Bimbos of the Death Sun

Plot summary

The novel takes place at Rubicon, a fictional science fiction convention being held in the Virginia suburbs of Washington, DC, and at which the guests of honor are Appin Dungannon, a fantasy author noted for his books about hero Tratyn Runewind, and Dr. James O. Mega, an electrical engineering professor at Virginia Tech, who, under the pen name Jay Omega, has written one novel. That novel, a hard science fiction book about a space station crew whose female members are affected by radiation from a dying star (which causes them to become less intelligent), was retitled Bimbos of the Death Sun and given an R-rated cover by the publisher.

Mega is somewhat lost in the world of hardcore SF and fantasy fans at the con, but his companion, Marion, a professor of English literature, is more familiar with these events, and she guides him through it. They have troubles, such as being asked to judge a fiction contest. All seems to be going somewhat well for Mega, but his co-Guest of Honor, Dungannon, is making it a point to offend everyone at the con. It is hardly surprising when he is killed, a bullet through his heart. The fans react by buying up everything with his signature in the huckster room.

The police are at a loss to find the murderer. Everyone had a motive to kill Dungannon, but no one had the opportunity, it seems. Mega corrals the suspects into a role-playing game and works out a confession in the way Hamlet did ("The play's the thing to catch the conscience of the king"). While the murder investigation continues, the author satirizes a lot of events at science fiction conventions, such as cosplay and the "filk" songs that science fiction fans sing, such as "The Skye Boat Song."

Awards

The novel won the 1988 Edgar Award for "Best Paperback Original" and was nominated for the Anthony Award in the same category in the same year.