Before reading this book, I was unaware of Janice’s case. The author’s writing is highly engaging and had me hooked me from the very first page. The author used vivid descriptions but in a story-telling type of way that made it easy to picture the events unfolding in my mind.

The book not only delves into Janice’s case but also explores the challenges faced by Kay Schucker, the lone woman detective in a male-dominated police force. Kay’s unwavering determination and persistence, even when dismissed by her male colleagues and superiors, bring Janice’s story to light. Kay’s journey exemplifies the strength and determination of women and it shed light on the gender disparities and power dynamics.

Having read numerous books about murder and true crime, this one hit different. I felt an overwhelming sadness for Janice and her tragic fate after finishing this book. I also enjoyed the author included a “where are they now?” section at the end. May she rest in peace.

Thank you to the publisher Post Hill Press for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an ARC copy of this book. I love anything true crime and I had never heard of Janice Starr and her disappearance in 1981. Her investigation took longer than it should have based on the fact that an all male investigative team refused to look at the clues right in front of them. The only female detective on the case took a lot of grief and hardship proving that Janice did not simply go off on her own freewill. In The Wind is well written and does a great job at explaining the timeline of Janice's disappearance. If you enjoy true crime, this book should be read.

There is almost absolutely nothing to be found online about this case.

A very, very frustrating story with a case that never would have been solved if it wasn't for one determined female detective.

Very heavy on the misogyny and sexism (as goes with the time)

The military is shady as and will do anything to protect its own.

Janice Starr, a young college co-ed, goes missing in 1981 without a trace. Or, actually, there were tons of traces. The all-male cops on the case simply didn't want to pay attention to them. Kay Schucker, the lone woman on the force, takes up Janice's case and brings her story to light, ultimately proving that she is a badass and the men around her were trash.

Peterson's writing was very comprehensive and flowed in an exhilarating narrative. Kay and Janice's story is that of feminine strength, resilience, and the gender inequalities and power struggles that shaped their fates. While much of the inequality is "of the time," sadly women still frequently face such unfairness in judgement.

Peterson told Janice Starr’s story in a way that really captivated the reader. I was intrigued and wanted to know more about the life and death of Janice, which kept me reading. A well researched and written book.

"In the Wind" by Ron Peterson is a non-fiction true crime story of tragedy and perseverance. Janice Starr, 23, transfers to the Army Reserves in hopes of obtaining her degree so she can commission. Many describe her as sweet, kind, smart, and focused. Janice goes to Old Dominion University in Virginia, until one day she just disappears. Officer Kay Schucker is determined to find Janice and arrest the perpetrator, however, she faces tough obstacles as being the first female cop in their district. While Kay navigates the system, she's told to tread lightly and to quickly solve the case-whether that includes finding Janice or not.

This story highlights how foul play among our service members has been happening for decades. I recommend reading to keep Janice Starr's memory alive.

In the Wind
The Disappearance of Janice Starr
by Ron Peterson
4 stars

Disturbingly fascinating book about the disappearance and murder of Janice Starr. Ron Peterson has done a remarkable job of filling in the holes of her disappearance with painstaking research into the life and death of Ms. Starr, whose life was cut far too short after falling for the wrong man.
I had not heard of Peterson or Janice Starr prior to this book, but he is a talented author and writer. I appreciate when true crime writers do not sensationalize the death or the killer. I highly recommend this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley.

This was a very enjoyable true crime read about a tenacious woman detective who has to overcome and ignore her male counterpart's derision to solve a case and ultimately recover the victim’s body for the family. Very inspiring story of detective investigating a sad loss in a crazy case.

Oh, how I love me some good true crime. I thought I might not like this very much since it’s very dated (disappearance was in 1981) but it was very good. Very good.

In 1981 Janice Start, 23, a college student, Army veteran and ROTC member at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia went missing. One of the only clues in her disappearance was her daily diary.

Detective Kay Schucker who was the first female police officer with the Chesapeake Police Department and who, believe me, went through some stuff which is so infuriating to read about, was the lead on Janice’s case. She began to suspect Janice’s ODU ROTC professor Dwight Beddingfield, a real ass, and who was married and had three kids. Kay’s superiors…”warned her off” would be a nice way to put it…Bedfingfield as a suspect, him having the support of the Army and all.

Other than my sorrow for Starr, which is obvious, and my dismay at all Schucker went through, I’m also sorry that out of Officers Tillett, Forelli and Dilday only one of them survives to read this book to be faced with their misogynistic, horrific treatment of both Starr and Schucker. Read this to be reminded of the bad old days that some politicians would like to see us return to. Give this to your true crime-crazy younger daughters so they can see the way that women, both victims and law enforcement officials were treated not so long ago (and it’s not like things are fixed.)

This is a great true crime account which includes a great deal of balanced information about the parties involved and the investigation process. Much of this, for me, was a bit overshadowed by the fury I felt when reading of the discrimination experienced by the women - including the victim herself and the police officer who solved the case. It’s an important piece of context of the time but, with a modern eye, it is just infuriating to see the barriers put in place for these women. This is not to say the author should not have included this - it is an important contextual factor - but more a reflection of how well they represented it! I appreciated the concluding information about where the various parties “ended up” as this left no loose strings to what was a very interesting case.