Booby prize by George O. Smith — George O. Smith

Booby Prize is a science fiction novel by George O. Smith, published in 1959. The story is set in the near future, where humanity has colonized several planets in the solar system and invented faster-than-light travel. The plot revolves around a group of scientists who are working on a top-secret project to create a new propulsion system that could revolutionize space travel.The protagonist of the story is James Blish, a brilliant young physicist who is part of the team working on the project. However, things start to go wrong when an unknown saboteur begins to undermine their efforts, causing dangerous accidents and setbacks. Blish and his colleagues must race against time to discover the identity of the saboteur and stop them before the project is destroyed.As the investigation progresses, Blish realizes that the saboteur is someone within their own team, and that they are being targeted because of their unconventional ideas and methods. Meanwhile, the project attracts the attention of rival factions, including the military and wealthy corporations, who see it as a way to gain power and profit.With the stakes high and the clock ticking, Blish and his colleagues must navigate a complex web of conspiracies, betrayals, and personal conflicts to save their project and preserve their vision of a better future for humanity.Booby Prize is a classic science fiction novel that explores themes of innovation, competition, and human ambition. It is a thrilling and thought-provoking story that will appeal to fans of hard science fiction and space opera, as well as anyone who enjoys a good mystery and a satisfying plot twist. George O. Smith's vivid and imaginative writing style, combined with his deep understanding of science and technology, makes this book a must-read for anyone interested in the history of science fiction and its impact on our culture.