New Book Examines Tragic 2018 ISIS Attack on American Cyclists in Tajikistan

Bestselling author William Elliott Hazelgrove has released a new work of narrative nonfiction examining one of the most shocking tragedies in adventure travel history. 'Evil on the Roof of the World: A Cycling Trip That Ended in Terror' reconstructs the 2018 murders of American cyclists Lauren Geoghegan and Jay Austin, who were deliberately run down and killed by ISIS members while cycling through the mountains of Tajikistan.

The book, published by Rowman & Littlefield on November 13, 2025, uses diaries, blogs, and global reporting to trace the journey of two young American idealists who set out to cycle around the world while chronicling their belief in the fundamental goodness of people. Hazelgrove's work confronts the central question of whether innocence can survive in a world that still harbors evil, blending travel writing, moral inquiry, and investigative reporting.

Early reviews have praised the book as 'meticulously researched,' 'haunting,' and 'a powerful meditation on belief and violence.' Publishers Weekly noted that 'Hazelgrove's prose is utilitarian, letting the facts of the case carry the narrative forward… The approach pays off, lending the account an unsettling air. Readers will be aghast.'

Hazelgrove explores how these adventurous spirits, inspired by kindness and curiosity, collided with the darkest expression of fanaticism. As he traces their path through the Caucasus, Europe, and Central Asia, he illuminates the enduring tension between hope and cruelty. 'I wanted to understand what happens when pure belief in the world meets evil head-on,' Hazelgrove says. 'It's a story about courage, but also about our faith in humanity.'

The tragedy highlights ongoing security concerns for Western travelers in Central Asia and the persistent threat of extremist violence in regions popular with adventure tourists. The case continues to resonate as it represents the collision between optimistic global citizenship and the harsh realities of geopolitical conflicts. 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, has had his work featured on NPR, CBS, NBC, Inside Edition, and The New York Times. His books have received starred reviews in Publisher Weekly, Kirkus, and Booklist, and have been selected for Book of the Month, ALA Editors Choice Awards, and Junior Library Guild Selections.