What do you think?
Rate this book
I Got a Name: The Murder of Krystal Senyk
INSTANT NATIONAL BESTSELLER
A vivid and meticulous true-crime story that exposes the deep fractures in a system that repeatedly fails to protect women, while tracking the once-cold trail of a murderer still at large.
Krystal Senyk was the kind of friend everybody a reliable confidant, a handywoman of all trades, and an infectious creative with an adventurous spirit. Most importantly, she was tough as nails. So when her best friend needed support to leave her abusive husband, Ronald Bax, Krystal leapt into action.
But soon Krystal became the new outlet for Bax’s rage. He terrorized and intimidated her for months on end, and finally issued a chilling warning to her and his the hunt is on . Krystal was scared but she was she reached out to the RCMP for a police escort home. The officer brushed her off.
Bax’s threat had been all too real. At 29 years old, the woman who seemed invincible—who was a beloved sister, daughter, and friend—was shot and killed at her home in the Yukon. Ronald Bax disappeared without a trace.
Three decades later, Eliza Robertson has re-opened the case. In compelling, vibrant prose, she works tirelessly to piece together Krystal’s story, retracing the dire failings of Canadian law enforcement and Bax’s last steps. I Got a Name uses one woman’s tragic story to boldly interrogate themes of gender-based violence and the pervasive issues that plague our society. In this riveting true-crime story about victimhood, power, and control, Robertson examines the broken system in place, and if it isn’t looking out for the vulnerable, the threatened, the hunted—who among us is it protecting?
A vivid and meticulous true-crime story that exposes the deep fractures in a system that repeatedly fails to protect women, while tracking the once-cold trail of a murderer still at large.
Krystal Senyk was the kind of friend everybody a reliable confidant, a handywoman of all trades, and an infectious creative with an adventurous spirit. Most importantly, she was tough as nails. So when her best friend needed support to leave her abusive husband, Ronald Bax, Krystal leapt into action.
But soon Krystal became the new outlet for Bax’s rage. He terrorized and intimidated her for months on end, and finally issued a chilling warning to her and his the hunt is on . Krystal was scared but she was she reached out to the RCMP for a police escort home. The officer brushed her off.
Bax’s threat had been all too real. At 29 years old, the woman who seemed invincible—who was a beloved sister, daughter, and friend—was shot and killed at her home in the Yukon. Ronald Bax disappeared without a trace.
Three decades later, Eliza Robertson has re-opened the case. In compelling, vibrant prose, she works tirelessly to piece together Krystal’s story, retracing the dire failings of Canadian law enforcement and Bax’s last steps. I Got a Name uses one woman’s tragic story to boldly interrogate themes of gender-based violence and the pervasive issues that plague our society. In this riveting true-crime story about victimhood, power, and control, Robertson examines the broken system in place, and if it isn’t looking out for the vulnerable, the threatened, the hunted—who among us is it protecting?
256 pages, Paperback
First published May 23, 2023
About the author
Eliza Robertson
11 books63 followersImage by Leanne Dunic
Eliza Robertson's 2014 debut collection, Wallflowers, was shortlisted for the East Anglia Book Award, the Danuta Gleed Short Story Prize, and selected as a New York Times Editor's Choice. Her critically acclaimed first novel, Demi-Gods, was a Globe & Mail and National Post book of the year and the winner of the 2018 Paragraphe Hugh MacLennan Prize. She studied creative writing at the University of Victoria and the University of East Anglia, where she received the Man Booker Scholarship and Curtis Brown Prize. In addition to being shortlisted for the CBC Short Story Prize and Journey Prize, Eliza’s stories have won the Commonwealth Short Story Prize and 2017 Elizabeth Jolley Prize.
Originally from Vancouver Island, Eliza lives in Montreal.
Eliza Robertson's 2014 debut collection, Wallflowers, was shortlisted for the East Anglia Book Award, the Danuta Gleed Short Story Prize, and selected as a New York Times Editor's Choice. Her critically acclaimed first novel, Demi-Gods, was a Globe & Mail and National Post book of the year and the winner of the 2018 Paragraphe Hugh MacLennan Prize. She studied creative writing at the University of Victoria and the University of East Anglia, where she received the Man Booker Scholarship and Curtis Brown Prize. In addition to being shortlisted for the CBC Short Story Prize and Journey Prize, Eliza’s stories have won the Commonwealth Short Story Prize and 2017 Elizabeth Jolley Prize.
