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Parallel Peril
A 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
Published April 22, 2026
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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!
April 23, 2026
A captivating romantic mystery about a reporter digging into her past family tragedy to find her younger sister who vanished years earlier during a forest fire in small town California.
Vicky Robeson is a news director with a knack for investigation, a tenacious personality, and a sad backstory that impacts all areas of her life. Because of her struggle to let people in, she lost her love interest, Pete Harris. Thankfully, he happens to be in the area, giving them a chance to reconnect to solve the mystery of her missing sister.
Vicky’s character arc drives the story as she reconnects with Pete and acknowledges her own flaws. She truly goes on a personal journey from start to finish that changes her by the end of the story. The well-developed secondary characters, including Pete, Clara, and Chrissy, add another layer of depth with their unique personalities, interesting banter, and talents both good and bad. Another standout for me is the villain, Richard with his detached, narcissistic need to control the women he holds captive.
The small-town setting, especially the remote commune isolated from town, establish a tense atmosphere with an edge of danger that comes from that vulnerability. It sets the scene for the riveting and suspenseful plotting of the mystery surrounding Vicky’s sister and the perilous investigation along the way. By the end of the story, the endearing romance subplot also comes full circle in a satisfying way for readers.
I highly recommend this book for fans of characters that come to life and suspenseful, romantic stories along the lines of Catherine Cowles or Linda Howard.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Michelle
This review first appeared: https://substack.com/@nnlightsbookhea...
Vicky Robeson is a news director with a knack for investigation, a tenacious personality, and a sad backstory that impacts all areas of her life. Because of her struggle to let people in, she lost her love interest, Pete Harris. Thankfully, he happens to be in the area, giving them a chance to reconnect to solve the mystery of her missing sister.
Vicky’s character arc drives the story as she reconnects with Pete and acknowledges her own flaws. She truly goes on a personal journey from start to finish that changes her by the end of the story. The well-developed secondary characters, including Pete, Clara, and Chrissy, add another layer of depth with their unique personalities, interesting banter, and talents both good and bad. Another standout for me is the villain, Richard with his detached, narcissistic need to control the women he holds captive.
The small-town setting, especially the remote commune isolated from town, establish a tense atmosphere with an edge of danger that comes from that vulnerability. It sets the scene for the riveting and suspenseful plotting of the mystery surrounding Vicky’s sister and the perilous investigation along the way. By the end of the story, the endearing romance subplot also comes full circle in a satisfying way for readers.
I highly recommend this book for fans of characters that come to life and suspenseful, romantic stories along the lines of Catherine Cowles or Linda Howard.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Michelle
This review first appeared: https://substack.com/@nnlightsbookhea...
April 24, 2026
Parallel Peril by Maria Lynn Barrs is a tightly constructed psychological thriller that merges investigative urgency with survival-driven suspense. The narrative follows a television journalist whose search for her missing sister leads her into an isolated colony, an environment that quickly transforms from a potential source of answers into a controlled, high-risk space where truth is obscured and escape is uncertain.
The novel’s primary strength lies in its dual-layer structure: an external survival conflict within a physically restricted setting, and an internal psychological confrontation rooted in guilt, unresolved relationships, and emotional memory. The colony functions not just as a backdrop but as a containment system, intensifying paranoia, limiting information flow, and amplifying tension through isolation.
Character motivation is anchored in personal stakes. The protagonist’s drive to uncover the truth about her sister is complicated by lingering emotional ties, particularly involving past love and unresolved history. This creates a narrative that operates simultaneously as an investigative thriller and an introspective reckoning, where each discovery carries both factual and emotional consequences.
From a market positioning perspective, Parallel Peril aligns strongly with psychological thriller and contained-environment suspense readerships. Its combination of investigative narrative, emotional depth, and high-pressure survival conditions supports strong engagement among readers who favor character-driven thrillers with layered mystery and escalating tension.
The novel’s primary strength lies in its dual-layer structure: an external survival conflict within a physically restricted setting, and an internal psychological confrontation rooted in guilt, unresolved relationships, and emotional memory. The colony functions not just as a backdrop but as a containment system, intensifying paranoia, limiting information flow, and amplifying tension through isolation.
Character motivation is anchored in personal stakes. The protagonist’s drive to uncover the truth about her sister is complicated by lingering emotional ties, particularly involving past love and unresolved history. This creates a narrative that operates simultaneously as an investigative thriller and an introspective reckoning, where each discovery carries both factual and emotional consequences.
From a market positioning perspective, Parallel Peril aligns strongly with psychological thriller and contained-environment suspense readerships. Its combination of investigative narrative, emotional depth, and high-pressure survival conditions supports strong engagement among readers who favor character-driven thrillers with layered mystery and escalating tension.
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.
April 25, 2026
Parallel Peril is a gripping, fast paced, and emotionally layered thriller that combines mystery, survival, and personal reckoning into a compelling and unforgettable read. Maria Lynn Barrs creates far more than a suspense novel she delivers a story driven by emotional stakes, hidden truths, and the haunting weight of unresolved family loss.
