In the Wind: The Disappearance of Janice Starr

by Ron Peterson Jr

The true story of a trailblazing detective’s search for a beautiful college coed who vanished without a trace.

In 1981, detective Kay Schucker was the lead investigator in the high-profile missing persons case of Old Dominion University student Janice Starr. The beautiful coed disappeared without a trace from ODU’s Norfolk, Virginia campus. Among the only leads was Janice’s diary, which included detailed journal entries about her daily activities. As Kay studied the diary—going several years back—she learned that Janice, a US Army veteran, had faced the same challenges in the military that Kay did in law enforcement. They were both women trying to succeed in a man’s world. Feeling a kinship toward Janice, Kay became consumed with unraveling the mystery of Janice’s disappearance and possible death.

As the investigation unfolded, Kay began to suspect that Janice had an affair with her ROTC professor at ODU, Army captain Dwight Beddingfield—a well-respected family man married with three kids. Kay was warned by superiors to tread lightly in her investigation of Beddingfield and cautioned not to dig too deeply. But she soon uncovered a life insurance scheme and discovered that Janice had been assigned a series of dangerous tasks by Captain Beddingfield. Did these circumstances play a role in Janice’s demise? Was the highly regarded Beddingfield actually a killer? If so, what did he do with Janice’s remains?

Genres: True Crime, Crime, Audiobook, Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

Published July 30, 2024

Reviews

[Lisa Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent true crime book that I received as a gift from my friend…Janice Starr! Not kidding. I had to read to determine if she is really who she says she is. This book is about a different Janice Starr, who is nothing like MY Janice Starr, but this story was tragic and I felt deeply for her family and friends.
One note- on page 100 at the start of chapter 11, the author mixed up Kay and Janice. In the first sentence on the page, Janice gets called into the Sergeant’s office and in the last sentence on the page, they verbalize that Kay could be dead. Oops!

[SundayAtDusk · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started this book, I only intended to read a chapter or two. I ended up reading the entire book in one sitting. That's how easily the story glided from one page to another. It turned out to be more a story of the investigation of Janice Starr's disappearance, though, than a complex story about what happened to her. That was fine with me. It wasn't a complicated murder case. It was instead an outrageous account of what would have been totally shoddy police work, if not for one detective.

Detective Kay Schucker, the only female detective on the Chesapeake, VA police force, refused to allow her male colleagues to disregard all the evidence that went against their theory that Ms. Starr was a "promiscuous" young woman, who probably ran off with some guy. Even when Detective Schucker felt she had excellent proof of where Janice Starr's body was dumped, she was told there was no more time to give to the case, and she would have to pursue her theory on her own time.

After the body was found by Kay Schucker and the case closed, the widow of the murderer wanted the money from Ms. Starr's life insurance policies paid to her, since her husband was listed as the beneficiary. Talk about outrageous! I will now have to look for more true crime books by Ron Peterson Jr. He knows how to pick a crime and he knows how to tell the story of the crime in a most readable way; with no repetition, no tedious details, and no going off in all sorts of unrelated directions.

(Note: I received a free e-ARC of this book from NetGalley and the author or publisher.)

[kylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

**I received my copy from Netgalley.

[Des · Rating 5 out of 5]

this true crime book, following the disappearance and murder of Janice Starr, was such a mind gripping read. i have always had a love for true crime and this story did not disappoint. as always, it was such a heartbreaking account of what goes into finding out what happens to victims of crimes. the author did such an amazing job at describing in detail of the accounts leading up to the discovery of Janice Starr. 30 years later, and my heart still goes out to the family and friends of this sweet girl. i highly recommend reading this book!

