Bestselling author William Elliott Hazelgrove has published a new work of narrative nonfiction that examines the 2018 murders of two American cyclists in Tajikistan by ISIS members. "Evil on the Roof of the World: A Cycling Trip That Ended in Terror" reconstructs the journey of Lauren Geoghegan and Jay Austin, who set off to cycle around the world while chronicling their belief in the fundamental goodness of people.
The book, published by Rowman & Littlefield on November 13, 2025, uses diaries, blogs, and global reporting to trace the cyclists' path through the Caucasus, Europe, and Central Asia. Hazelgrove confronts the central question of whether innocence can survive in a world that still harbors evil, blending travel writing, moral inquiry, and investigative reporting.
"I wanted to understand what happens when pure belief in the world meets evil head-on," Hazelgrove said. "It's a story about courage, but also about our faith in humanity." The author explores how two adventurous spirits inspired by kindness and curiosity collided with what he describes as "the darkest expression of fanaticism."
Early reviews have praised the book's approach. 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." Other reviewers have called the work "meticulously researched," "haunting," and "a powerful meditation on belief and violence."
The book's importance lies in its examination of the enduring tension between hope and cruelty in contemporary global travel. As more people undertake ambitious journeys with humanist intentions, Hazelgrove's work raises questions about security, cultural understanding, and the persistence of extremist violence in regions popular with adventure travelers.
Hazelgrove, whose work has been featured on NPR, CBS, NBC, Inside Edition, and The New York Times, is the National Bestselling author of ten novels and twelve nonfiction titles. His books have received starred reviews in Publisher Weekly and Kirkus, among other publications. More information about the author and his work can be found at https://www.williamhazelgrove.com.
The publication comes at a time when travel narratives continue to explore the intersection of personal transformation and global risk. Hazelgrove's investigation into the Tajikistan tragedy provides both a specific case study and broader philosophical inquiry into how idealists navigate a world where violence persists alongside human connection.
