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Climbing the Coliseum
Foreword's Book of the Year IndieFab Finalist
"An engaging and uplifting tale, Climbing the Coliseum will appeal to mystery lovers who enjoy characters with depth." -Foreword Clarion Review
He's teetering on the edge of suicide. She's a reminder of his tragic mistake. Forced together by a dark puzzle, can they become each other's savior?
Ed Northrup is overwhelmed by quiet despair. Still dealing with the fallout from a heartbreaking case, the despondent psychologist contemplates ending it all. But his constant stream of tortured thoughts take second place when his ex-wife drops off her angry teenage daughter in his care... and then vanishes.
Floundering in the face of the fourteen-year-old's sullen resentment, Ed discovers an ally in a recently arrived deputy sheriff to help him track down the girl's missing mother. But with the troubled teen raising the specter of his greatest failure as a therapist, he fears any attempt at atonement will only result in tragedy.
Can Ed master his own misgivings and help a damaged young woman find a way forward?
Climbing the Coliseum is the tense first book in the Monastery Valley series of character-driven mysteries. If you like haunted protagonists, rich prose, and stories filled with hope, then you'll love Bill Percy's bittersweet tale.
"An engaging and uplifting tale, Climbing the Coliseum will appeal to mystery lovers who enjoy characters with depth." -Foreword Clarion Review
He's teetering on the edge of suicide. She's a reminder of his tragic mistake. Forced together by a dark puzzle, can they become each other's savior?
Ed Northrup is overwhelmed by quiet despair. Still dealing with the fallout from a heartbreaking case, the despondent psychologist contemplates ending it all. But his constant stream of tortured thoughts take second place when his ex-wife drops off her angry teenage daughter in his care... and then vanishes.
Floundering in the face of the fourteen-year-old's sullen resentment, Ed discovers an ally in a recently arrived deputy sheriff to help him track down the girl's missing mother. But with the troubled teen raising the specter of his greatest failure as a therapist, he fears any attempt at atonement will only result in tragedy.
Can Ed master his own misgivings and help a damaged young woman find a way forward?
Climbing the Coliseum is the tense first book in the Monastery Valley series of character-driven mysteries. If you like haunted protagonists, rich prose, and stories filled with hope, then you'll love Bill Percy's bittersweet tale.
409 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 3, 2014
559 people are currently reading
266 people want to read
About the author
Bill Percy
6 books9 followersBill Percy, an award-winning Idaho writer, draws on his experiences as a psychotherapist to write vivid, engaging tales of people confronting painful and challenging mysteries. His most recent book in the Monastery Valley series is "The Bishop Burned the Lady," released April 12, 2018, is available on Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, and BlackRoseWriting.com. "Nobody’s Safe Here" and "Climbing the Coliseum," the second and first in the series, were both named Distinguished Favorites or Finalists in three important competitions. Two more novels featuring Ed, Andi, Grace, and the people of Monastery Valley will follow.
Bill was born in Buffalo, NY, where he was taught by the nuns. He moved at 13 to Scottsdale, AZ, where he was taught by the Jesuits. He practiced psychology in Minneapolis, MN, where all that good influence went for naught and disappointed his grandmother, who'd decided he'd be a priest. Now he lives with his wife and best reader, Michele Brooks, in north Idaho. His children live in Minneapolis and in Stevensville, Montana.
Bill was born in Buffalo, NY, where he was taught by the nuns. He moved at 13 to Scottsdale, AZ, where he was taught by the Jesuits. He practiced psychology in Minneapolis, MN, where all that good influence went for naught and disappointed his grandmother, who'd decided he'd be a priest. Now he lives with his wife and best reader, Michele Brooks, in north Idaho. His children live in Minneapolis and in Stevensville, Montana.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
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September 17, 2019This book had me well and truly hooked before I came across the first volley of F-bombs. My instinctive reaction was to stop reading, but the story had drawn me in so well that I continued. I get why the author used so much bad language - Grace was severely damaged, and it made her sound authentic - but I wouldn't have continued reading had the story not been so compelling.
Anyway, that apart, this story is what it is. I was caught up right to the end.
Am I glad I read it? Yes. Would I read another by this author? I'm not sure. I don't really want that much language inside my head, so possibly not. However, the story was very well written and the characters rang true. Apart from the language, I really enjoyed it.
Anyway, that apart, this story is what it is. I was caught up right to the end.
Am I glad I read it? Yes. Would I read another by this author? I'm not sure. I don't really want that much language inside my head, so possibly not. However, the story was very well written and the characters rang true. Apart from the language, I really enjoyed it.
July 13, 2014
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.
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.