[Janice Starr · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I read this in paper format, because I had to read MY name in print, to believe that someone really had my name and disappeared. WTH? This was weird to read. So no expectations on this book, but it was a different genre for me to read a detective type story. The closest information to me was that JS was about my age, (4 years my senior).
I didn’t enjoy the writing style, but I did like the detective, Kay and her persistence in trying to find JS! JS was full of drama and love sick with just about every man that showed her attention, possibly due to her birth parents divorce and not feeling loved enough? There were a couple of gasping OMG moments in the book, which I Loved! I know I gave it a 4, but only because they used my name. Probably more a 3. Weird all in all to have this as the title. When I told my friends what I was reading, they too gasped! My husband, should be watched carefully, just in case (HAHA)

[Gayle (OutsmartYourShelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of two women trying to live & work in a man's world in 1981: Janice Starr, student & US Army veteran, & Det. Kay Schucker who investigated Janice's disappearance & eventually recovered her remains.

Janice was in an extremely emotionally vulnerable state, having just been left by her live-in partner & finding out that he had been married all the time. When she started at ODU, Virginia, Army captain Dwight Beddingfield, married but separated pending divorce, provided a listening ear & a shoulder to lean on. When Janice abruptly disappeared off campus, Det. Kay Schucker started to investigate & what she found alarmed her.

Yet Schucker's colleagues were strangely reticent to investigate further & instead indulged in a lot of victim blaming/shaming. Schucker refused to be fobbed off or intimidated, & as she investigated it seemed that Janice was not the only woman in Beddingfield's life, & she has made him the beneficiary of two life insurance policies....

A really interesting case. What I liked about this one was the fact that although we got some background info on some of the other players in the case, the narrative didn't go off on tangents but kept the focus on the two women. I think the author did the case, Janice, & Kay Schucker justice in this book.

My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Post Hill Press, for the opportunity to read an ARC.

[Morgan Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

My dad’s friend wrote this. It’s a true crime book set in Norfolk, VA. It was very engaging, and it’s always interesting to read about places you’re familiar with

[Nita · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC for review. To be published July 30, 2024.

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.)

[Whitney Scheibel · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Kelsie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this page turning true crime novel we follow Detective Kay in her pursuit of finding out what happened to Janice Starr. I couldn’t put this book down and now that I’m done, I can’t stop thinking about Janice and Kay’s story.
Janice was coming into adulthood and trying to find her feet in this world. She followed her heart and unfortunately trusted someone whom should have been a mentor and rock in her life.
Kay was a badass detective coming up in her career during a time when women were not seen as equals. She broke the glass ceiling for women in law enforcement. Her determination was so inspiring.
This was written so gracefully. It flowed seamlessly and I didn’t feel like facts and timelines were just being thrown at me.
I recommend this for all true crime lovers and I can’t wait to check out more from this author.

[Sarah King · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Savannah Ciavarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a signed copy of this book as a gift from a friend who met Ron Peterson Jr. at a Barnes & Noble where he was promoting this book. I read this book in a day. I was hooked from the first chapter. Each detail and all the people involved in the story play a significant role that all ties together in the end. Being a VA resident and a forensic nurse examiner, this book truly hit close to home. I am so grateful to have been gifted this book and cannot wait to dive further into Ron Peterson���s other stories.

[Nataleigh McGuire · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author Ron Peterson is an excellent story teller. I don’t want to give anything away by getting into detail about the book. But I will say, once I opened it up, I couldn’t put it down! If you enjoy true crime, pick up this book.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Went to a book signing of true crime author, Mr. Peterson, and lead detective, Kay Schucker. Totally enthralling and interesting.

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting read

[Deanna Loves to Read!!:) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a true crime book about the 1981 disappearance of Janice Starr, a student at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. I am very familiar with this area, and ODU, so I was interested in reading this. Janice Starr was an army veteran who was pursuing her degree and ROTC program at ODU. She was 23 years old when she went missing.

Kay Schucker was a new detective on the Chesapeake Police force. She was also the first female detective on the force. Kay is first concerned that this is a homicide when she visits Janice's apartment after receiving a call from a concerned friend. Janice has not been seen in over a week. When Kay enters the apartment, it is very clean, but there is a dried ring of a brownish substance in the tub. The forensic investigator agrees with Kay that there is something suspicious.

