Cyclists' Dream Journey Ends in ISIS Terror in New True Crime Book

Acclaimed novelist and historian William Elliott Hazelgrove delivers a powerful new work of narrative nonfiction with "Evil on the Roof of the World," published by Bloomsbury and scheduled for release on November 13, 2025. The book chronicles the tragic true story of Lauren Geoghegan and Jay Austin, two young Americans who abandoned successful careers in Washington to embark on an ambitious global cycling adventure. Drawing extensively from the couple's personal blog, their own writings, and interviews with friends and family, Hazelgrove creates a vivid portrait of idealistic dreamers whose journey across Africa, Europe, and Central Asia ended in unimaginable violence when they encountered ISIS terrorists in Tajikistan's Pamir Mountains in 2018.

The narrative has already garnered significant critical acclaim, with Publishers Weekly praising Hazelgrove's chilling true crime tale that leaves readers "aghast" at the unfolding tragedy. The book draws comparisons to Jon Krakauer's "Into the Wild" and has been described by author Doug Kari as a "gripping account" of youthful seekers whose pursuit of wonder led them to terrorists determined to make them martyrs. Bestselling author Cory Mortensen notes that the story serves as a "sobering, gut-punch reminder that even the boldest dreams aren't safe from the darkness we pretend doesn't exist." Throughout their epic journey, the couple faced numerous challenges including close encounters with elephants, harsh landscapes, bureaucratic suspicion, and grueling crashes, yet they persevered until their path intersected with radicalized young men in the fabled "Roof of the World."

Hazelgrove, a National Bestselling author with ten novels and twelve nonfiction titles to his credit, brings both narrative drive and investigative rigor to this cautionary tale. The book stands as both a testament to the human spirit's capacity for wonder and a stark warning about the risks inherent in idealism when confronting global dangers. More information about the author and his work can be found at www.williamhazelgrove.com, where readers can explore his distinguished literary career that includes starred reviews from major publications, numerous awards, and features in prominent media outlets including NPR's All Things Considered, The New York Times, and USA Today.