Originally from Vancouver Island, Eliza lives in Montreal.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
August 15, 2023
the setup…
On March 1, 1992 Ronald Bax entered Krystal Senyk’s home in the small town of Carcross in the Yukon and shot her with a rifle, killing her. He disappeared and has never been found. His motive? He blamed her for helping his wife Colleen leave him and file for divorce. But there’s more to this story than just Krystal’s death. Bax gave plenty of warning and made enough threats before that final act. Krystal asked for help and the failure of law enforcement to take either her or Bax seriously was systemic. Eliza Robertson and Myles Dolphin provide an insightful look into who this woman was and the system that failed to protect her and find Bax after he took her life.
the heart of the story…
This isn’t your typical true crime story where the focus is on the investigative clues leading up to the crime. Sure, there’s the analysis of Bax and his domestic abuse that led to Colleen leaving with their two children. But the heart of this story lies with knowing who Krystal was from the people who loved and admired her. Equally compelling was the exhaustive and outstanding research into the attitudes and biases that led to law enforcement’s decisions to leave Krystal (and others like her) vulnerable and the lack of outrage within these communities. Many of those attitudes persist today beyond the Yukon so it’s as relevant now as it was in the past. I had moments of real anger throughout because not only did Krystal not have to die but Bax should have been captured. I liked how Robertson pursued some of the strongest leads to his whereabouts, offering objective analyses of all theories.
the narration��
The story is narrated by the author and she was okay as I consumed it without difficulty. But storytelling is an art and that was missing from this highly relevant narrative. There was a lack of distinction between the research & statistics and the more emotional aspects related to Krystal. It matters.
the bottom line…
I can’t emphasize strongly enough the timeliness and relevancy of this story. Krystal was a talented, remarkable and independent woman whose life was snuffed out at age twenty-nine but not before she’d already left an indelible mark on those close to her. In telling her story, Robertson and Dolphin give her voice, amplifying how strong, independent and, to an extent, fearless women can become targets in a misogynistic environment. There were many mistakes made by the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) leading up to her murder and the period after where Bax was allowed to escape despite one of the largest manhunts in Yukon history, undertaken far too late. I formed an opinion about whether he escaped, died in the wilderness or committed suicide. I believe he’s still out there and do believe he was once living in Mississippi. One of my reasons for reading Krystal’s story is to breathe new life in finding, exposing and arresting Bax. For Krystal. For her remaining family. Wouldn’t that be a fitting tribute to her? 3.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Libro.fm and the publisher for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
On March 1, 1992 Ronald Bax entered Krystal Senyk’s home in the small town of Carcross in the Yukon and shot her with a rifle, killing her. He disappeared and has never been found. His motive? He blamed her for helping his wife Colleen leave him and file for divorce. But there’s more to this story than just Krystal’s death. Bax gave plenty of warning and made enough threats before that final act. Krystal asked for help and the failure of law enforcement to take either her or Bax seriously was systemic. Eliza Robertson and Myles Dolphin provide an insightful look into who this woman was and the system that failed to protect her and find Bax after he took her life.
the heart of the story…
This isn’t your typical true crime story where the focus is on the investigative clues leading up to the crime. Sure, there’s the analysis of Bax and his domestic abuse that led to Colleen leaving with their two children. But the heart of this story lies with knowing who Krystal was from the people who loved and admired her. Equally compelling was the exhaustive and outstanding research into the attitudes and biases that led to law enforcement’s decisions to leave Krystal (and others like her) vulnerable and the lack of outrage within these communities. Many of those attitudes persist today beyond the Yukon so it’s as relevant now as it was in the past. I had moments of real anger throughout because not only did Krystal not have to die but Bax should have been captured. I liked how Robertson pursued some of the strongest leads to his whereabouts, offering objective analyses of all theories.
the narration��
The story is narrated by the author and she was okay as I consumed it without difficulty. But storytelling is an art and that was missing from this highly relevant narrative. There was a lack of distinction between the research & statistics and the more emotional aspects related to Krystal. It matters.