May 4, 2019
A Literary Wonder of Humor and Emotional Depth
Bill Percy’s Climbing the Coliseum is the first entry of the best book series I’ve read in years. I came to this novel in reverse order, having previously picked up Percy’s two other masterworks set in Montana’s Monastery Valley, Nobody’s Safe Here and The Bishop Burned a Lady. Climbing the Coliseum is so good it sent me back to those other novels: Monastery Valley, populated by intriguing, complex, unrelentingly likeable characters, is a place a reader loves to inhabit.
At the core of Percy’s work sits the psychologist Ed Northrup, dealing with his own depression, or as he likes to call it, his black dog. He has a tremendous amount on his plate, from an ex-wife to new love interests to a racist conspiracy plot to the fate of the 14-year-old Grace. The interactions between Ed and Grace possess wit and psychological gravity. Percy displays the rare gift of presenting consistently penetrating emotional insights about these two characters. As he juggles so many demands on his time, the aging, burnt-out Ed must confront the ghosts of his past through Grace, who, in turn, must confront her fear, anger, and abandonment.
The skillfully managed plot hums. Sheriff Ben and Deputy Andi deal with a plot that threatens the very fabric of the valley while Ed must figure out how to handle the discarded Grace, especially after her attentive caretaker Ardyss falls ill. And yes, all the elements come together thoughtfully in the last sections of the novel.
But the greatness of the Monastery Valley series derives from Percy’s impressive skills as a writer, the aforementioned psychological penetration, and, as importantly, his magnificent characterizations. The bluntly witty Sheriff Ben is a trip and a half, and the sharp tongues of dispatcher Callie and the rancher’s wife Maggie spice up quite a few scenes, while the gentle comedy of Father Jim gives the festivities a measured charm.
Down to its final evocative scenes – a disarmingly comical one at St. Brendan’s Monastery and an exquisitely poignant one at a funeral – Climbing the Coliseum is a wonder of humor and emotional depth. I can’t wait for the next novel. In the meantime, I’ll settle back into Nobody’s Safe and The Bishop Burned a Lady.
Bill Percy’s Climbing the Coliseum is the first entry of the best book series I’ve read in years. I came to this novel in reverse order, having previously picked up Percy’s two other masterworks set in Montana’s Monastery Valley, Nobody’s Safe Here and The Bishop Burned a Lady. Climbing the Coliseum is so good it sent me back to those other novels: Monastery Valley, populated by intriguing, complex, unrelentingly likeable characters, is a place a reader loves to inhabit.
At the core of Percy’s work sits the psychologist Ed Northrup, dealing with his own depression, or as he likes to call it, his black dog. He has a tremendous amount on his plate, from an ex-wife to new love interests to a racist conspiracy plot to the fate of the 14-year-old Grace. The interactions between Ed and Grace possess wit and psychological gravity. Percy displays the rare gift of presenting consistently penetrating emotional insights about these two characters. As he juggles so many demands on his time, the aging, burnt-out Ed must confront the ghosts of his past through Grace, who, in turn, must confront her fear, anger, and abandonment.
The skillfully managed plot hums. Sheriff Ben and Deputy Andi deal with a plot that threatens the very fabric of the valley while Ed must figure out how to handle the discarded Grace, especially after her attentive caretaker Ardyss falls ill. And yes, all the elements come together thoughtfully in the last sections of the novel.
But the greatness of the Monastery Valley series derives from Percy’s impressive skills as a writer, the aforementioned psychological penetration, and, as importantly, his magnificent characterizations. The bluntly witty Sheriff Ben is a trip and a half, and the sharp tongues of dispatcher Callie and the rancher’s wife Maggie spice up quite a few scenes, while the gentle comedy of Father Jim gives the festivities a measured charm.
Down to its final evocative scenes – a disarmingly comical one at St. Brendan’s Monastery and an exquisitely poignant one at a funeral – Climbing the Coliseum is a wonder of humor and emotional depth. I can’t wait for the next novel. In the meantime, I’ll settle back into Nobody’s Safe and The Bishop Burned a Lady.
July 4, 2021
I expected more action, but the setting, Monastery Valley, should have been a clue that this might be about working through relationships and personal doubts. It does that part with sensitivity. Good character development on main characters, although, curiously, both male and female main characters seemed oddly asexual to me through much of the book as we got realistic thoughts and comments on all their other personal reflections and struggles. There is some thickly laid on exposition in dialogue in one patch explaining white supremacist ideology to those unaware of the Posse Comitatus that makes an otherwise exciting scene drag a bit.
Despite these minor complaints, the setting made me appreciate Montana's scenery and the plot made me care about the characters, so I worried through their struggles and celebrated their triumphs. I now care enough that I would read more in the series to see if secondary characters here get flushed out and are given their own chances for some depth. Some of them intrigued me.
