Is it still safe for Americans to travel the world? That question lies at the heart of William Elliott Hazelgrove's new book, Evil on the Roof of the World, released November 13, 2025, by Bloomsbury Publishing. The book revisits the tragic 2017 deaths of Lauren Geohegan and Jay Austin, two American cyclists murdered by five ISIS terrorists in the Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan. The couple had set out on a global cycling trip, checking the State Department's travel advisories, which at the time listed Tajikistan as low risk. Despite careful planning, they were ambushed and killed along with two others, sparking a national debate on the risks Americans face abroad.
In the aftermath, some critics labeled the couple as naive millennials who believed they could travel anywhere without consequence. However, Hazelgrove argues that Geohegan and Austin were not reckless. They had taken precautions and had experienced warm hospitality throughout their journey. Jay Austin himself had pondered whether evil exists in the world, a question that remains hauntingly relevant today. The book explores the couple's motivations and the broader implications for American travelers, especially in regions near conflict zones like Afghanistan.
The State Department has since elevated Tajikistan's risk level, but Hazelgrove questions whether such advisories would have deterred the couple. Jay Austin once noted that risk is inherent to adventure, and traveling internationally—especially by bicycle—amplifies that risk. For them, cycling was the best way to connect with people and landscapes. The book does not offer easy answers but forces readers to confront the trade-offs between safety and exploration.
Hazelgrove, a National Bestselling author of ten novels and twelve nonfiction titles, has received starred reviews from Publisher Weekly, Kirkus, and Booklist. His works have been featured on NPR's All Things Considered, The New York Times, and USA Today. Evil on the Roof of the World continues his exploration of historical and contemporary issues, following his previous books like Madam President: The Secret Presidency of Edith Wilson and forthcoming titles Dead Air: The Night Orson Welles Terrified America and Hemingway's Attic: Hell and Glory in Cuba and the Writing of The Old Man and the Sea. For more information, visit williamhazelgrove.com.