the bottom line…
I can’t emphasize strongly enough the timeliness and relevancy of this story. Krystal was a talented, remarkable and independent woman whose life was snuffed out at age twenty-nine but not before she’d already left an indelible mark on those close to her. In telling her story, Robertson and Dolphin give her voice, amplifying how strong, independent and, to an extent, fearless women can become targets in a misogynistic environment. There were many mistakes made by the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) leading up to her murder and the period after where Bax was allowed to escape despite one of the largest manhunts in Yukon history, undertaken far too late. I formed an opinion about whether he escaped, died in the wilderness or committed suicide. I believe he’s still out there and do believe he was once living in Mississippi. One of my reasons for reading Krystal’s story is to breathe new life in finding, exposing and arresting Bax. For Krystal. For her remaining family. Wouldn’t that be a fitting tribute to her? 3.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Libro.fm and the publisher for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
February 1, 2023
I know people are obsessed with true-crime content today; I used to watch Bailey Sarian, too. This book, however, does not make for quirky, fun entertainment with a spooky angle, interrupted every 4 and a half minutes by sponsorships and Youtube ads.
It is a sobering, raw, well-researched account of the many ways a real woman was left to die, even after she did everything "right."
The stats on racial demographics and media sympathy were especially telling; props to the author for giving space to discuss racism in this one.
Be prepared to get angry.
It is a sobering, raw, well-researched account of the many ways a real woman was left to die, even after she did everything "right."
The stats on racial demographics and media sympathy were especially telling; props to the author for giving space to discuss racism in this one.
Be prepared to get angry.
July 7, 2023
A sad tale about a large number of lives that were impacted by domestic violence and murder. Krystal Senyk's death and the disappearance of her presumed murderer, Ronald Bax, in 1992 was tragic, in both terms of the loss of life and the inability of so many people to find closure.
I honestly am not sure of what the purpose of this book is however. The story of Krystal's murder is short and pretty clear. A violent man killing the woman he felt caused his battered wife to leave with the children. Unfortunately it is not an unusual case.
However, once this information has been provided, there really isn't much else for the book to say. The author has no leads and no new information to add. She spends most of the book presuming in what could have happened to Bax, based on her opinions and those of others, which she feels should count for more than the RCMP's conclusions. And she goes into long detail about visiting a small town in the southern U.S. where he might have been. All because two people claim a transient in the town was the spitting image of Bax, while others say they can't see a resemblance. The man, called Clint, was even fingerprinted by the local authorities and the FBI said they were not a match to Bax's. At which time we are presented with stories of how people can change their fingerprints. All in all, this is pretty far-fetched and very inconclusive.
Overall, I felt like this book was written more because the author told people she was going to write it and felt she had to produce something.
I honestly am not sure of what the purpose of this book is however. The story of Krystal's murder is short and pretty clear. A violent man killing the woman he felt caused his battered wife to leave with the children. Unfortunately it is not an unusual case.
However, once this information has been provided, there really isn't much else for the book to say. The author has no leads and no new information to add. She spends most of the book presuming in what could have happened to Bax, based on her opinions and those of others, which she feels should count for more than the RCMP's conclusions. And she goes into long detail about visiting a small town in the southern U.S. where he might have been. All because two people claim a transient in the town was the spitting image of Bax, while others say they can't see a resemblance. The man, called Clint, was even fingerprinted by the local authorities and the FBI said they were not a match to Bax's. At which time we are presented with stories of how people can change their fingerprints. All in all, this is pretty far-fetched and very inconclusive.
Overall, I felt like this book was written more because the author told people she was going to write it and felt she had to produce something.
June 2, 2023
Not just informational but also real and this was a real person and a real life.
The statistics in this book are really well researched and drive home the purpose of the book.
I think any true crime lover is going to like this book!
The statistics in this book are really well researched and drive home the purpose of the book.
I think any true crime lover is going to like this book!
Read
July 1, 2023This is a hard book for me to rate and read as Krystal was my dad's cousin. She was murdered before I was born. The way the author speaks about Krystal is the way I have been told. Thank you for writing her story but also about the justice system and many other issues as a whole.
June 1, 2023
I received a free copy of, I Got a Name, by Eliza Robertson: Myles Dolphin, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Krystal Senyk, never should of died. Her murder Ronald Bax has never been found. Krystal had been let down by so many people, inept law enforcement, and her best friend. Such a sad story, and senseless.
May 27, 2023
Interesting for true crime fans but could have been an article. I appreciated the analysis in the last chapter about reporting crimes against women more than the story itself. The research and examples cited were very interesting and important to know.
