New Book Chronicles American Cyclists' Fatal Encounter with ISIS in Tajikistan

Acclaimed novelist and historian William Elliott Hazelgrove will release 'Evil on the Roof of the World' on November 13, 2025, through Bloomsbury Academic. The narrative nonfiction work chronicles the true story of Lauren Geoghegan and Jay Austin, two young Americans who abandoned successful Washington careers to embark on a global cycling adventure that ended in tragedy when they were murdered by ISIS terrorists in Tajikistan's Pamir Mountains in 2018.

The book has drawn comparisons to Jon Krakauer's 'Into the Wild' and modern true crime writing for its gripping account of the couple's journey. Drawing from Geoghegan and Austin's personal blog, their own writings, and extensive interviews with friends and family, Hazelgrove constructs a vivid portrait of idealistic travelers seeking wonder across continents. Their adventures included encounters with elephants, navigating harsh landscapes, dealing with bureaucratic challenges, and surviving grueling crashes before their path led to the region known as the 'Roof of the World.'

Doug Kari, author of 'The Berman Murders,' describes Hazelgrove's account as chronicling 'Jay and Lauren's epic journey toward an encounter with terrorists who decide that slaughtering these youthful seekers will serve ISIS's cause.' The book serves as both a cautionary tale about the risks of adventure travel in volatile regions and a testament to the persistence of idealism in a dangerous world. Cory Mortensen, bestselling author of 'The Buddha and the Bee,' notes that the story is 'a sobering, gut-punch reminder that even the boldest dreams aren't safe from the darkness we pretend doesn't exist.'

Publishers Weekly has praised Hazelgrove's approach, stating that his 'prose lets the facts of the case carry the narrative forward' and that 'readers will be aghast' at the chilling true crime tale. The book's importance extends beyond the tragic narrative itself, highlighting broader security concerns for travelers in Central Asia and the persistent threat of terrorism in regions popular with adventure seekers. More information about the author and his work can be found at https://www.williamhazelgrove.com.

Hazelgrove, a National Bestselling author of ten novels and twelve nonfiction titles, brings significant literary credibility to the project. His previous works have received starred reviews in Publisher Weekly, Kirkus, and Booklist, and have been featured by major media outlets including NPR's All Things Considered, The New York Times, and USA Today. 'Evil on the Roof of the World' represents a significant contribution to both adventure literature and true crime reporting, offering readers insight into the complex realities of global travel in an era of persistent security threats.