A Boston police detective investigates a series of gruesome decapitations of various college coeds, committed by a helmeted, black-leather clad serial killer.

Nathan Zuckerman, a budding 23 year old writer infatuated with the Great Books, discovers the contradictory claims of literature and experience while an overnight guest in the secluded New England farmhouse of his idol, E. I. Lonoff. Also staying is Amy Bellette, a young woman with a vague past.

Max can't face his yuppie future. Graduation's only weeks away and he's having second thoughts. Inspired by the campus radio station, he decides to get a little crazy.