Thanks to Librofm and Penguin Canada for this complimentary audiobook. My thoughts are my own.
Thanks to Librofm and Penguin Canada for this complimentary audiobook. My thoughts are my own.
June 5, 2023
This is a really powerful and well-written piece of work. It's thoughtful, empathetic, and perceptive. The section in Mississippi was particularly effective: I was holding my breath from suspense and tension the whole time! I also found all the references to supernatural/otherworldly real-life 'hauntings' really fascinating (like the ladybirds), or the coincidence in which we learn about the sad fate of another young woman named Krystal. The chapter on indigenous murders was also really interesting to read and sensitively written. And the chapter that was an inventory of Krystal's possessions was really moving and poetic. Overall, a really excellent and important read.
June 4, 2024
A very good book. I found it very interesting that the direct family involved declined to be interviewed.
Definitely worth reading and hopefully with enough reading it, the killer will be found.
Definitely worth reading and hopefully with enough reading it, the killer will be found.
May 28, 2024
Very much didnt answer anything and wish had more details about Krystal.
June 7, 2023
Krystal Senyk was the kind of woman and friend that anyone was lucky to have in their life. She chose to help one of her friends escape an abusive relationship. However, the friend’s abusive spouse, Ron Bax, soon turned his attention to her and began harassing her. Krystal was found dead, and Ron disappeared. Many years later, the case is still unsolved.
A special thanks to @librofm and @PenguinCanada for my review copy of this excellent true crime read! It was short but packed a punch. The research was very thorough and moving. The authors will really delve into how women are often re-victimized by the system after already suffering in an abusive relationship. Krystal’s story was heartbreaking, and my heart goes out to her family, who is still searching for answers.
A special thanks to @librofm and @PenguinCanada for my review copy of this excellent true crime read! It was short but packed a punch. The research was very thorough and moving. The authors will really delve into how women are often re-victimized by the system after already suffering in an abusive relationship. Krystal’s story was heartbreaking, and my heart goes out to her family, who is still searching for answers.
May 18, 2023
Thank You to the publisher, the authors, and the NetGalley for this ARC.
Krystal was murdered for trying to help a friend leave her abusive husband in Yukon, Canada. The husband turned his anger onto Krystal. What follows is research into finding the killer, a broken system, and a quest for justice. This was an interesting nonfiction read. The authors did quite a bit of researching. Are the people providing the information to the authors credible? If so, which ones? There were some scary people I wouldn't want to mess with and I'm not sure the Krystal's family will ever have all the answers or her killer found. The books provides stats on which cases are covered by investigators, the media, etc. and the discrepancy between the genders and race.
Krystal was murdered for trying to help a friend leave her abusive husband in Yukon, Canada. The husband turned his anger onto Krystal. What follows is research into finding the killer, a broken system, and a quest for justice. This was an interesting nonfiction read. The authors did quite a bit of researching. Are the people providing the information to the authors credible? If so, which ones? There were some scary people I wouldn't want to mess with and I'm not sure the Krystal's family will ever have all the answers or her killer found. The books provides stats on which cases are covered by investigators, the media, etc. and the discrepancy between the genders and race.
June 5, 2023
The topic of this book was very sad, yet interesting. It wasn’t the most exciting true crime I’ve ever read. However, it explains some really intense topics that make it hard to read as a woman. I’m glad this author was able to share Krystal’s story.
July 5, 2023
ALC was given by Libro.fm & Penguin Canada.
Content/Trigger Warnings: Abusive relationship, talk of gun use, discussions of murder & homicide, talk of misogyny, talk of drug use, mentions domestic violence, talk of MMIWG2S, mentions of grief
I love a good true crime story, documentary, etc... Despite knowing the horrible realities of the world, sometimes I still like to get consumed by individual stories that are very sobering. And boy is this book sobering. This book not only follows trying to piece together what happened to Krystal Senyk, but it breaks down how people will protect someone they're close to even if that person has committed terrible crimes, it addresses how broken the justice system and law enforcement is especially in Canada, and there's a huge chapter that focuses heavily on homicide statistics, and how Native/Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirited are the dominant numbers in these cases. Not to mention, there's a whole discussion surrounding the role media plays when talking about women going missing especially the way they poorly represent BIPOC, how impersonal it is, and how BIPOC are almost dehumanized and their passages are always of a impersonal tone to their missing sections. It's a big reality slap to the face especially if you're not someone who's really exposed to a lot of the topics discussed in this book.