Kay has difficulty convincing her male superiors and fellow detectives that this needs to be investigated, even after discovering Janice's very descriptive diaries. She continues to investigate this case, and also continues to go against the male hierarchy.

I found the story of Kay fascinating, and inspiring. She pursues the case, while possibly jeopardizing her career. Even when she gets hard evidence, it is not until some peer pressure happens, that she is able to proceed.

I also understood how Kay connected to this case. As she looked into Janice Starr, she found a kindred spirit. Janice was also going against the male hierarchy in the army. Both women put up with name calling, sexual harassment, reminders that they should "leave it to the men". The strength and perseverance that it took for them to pursue their dreams in a man's world was inspiring.

The unfolding of the case is straight forward and fast paced. It was eye opening to see how far we have come in forensics!

There were times that too much background was given on each character. There is a scene where Kay and her daughter are driving (the daughter is 17), and they have a discussion on when Kay lost her virginity and sex. This was very unnecessary, and kind of jarring in the middle of a high point in the investigation. I understand that the author wanted us to see all sides of Kay, but maybe he could have used another scene?

Overall, this is a very fast paced, interesting story. Kay went on to have a stellar career with the CPD. I highly recommend to readers who like true crime- and maybe are looking for something a little less known.

Thank you NetGalley and Post Hill Press for the ARC. This is my honest, voluntary review.

[Daniel Hennelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the Wind: The Disappearance of Janice Starr is an interesting account of a female Old Dominion University student, Janice Starr, who goes missing in November 1981. Even after a missing person’s report is filed, the police in Chesapeake, Virginia where Miss Starr resided fail to take the missing person report seriously except for detective Kay Schucker who was the lead investigator. Schucker's dogged determination in the face of the prejudices of male detectives proved that Starr was in fact murdered and that the evidence pointed to a professor in the ODU Army ROTC program. Methodically, Schucker builds the case against the Army officer and puts together the pieces of the puzzle of Starr's murder. Even after the chief suspect commits suicide, Schucker stays on the case until Starr's body is found, fulfilling her promise to Starr's parents. It is a cautionary tale that violence against women is not always taken seriously by the police and investigated to the full extent possible. Author Ron Peterson, Jr. does a fantastic job of reconstructing the events of 1981.

I was employed at Old Dominion University f0r 36 years, but arrived three years after Miss Starr's murder. It was interesting to read the book and encounter on the pages people I crossed paths with during my ODU tenure. When I searched the ODU Library Catalog, I found it interesting that ODU had not acquired In the Wind: The Disappearance of Janice Starr even though it was published in 2024.

[Amanda Newland-Davis · Rating 2 out of 5]

★★☆☆☆ Not terrible—but falls flat

I picked up In The Wind by Ron Peterson Jr. expecting a gripping true‑crime narrative, but unfortunately it never hooked me. The writing is competent—clear and straightforward—but it never drew me in or built any real momentum. It reads more like a dry case summary than a compelling story.

Peterson covers the basics of the Janice Starr disappearance and Detective Kay Schucker’s pursuit, but it lacks depth and emotional resonance. You won’t miss much by skipping this book—there’s no major insight or narrative flair that sets it apart. It’s a decent overview at best, but if you’re genuinely curious about the case or the era, you’re better off turning to more detailed journalism, police records, or in‑depth accounts from local sources.

If you’re browsing true crime for something that grips you, In The Wind doesn’t deliver. It’s fine as a quick résumé of the events—but I strongly recommend seeking other resources for a richer, more immersive exploration.

⸻

Note: I wasn’t engaged, and the story felt underdeveloped—others may find it fine, but I’d rate it a hard two stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange with an honest review

[Kerri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth book by Ron Peterson and like the others, focusing on old cases of missing or murdered women in the state of Virginia. Having read his other books, I was looking forward to this one.

