreshingly original and genuinely satisfying. The plotting stayed delightfully twisty, and every time I thought I had it figured out, the story surprised me in the best way. It’s ambitious and clever. Thanks to the author and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews