Boogeymen: Star Trek | Mel Gilden

In Boogeymen, the U.S.S. Enterprise-D travels to the distant planet Treva to facilitate diplomatic entry into the United Federation of Planets. However, upon arrival, Captain Jean-Luc Picard and his crew discover the planet engulfed in civil war, with rumors spreading of terrifying, monstrous creatures—the "Boogeymen"—terrorizing local populations. As Commander William Riker and Chief Security Officer Worf lead away teams to investigate, they must determine whether these nightmarish beings are genuine alien invaders, biological weapons, or psychological projections generated to destabilize the planet's society.

Gilden weaves psychological tension with classic Star Trek techno-thriller elements by exploring how fears and sub-conscious folklore manifest in physical space. The narrative heavily features Holodeck simulations and sensor anomalies, challenging Chief Engineer Geordi La Forge and Counselor Deanna Troi to isolate how fear is being weaponized against both the Trevan population and members of the Enterprise crew.

Published in July 1991 as Book #17 in the numbered Pocket Books Star Trek: The Next Generation novel series, the story is set during the height of the television show's middle seasons (matching the aesthetic and crew dynamic of Seasons 3 and 4). It stands as a self-contained expanded universe adventure that expands on the franchise's core themes of diplomacy, scientific investigation, and overcoming xenophobia.

The book is well-regarded among classic Star Trek tie-in readers for its strong characterization of Worf and Geordi La Forge, engaging planet-side mystery, and crisp pacing. Fans of 1990s franchise tie-in literature appreciate Gilden’s ability to capture the authentic episodic feel, dialogue nuances, and scientific curiosity of the television series.

Mel Gilden is a versatile American science fiction and fantasy author who penned multiple original tie-in novels for iconic 1980s and 1990s television franchises, including Star Trek: The Next Generation (authoring titles such as The Starship Trap and Surak's Soul), Beverly Hills, 90210, and Cybersurfers. His background in young adult fiction and speculative storytelling enabled him to craft accessible, high-concept sci-fi adventures across media tie-in universes.

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