Safe Beginnings by Christine Duncan

Safe Beginnings by Christine Duncan takes place in a battered women's shelter. Counselor Kaye Berreano is unable to save the new resident when a fire breaks out. There are plenty of suspects in Mary Ellen's death, including Kaye's soon-to-be-ex. Arson investigator Farrell even has a theory that Mary Ellen's death wasn't an accident or murder, but suicide. The safe house residents are moved in a temporary shelter and Kaye's hours are cut. Determined to prove that she didn't misjudge her client's mental state so badly, Kaye starts her own investigation.

The characters are well-rounded; the situation is realistic and timely; the plot is peppered with clues and red herrings; and the first person point of view gives the story immediacy. Safe Beginnings - a 2003 Bloody Dagger Award Nominee - is an all-around good read.