Despite these minor complaints, the setting made me appreciate Montana's scenery and the plot made me care about the characters, so I worried through their struggles and celebrated their triumphs. I now care enough that I would read more in the series to see if secondary characters here get flushed out and are given their own chances for some depth. Some of them intrigued me.
April 29, 2020
Filled to the brim with emotion
I did not expect that! But I am glad I got what I never expected. This was a fun story to read. And Mr. Perry's character development was really good. I honestly felt the "black dog" gnawing on Ed's hind quarters at times. I truly felt angst when Grace's naivety crashed headlong into her street smarts. And as much as I wanted Andi to simply fall in love with Ed, it was a great to see her awash in a multiplicity of feelings that tossed her about like a rickety old roller coaster. And then there was the setting; it was wonderful to experience Montana through this book. If this is Book 1 of a Monastery Valley series (?), then I say, get to writing Mr. Percy, because I am anxious to learn more about this mountain town and live life with it's residents!
I did not expect that! But I am glad I got what I never expected. This was a fun story to read. And Mr. Perry's character development was really good. I honestly felt the "black dog" gnawing on Ed's hind quarters at times. I truly felt angst when Grace's naivety crashed headlong into her street smarts. And as much as I wanted Andi to simply fall in love with Ed, it was a great to see her awash in a multiplicity of feelings that tossed her about like a rickety old roller coaster. And then there was the setting; it was wonderful to experience Montana through this book. If this is Book 1 of a Monastery Valley series (?), then I say, get to writing Mr. Percy, because I am anxious to learn more about this mountain town and live life with it's residents!
April 19, 2020
The depth and gravity of this novel is awe inspiring. Going from thoughts of suicide to wanting to live, Ed finds himself roiling in a world of pain. Feelings of helplessness, anger and confusion leave
him drained of hope.
This is one book that will stay with you long after you reach The End. Many of us can relate to Ed's
turmoil. It's often part of life. Too often, too real.
Climbing the Coliseum deserves many more than five stars. Read it and I know you will agree.
Most Highly Recommended.
him drained of hope.
This is one book that will stay with you long after you reach The End. Many of us can relate to Ed's
turmoil. It's often part of life. Too often, too real.
Climbing the Coliseum deserves many more than five stars. Read it and I know you will agree.
Most Highly Recommended.
April 6, 2022
Amazing
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.
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.
April 19, 2020
Thoughtful and readable
I was unsure as I wanted the story to move faster, but the development of characters and plot required time and detail. I am glad to have taken the time to finish as I was comforted and helped to resovle sadness from my own life. I never expected that to happen from fiction.
I was unsure as I wanted the story to move faster, but the development of characters and plot required time and detail. I am glad to have taken the time to finish as I was comforted and helped to resovle sadness from my own life. I never expected that to happen from fiction.
July 30, 2020
I really enjoyed this book very very much. Bill Percy is brilliant when it comes to writing dialogue. Each character had a very distinct voice. I highly recommend this book as it involves real people living real lives and experiencing real problems as they try to work out solutions. I will certainly be reading more of Bill Percy's books.
August 8, 2020
Will I or I will?
Book start confused me as to spend time finishing. Boy,glad I did.Reader drawn deep into main characters as many emotions are every day ones that living is about. Reader yearns for a happy ending but is frustrated expertly by the author. Sort of like living can be at times.
Book start confused me as to spend time finishing. Boy,glad I did.Reader drawn deep into main characters as many emotions are every day ones that living is about. Reader yearns for a happy ending but is frustrated expertly by the author. Sort of like living can be at times.
September 20, 2020
What a Climb!
"Climbing the Coliseum " was an engaging and an interesting narrative. The plot and subplot were plausible and engaging. Several of the characters who were believable had their own Coliseum to climb. The imagery and descriptive details were vivid. I enjoyed reading the novel.
"Climbing the Coliseum " was an engaging and an interesting narrative. The plot and subplot were plausible and engaging. Several of the characters who were believable had their own Coliseum to climb. The imagery and descriptive details were vivid. I enjoyed reading the novel.
September 8, 2021
A book of hate, love and redemption.
Ex-wife shows up with young daughter. Ex-wife then leaves daughter with ex husband. Daughter and ex husband, along with a local woman, form an unlikely But loving family. Descriptions of emotions, cause thoughtful reflections of ones own life.
Ex-wife shows up with young daughter. Ex-wife then leaves daughter with ex husband. Daughter and ex husband, along with a local woman, form an unlikely But loving family. Descriptions of emotions, cause thoughtful reflections of ones own life.
April 21, 2020
Five stars!
Five stars for sure! What a wonderful story, great characters, interesting and very sweet and touching
plot - loved this book! I usually read mysteries with lots of murder and mayhem, but this was such a welcome change from that.
Five stars for sure! What a wonderful story, great characters, interesting and very sweet and touching
plot - loved this book! I usually read mysteries with lots of murder and mayhem, but this was such a welcome change from that.
