In her debut novel, Looking for Shelter, Massapequa resident Monica Arlene Gold tells a dark story about a high school teacher who struggles with his past when one of his students commits arson.

Looking for Shelter-a finalist in the William Faulkner-William Wisdom Writing Competition-introduces readers to troubled teenager Walter Tyrell, who loves fire but knows that playing with it will only get him burned. Still, he cannot control himself and grabs a can of gasoline and a book of matches and sets off into the night. But the symbol he chooses to burn into the high school football field is as controversial as the arson itself. Walter has gone too far this time, and he's about to take everyone in his life down with him.

Walter's teacher, Robert Barkin, thinks he's put the past behind him. But when former classmate Janice Tyrell reenters his life, she shakes his carefully constructed world. Trying to protect her brother, Walter from the school's wrath, Jan implicates Rob in an old, unresolved crime and confronts him with the long-buried truth. She plots to worm her way into his life, first as his daughter's babysitter and then as the lady of the house.

Rob's wife has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, and he's trying desperately to care for his family and be a good teacher to his students. But Jan has a different plan for Rob. Now he is surrounded by seduction, deceit, and the licking flames of Walter's fire. Can Rob find a way out of this disaster, or will he be devoured by it too?

Monica Arlene Gold has taught high school and college English and worked as a newspaper reporter. She has also published poetry and written about teaching Shakespeare. Monica lives in Masssapequa with her husband and family. Looking for Shelter is published by iUniverse.