What makes this book especially compelling is the emotional core beneath the suspense. The search for a long lost sister immediately creates urgency, but it is the protagonist’s guilt, unresolved past, and personal history that give the story real depth. The isolated colony setting adds tension and claustrophobia, making every revelation feel sharper and every danger more immediate.
I was especially impressed by how the novel balances psychological intensity with strong narrative momentum. As the journalist protagonist uncovers the truth about her sister’s disappearance, readers are pulled into a world where survival depends not only on escaping physical danger, but on confronting buried emotions and painful truths. The past love woven into the story adds another layer of vulnerability and human complexity.
What stands out most is the atmosphere. The sense of isolation, secrecy, and emotional pressure creates a thriller that feels both intimate and cinematic. Parallel Peril is a powerful blend of suspense and heart, offering readers both edge-of-your-seat tension and meaningful emotional payoff.
What makes this book especially compelling is the emotional core beneath the suspense. The search for a long lost sister immediately creates urgency, but it is the protagonist’s guilt, unresolved past, and personal history that give the story real depth. The isolated colony setting adds tension and claustrophobia, making every revelation feel sharper and every danger more immediate.
I was especially impressed by how the novel balances psychological intensity with strong narrative momentum. As the journalist protagonist uncovers the truth about her sister’s disappearance, readers are pulled into a world where survival depends not only on escaping physical danger, but on confronting buried emotions and painful truths. The past love woven into the story adds another layer of vulnerability and human complexity.
What stands out most is the atmosphere. The sense of isolation, secrecy, and emotional pressure creates a thriller that feels both intimate and cinematic. Parallel Peril is a powerful blend of suspense and heart, offering readers both edge-of-your-seat tension and meaningful emotional payoff.
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.
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
Vicky just can't stop stepping in it!
I read the first in the series and loved this one even more! The author kept me turning pages all day long! The continuation of her love interest, after a brief hiccup, really added to the tension in the book.
The characters are sharp, the plot pulls you forward, and the ending is satisfying, everything you want in a mid-winter read. I can't wait for the next book. I hope the author picks up the dangling threads and weaves us another Vicky Robeson Mystery. Well done, ML Barrs.
I received this novel as an ARC reader and this is my unbiased review as an avid reader.
I read the first in the series and loved this one even more! The author kept me turning pages all day long! The continuation of her love interest, after a brief hiccup, really added to the tension in the book.
The characters are sharp, the plot pulls you forward, and the ending is satisfying, everything you want in a mid-winter read. I can't wait for the next book. I hope the author picks up the dangling threads and weaves us another Vicky Robeson Mystery. Well done, ML Barrs.
I received this novel as an ARC reader and this is my unbiased review as an avid reader.
May 1, 2026
Good read for fans of a thriller with personal-level stakes. Little bit of mystery, little bit psychological, little bit of romance, a lot of can-they-save-him/her-before-it's-too late?!
Easy read, multi-POV story with a primary character who has the highest stakes. Can the TV news investigator find her sister and get back the guy?
The tension wasn't quite tight enough for me to "make me" read it, but it was a fun story.
Content:
Fade to black scene between dating(?) couple.
Moderate language throughout.
Easy read, multi-POV story with a primary character who has the highest stakes. Can the TV news investigator find her sister and get back the guy?
The tension wasn't quite tight enough for me to "make me" read it, but it was a fun story.
Content:
Fade to black scene between dating(?) couple.
Moderate language throughout.
Read
March 23, 2026I was really excited to read this second in the series by Maria Barrs. The first book in the series, Parallel Secrets, was so good and I was looking forward to the second book. It did not disappoint! The great characters and the suspenseful story kept me turning the pages! The plot was interesting and compelling and the addition of new characters made the story even more interesting. Read this.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A high stakes mystery with a touch of romance threaded throughout, PARALLEL PERIL, by Maria L Barrs, features an intrepid journalist sleuth, Vicky, a community of tragic victims, a supportive friend, who could become another casualty, and an especially creepy villain. With tenacity, ingenuity, and heart, Vicky wades through clues, hoping to uncover the truth about her family’s tragic past. An engaging page-turner. Hope there will be more in this series.
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.
April 22, 2026
This one hits all the high notes for fans of women’s fiction, suspense and mayhem, all rolled into a crackling travel adventure. Author Barrs knows how to write bad guys—then scares the crap out of her fans with clever plotting and exceptional supporting characters. Very well done!
Based on a scale of 1-5, Parallel Peril merits an 8.
Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews
Based on a scale of 1-5, Parallel Peril merits an 8.
Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews
April 27, 2026
I just put down this book after feverishly reading it all day! What a page-turner! The storyline is incredible, the characters are well developed and the suspense is epic. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys adventure and suspense! ~Kashi B.
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.
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