A new book by William Elliott Hazelgrove, titled Evil on the Roof of the World, revisits the 2017 murder of American cyclists Lauren Geohegan and Jay Austin in Tajikistan, raising enduring questions about the safety of Americans traveling abroad. The couple, who set out on a cycling trip around the world, were killed by five ISIS terrorists in the Pamir Mountains, despite having checked the U.S. State Department's travel advisory, which at the time listed Tajikistan as low risk. Their deaths sparked debate about whether they were naive to travel near Afghanistan, but the book argues they were not reckless.
According to Hazelgrove, the couple had carefully assessed risks and experienced generous hospitality from locals during their journey. Jay Austin had earlier pondered the existence of evil, and after their murder, critics labeled them entitled millennials. The book confronts the lingering question: where can Americans travel safely today? It notes that the State Department now lists Tajikistan at elevated risk, but suggests the couple might have proceeded regardless, as Austin believed risk is inherent to adventure. The book, released November 13, 2025, by Bloomsbury Publishing, explores these themes through their story.
Hazelgrove, a National Bestselling author with works featured in USA Today, The Smithsonian Magazine, and on NPR, has written extensively on historical and cultural topics. His previous books include Madam President: The Secret Presidency of Edith Wilson and upcoming 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. More information is available at www.williamhazelgrove.com.
The implications of this announcement extend beyond a single tragedy. It challenges travelers and policymakers to reconsider how risk is communicated and perceived. The State Department's advisory system, which the couple relied on, failed to prevent the attack, prompting scrutiny of its accuracy and timeliness. For Americans, the book serves as a cautionary tale about the balance between adventure and safety in an increasingly volatile world. It also highlights the enduring threat of terrorism in remote regions, where even low-risk areas can become dangerous. As global travel resumes post-pandemic, the book's release is timely, urging a reevaluation of travel advisories and personal security measures.