April 22, 2020
A great story
This is one of the best books I have read in a long time. The characters in this book becomes so real you think you are living you are involved in their lives. Looking forward to reading more of your books.
This is one of the best books I have read in a long time. The characters in this book becomes so real you think you are living you are involved in their lives. Looking forward to reading more of your books.
April 22, 2020
I not sure if I will read the other books in this series.. I didn’t find the plot particularly interesting... although there are many 4 & 5 star reviews .. I just had a hard time staying interested.. just keep waiting for something more & it never happened for me.. sorry .. not my cup of tea
June 6, 2020
Disconcerting
This story is beautifully written,almost poetic in some instances. This is some of the best written word I have come across . It is a long book but definitely worth the time to read it.
This story is beautifully written,almost poetic in some instances. This is some of the best written word I have come across . It is a long book but definitely worth the time to read it.
June 8, 2020
I finished it. Bought it because it was set in Montana supposedly. There was a mention of some Montana cities but little else. We don’t talk like hillbillies in Montana. Not a lot of character depth for me.
June 21, 2020
I'll read more Bill Percy books, that's for sure!
Character development: top notch.
Prose: top notch.
Montana setting: ideal for the storyline.
Overall: quote possibly the best book I've read this year.
Character development: top notch.
Prose: top notch.
Montana setting: ideal for the storyline.
Overall: quote possibly the best book I've read this year.
July 16, 2020
Great story
I found it very slow at the beginning but when it started getting good I realized the author was building the characters. It turned out to be fast moving and enjoyable.
I found it very slow at the beginning but when it started getting good I realized the author was building the characters. It turned out to be fast moving and enjoyable.
January 1, 2021
Beautiful. Story
This book shows us that even damaged people can triumph over the people and things that damaged them. There is so much hope in the story. Anyone who is looking for a reason to believe in the goodness of their fellow man will fall in love with this book.
This book shows us that even damaged people can triumph over the people and things that damaged them. There is so much hope in the story. Anyone who is looking for a reason to believe in the goodness of their fellow man will fall in love with this book.
July 4, 2021
On the list of worst books I ever wasted time reading
Don't bother ! This book is a poorly written mishmash of multiple story lines thrown together so the author could share his politics, his foul language skills and immature writing ability
Don't bother ! This book is a poorly written mishmash of multiple story lines thrown together so the author could share his politics, his foul language skills and immature writing ability
August 12, 2021
It is a good book, just not even close to what I read
Well written, good story and characters. Unfortunately, it is not my cup of tea. I did finish and I enjoyed it, just not again for me!
Well written, good story and characters. Unfortunately, it is not my cup of tea. I did finish and I enjoyed it, just not again for me!
October 1, 2021
This book highlights the importance of love, communication and friendship. Interweaving stories of the characters, the author shows how sharing problems, emotions, concerns, moods can change situations. As well, we learn that life is easier if we don't try to do it on our own. Love and perseverance drastically changes life for the better.
October 1, 2021
Once you get past the first 50 pages, (which I would give a 3 star), I would rate the balance of the book a 6 star! I was uncomfortable with a significantly depressed practicing psychologist seriously considering suicide.
January 13, 2022
Light on the thrills, 3.5 stars.
More of a mid-western rural social study than a crime thriller. Likeable characters, clear cut baddies, and a pat ending with loose ends neatly tied off, this made for an easy read. Not hooked enough to follow the series further, though.
More of a mid-western rural social study than a crime thriller. Likeable characters, clear cut baddies, and a pat ending with loose ends neatly tied off, this made for an easy read. Not hooked enough to follow the series further, though.
March 29, 2022
Terrific story!!
The cover image is such a small part of this tale. It's crucial but that image made me think it was a military story and it isn't at all. It's well written, the characters are just right and the location is beautifully drawn. Trauma and anger and love and healing.
The cover image is such a small part of this tale. It's crucial but that image made me think it was a military story and it isn't at all. It's well written, the characters are just right and the location is beautifully drawn. Trauma and anger and love and healing.
June 14, 2022
loved this book
What a refreshing & awesome read. I loved Grace & felt deeply for her. I feel certain Ed & Andi ended up together in love.
It taught me a lot & I am glad I read this book. I recommend this book to all who love to read.
What a refreshing & awesome read. I loved Grace & felt deeply for her. I feel certain Ed & Andi ended up together in love.
It taught me a lot & I am glad I read this book. I recommend this book to all who love to read.
July 11, 2023
This was a great read! When the ex-wife of a psychologist leaves her 14 year old daughter, by another man, and disappears, the whole town is thrown into a tizzy. The ensuing story is not to be missed.
September 17, 2019
Great reading!
April 19, 2020
Really liked this crime novel set in montana
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews