Climbing the Coliseum (Monastery Valley) Paperback – December 27, 2018

When I first began reading "Climbing the Coliseum", I assumed it was a mystery novel, and settled in for a fun read. And as a mystery, the story delivers. There is no murder, and I kept waiting for one -- because aren't all mysteries about murders? Instead, there are a series of events that all happen in a small town to a small group of people. Each event, on its own, is a problem, but nothing too serious at first. But as these events begin to overlap, and as the story advances, things get downright scary. And it's really interesting how the author takes these characters and interweaves their problems by having the main character privy to them all.But not too far into the book, I realized that this is more than an enthralling mystery. The character development of the main characters is nicely crafted, and we are drawn into their souls and psyches in a way that makes us really care about them. We see a man who has screwed up his financial life, and thinks that by keeping secrets about it from his wife, he can fix it and not lose her -- but we know that he's destroying his relationship with her instead. And we care. We get to know the new deputy sheriff in town, and know that her story is important, but the events that surround the mystery allow her to keep her own secrets. Until she can't any longer -- and we care. And the young girl, whose life ends up dumped on the doorstep of a man she doesn't even know and who doesn't really want to care about her, is difficult and self-destructive and terrified behind her huge bravado -- and we care.In the end, even after the mystery itself is wrapped up, we are glad the author keeps going and gives us more about these characters and how they each begin to redeem themselves. And we care. It's a good book, a really fun read -- and I'm looking forward to the next book by this very talented novelist.

When Ed finds himself looking into the abyss of his depression, he snowshoes up to a favorite spot and contemplates suicide. Unconsciously, he prevents himself from going over the cliff, but his narrative focuses on that one instant. The setting provides a perfect backdrop for his internal conflicts that lead him to finding his way to a fulfilling life. The book is worth a read, and Bill Percy has mastered the narrative voice that draws us into the story.

Difficult to put down, Mr Percy has crafted a very emotional tale with a solid cast of characters. Dr. Northrup is a psychologist with a bad case of depression. A bad marriage, long past, left him leary of women, and a bit of a loner. His few friends - a priest, a sheriff and a gay bartender - know him better than he knows himself. A sudden and shocking event turns his world upside down, and his journey toward an uncertain future rocks his world.Mr Percy has written an unusual, but completely believable story. I highly recommend this book.

"Get off the edge! His mind screamed, but he stayed motionless. Throwing himself backwards, moving at all, could crack the cornice. He remembered the sharp gunshot pop, remembered white sheets of snow cascading against the dark cliff. He stilled his breathing. Slow. Easy. Shifting his weight slowly onto his left snowshoe, he edged the right shoe back. Its rear point caught in snow." - from the Prelude to Climbing the Coliseum by Bill PercyThis book is, in all ways, a satisfying read. Percy writes with a photographer's eye for light, shadow and composition, a director's feel for pacing, and a psychologist's understanding of human nature and relationships. He creates a world to be savored, peopled by characters we come to know gradually, as one comes to know friends over time, first as "types", and then as layered, multi-dimensional human beings. He gives us their stories, reveals their dilemmas, captures us with our growing curiosity and concern for these people, who are all more than we first take them to be.This book is not a thriller, but it's a definite page-turner - the kind of book one wants to stretch out over several days to read so the story will last longer. Percy's writing reminds me somewhat of William Kent Krueger's, another writer who can tell a gripping story without forgetting that it is the characters we care about, and the ways we can be gently changed by knowing them, as they gently change themselves and each other.Climbing the Coliseum is imperfect and engaging, with moments of stunning beauty and quiet insight, and plenty of plot. In all ways, a most satisfying read.

When I read the synopsis of this book, I wasn't sure I would enjoy it, but with the number of high ratings I figured I'd give it a try. I was afraid the story would amount to just the basis for a "chick flick". As with many books, it started a little slow, but after only a few pages it piqued my interest. The characters quickly came to life in all their diversity, and amazingly I found myself growing to like and even care about these fictional individuals and their experiences and insecurities. The interaction among the characters, combined with their locale, made Monastery Valley seem like a really nice place, except for the overabundance of snow.Another reviewer I checked on before starting this book claimed to be offended by the extensive use of the "f" word, and my only observation in response is that they apparently haven't been around very many adolescents or young adults recently (like, in the last 40 years!).

The main "hero" of this story is a psychologist as is the writer. The story is good, but several times it seemed like the story was over and done with, then it started back up. If you've ever spent any time out in the wilder west, then this book comes alive. If your idea of the rugged outdoors is the REI store, this probably won't pull you in.

Was a bit apprehensive about reading this BUT no worries at all. Enjoyed the read and would recommend it for sure. Looking forward to the next one in the series.

Stayed awake till the wee hours of the morning to finish this book and I was not disappointed. Starts out slow but pulls you in. Loved the main character as we have all questioned ourselves, our path and our purpose. Having an ex who cheated, lied and totally derailed your life only to pop up in your life leave their child with you....maybe, just maybe your path has not been in vain. I love HEA and I would recommend this book without hesitation.

This story quickly bogged down for me and there was very little (nothing actually) that encouraged me to read on to see if it got better. Life's too short for bad wine or a bad story. Time for a glass of wine.

A good read with a great story line. Hard to put down once started. Look forward to reading Bill's next book in the series.

Liked that the mental health specialist had his own mental health issues