In the Wind tells the true story of Janice Starr who was a student at ODU in 1981. She disappears late in the year and detective Kay Schucker is assigned to her case. It is frustrating to read the amount of roadblocks and sexism that Kay Schucker encounters that hinders her investigation. However, her perseverance and determination are the driving force of this book and you cannot put it down once you start reading.

Ron did an excellent job focusing on Kay's POV in the book. This is one story that will stay with me for a long time. I can only hope that there are more Kay Schuckers out there today working missing person cases. Knowing this is a true story and happened in Virginia has quite an impact when reading it. I'd highly recommend it to friends, patrons, and fans of true crime.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the advance copy in exchange for the honest review.

[Eadie Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Janice Starr, a 23 year old student an Old Dominion University in Norfolk VA, goes missing. She was an army veteran in the ROTC program. Kay Schucker, the only woman on the Chesapeake Police force, takes on the case to find Janice Starr. Her ROTC professor, Dwight Beddingfield had an affair with Janice. He had Janice make him a beneficiary of her life insurance policy for $344. Kay is ridiculed by the male police officers she works with as they make friends with Dwight. Kay vows to find Janice's killer and puts pressure on Dwight who eventually kills himself. This is a true crime story about a woman detective who took on the man who killed Janice Starr. I look forward to read another true crime book by Ron Peterson Jr. If you love true crime, then you would love this book. Highly recommended!

[Shana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advance digital copy of In The Wind by Ron Peterson. This is a story about the disappearance of Janice Starr. Janice was a student at Old Dominion University. The lead investigator on this case was Kay Schucker. It was 1981, and still the good ole boys network. Kay was the first female on the police force, so had to work twice as hard. The more she investigated this case, and interviewed people, the more she knew Janice had met with foul play. Through her hard work over several months, Janice was able to find Janice's body and determine who had killed her. The case was able to be closed. As difficult as it was to read this story, I really enjoyed it.
#NetGalley #IntheWind

[morgan e · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was given to me to read and review from NetGalley*

I’m not gonna lie, this book was so so good. This is a story of a young 23 y/o girl ready to take on the world with her big dreams and unwavering perseverance. I will forever remember her and her story. Janice Starr, was Active Duty Army transferred to the Army Reserves so she could go to school. Janice was said to have been sweet, kind, and courageous. When she disappears from her apartment, the question is why?

This was a riveting read, I liked how the author split the story into the appropriate chapters according to the process of the police. You may think you have it all figured out until an unexpected twist happens and you’re left thinking what else can there be??

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Molly Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the author's book, "Under the Trestle" about the local (to me) murder and found this audiobook on my public library site. I thought the author did a very good job describing this very sad event. Detective Kay Schucker was the real star. For those of us who remember the 1980's, the sexism she faced in the police department wasn't surprising, but it was still upsetting. We have come a long way since that time, but still have a long way to go. After finishing this book, I want to go back and read some more by Ron Peterson Jr. A well written book in the true crime genre.

[Morgan Himegarner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and author Ron Peterson for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
My Rating:
3.5 Stars (Rounded up)
My Opinion:
I was unaware of this case when I started the book. I had some formatting issues but that is sometimes expected with Netgalley. This story captured how the first female investigator helped solve Janice Starr's disappearance. Kay Schucker dug deep into this case and developed there was more than what everyone was seeing.

[Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Jessann Kershner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books was so intriguing bc the story was so outlandish. As a Hampton Roads resident, i had no idea this happened here! Classic case of just believing someone bc they are “ too good of a guy.” I especially loved the female lead defective in this story, inspiring and amazing example of how to keep pushing.

[Angela Swoveland · Rating 5 out of 5]

The audiobook was read well by Kyle Tait, very clear and understandable. The story was written very well, lots of drama and twists. It does hit hard as I too was once a young Army reservist, female, ODU student. Detective Kay was a hero, she just kept pushing and pushing with so many hurdles and roadblocks.

[Valerity (Val) · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.