Award-winning author and historian William Hazelgrove has signed a publishing agreement with Bloomsbury Publishing for a major nonfiction work chronicling the devastating Camp Mystic flood. The forthcoming book will tell the dramatic true story of the catastrophic flood that struck the beloved Camp Mystic in Texas, sweeping through a summer retreat and forever altering the lives of campers, families, and the surrounding Hill Country community.
Drawing from survivor accounts, archival research, government records, and new reporting, Hazelgrove will explore the human toll, the extraordinary acts of courage, the role of nature's fury, and how the disaster continues to echo through time. "The Camp Mystic flood was a once-in-a-century event that unfolded in moments yet left generations changed," Hazelgrove said. "This book will bring to light the voices, the heroism, the heartbreak, and the lessons history nearly forgot."
This project matters because it addresses a significant gap in historical documentation of American natural disasters. The Camp Mystic flood represents one of the most shocking and little-understood events in recent history, with implications for disaster preparedness, community resilience, and historical preservation. By focusing on personal narratives and previously unexplored records, Hazelgrove's work promises to provide crucial insights into how communities respond to tragedy and rebuild in its aftermath.
Hazelgrove is the author of more than twenty books, including acclaimed works of narrative nonfiction such as Evil on the Roof of the World, Dead Air: The Night Orson Welles Terrified America, and Madam President: The Secret Presidency of Edith Wilson. His work has been featured in The New York Times, NPR, CBS, PBS, and other major media outlets. More information about the author can be found at https://www.williamhazelgrove.com.
The Camp Mystic book is scheduled for publication by Bloomsbury in 2027. For the publishing industry, this announcement represents a significant investment in narrative nonfiction that combines rigorous historical research with compelling storytelling. The book's focus on a relatively unknown disaster could influence how publishers approach regional history and disaster narratives, potentially inspiring similar works that examine overlooked chapters of American history.
For readers, Hazelgrove's book offers more than just historical documentation. It provides an opportunity to understand the human dimension of natural disasters, the psychological impact on survivors, and the long-term consequences for affected communities. The work may also contribute to ongoing conversations about climate change, emergency response systems, and how societies memorialize traumatic events. By giving voice to those who experienced the Camp Mystic flood firsthand, Hazelgrove ensures that their stories will inform future generations about resilience in the face of catastrophe.
