Mortal Belladaywic

This first novel and its oddly appealing protagonist have much in common: both seethe with energy, activity and an ungovernable desire to touch many literary bases. The plot offers snippets of SF, courtroom drama, detective fiction and modern angst just barely melded together by an antihero who is himself coming apart at the seams. David ""Bear'' Belladaywik, ex-wrestler, Mensa member, crusading lawyer and son of a distinguished congressman, has had a few too many Life Experiences. At 34, he has a bleeding ulcer, his walking papers (for insubordination) from a law firm, an incipient case of alcoholism and three children by two ex-wives and his sometime girlfriend. The latter has persuaded him to defend her brother Joey, a punk rocker being tried for murder and possession of tons of ``Mister Smack,'' a drug that may be linked to the product of a sinister corporation. Is Joey guilty or merely the fall guy for a reactionary political party intent on overthrowing the government? Does the drug really exist and was it shipped to Earth by aliens from outer space? Can Bear live long enough to uncover and prove the truth? Will readers go for a story this weird? Could be. (July 3)