I also want to take a small moment to highlight the fact that this book released with such timing in relation to the MMIWG2S chapter. In May 2023, this year, a call of national emergency was declared against the crisis in Canada for MMIWG2S. And I just wanted to mention that because the timing of this book's release and the current crisis, the line up just felt too important not to take a moment to mention.
The one thing I will say that really hindered my reading experience were the passages that seemed entirely unrelated to the main story and the focus of Krystal's case. For example, there's these passages where the author is talking about the color red and seeing symbolism with red animals she's spotting. There's also a whole passage where the author is showering or something and goes off on this weird tangent. There's passages like this sprinkled throughout that just felt completely unnecessary and didn't really need to be added into the book. I won't say it's jarring, but when these passages happen, you definitely get some confusion on why these passages are happening, and it takes your focus away Krystal's case.
Overall, this is a very sobering, raw book to read. I listened to this on audiobook and was flying through it. If you're looking for more nonfiction to put on your radar, definitely consider giving this a listen. I highly recommend to my true crime lovers and those who enjoy getting immersed in unresolved cases. All around a good time! I do wondering if the physical book has graphs or charts for the statistics. Just little things I wonder about after finishing audiobooks!
All thoughts, feelings, experiences, and opinions are honest and my own.
Instagram|Ko-fi|Throne
Content/Trigger Warnings: Abusive relationship, talk of gun use, discussions of murder & homicide, talk of misogyny, talk of drug use, mentions domestic violence, talk of MMIWG2S, mentions of grief
I love a good true crime story, documentary, etc... Despite knowing the horrible realities of the world, sometimes I still like to get consumed by individual stories that are very sobering. And boy is this book sobering. This book not only follows trying to piece together what happened to Krystal Senyk, but it breaks down how people will protect someone they're close to even if that person has committed terrible crimes, it addresses how broken the justice system and law enforcement is especially in Canada, and there's a huge chapter that focuses heavily on homicide statistics, and how Native/Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirited are the dominant numbers in these cases. Not to mention, there's a whole discussion surrounding the role media plays when talking about women going missing especially the way they poorly represent BIPOC, how impersonal it is, and how BIPOC are almost dehumanized and their passages are always of a impersonal tone to their missing sections. It's a big reality slap to the face especially if you're not someone who's really exposed to a lot of the topics discussed in this book.
I also want to take a small moment to highlight the fact that this book released with such timing in relation to the MMIWG2S chapter. In May 2023, this year, a call of national emergency was declared against the crisis in Canada for MMIWG2S. And I just wanted to mention that because the timing of this book's release and the current crisis, the line up just felt too important not to take a moment to mention.
The one thing I will say that really hindered my reading experience were the passages that seemed entirely unrelated to the main story and the focus of Krystal's case. For example, there's these passages where the author is talking about the color red and seeing symbolism with red animals she's spotting. There's also a whole passage where the author is showering or something and goes off on this weird tangent. There's passages like this sprinkled throughout that just felt completely unnecessary and didn't really need to be added into the book. I won't say it's jarring, but when these passages happen, you definitely get some confusion on why these passages are happening, and it takes your focus away Krystal's case.
Overall, this is a very sobering, raw book to read. I listened to this on audiobook and was flying through it. If you're looking for more nonfiction to put on your radar, definitely consider giving this a listen. I highly recommend to my true crime lovers and those who enjoy getting immersed in unresolved cases. All around a good time! I do wondering if the physical book has graphs or charts for the statistics. Just little things I wonder about after finishing audiobooks!
All thoughts, feelings, experiences, and opinions are honest and my own.
Instagram|Ko-fi|Throne
June 10, 2023
This was a fantastic read, although be prepared: you will walk away from this book feeling not only let down by how the justice system continually lets women slip through the cracks, but you're going to get angry.
Krystal Senyk was a tough cookie, the kind of woman who was a comfort to everyone around her, and always seemed to offer a helping hand. Ironically, it was this very giving nature of hers that came back to bite her in the end - while helping a friend escape an abusive marriage, she drew the attention of her friend's abusive husband, who transferred all his anger to Krystal.
This was a woman who did everything right. She tried repeatedly to get a restraining order, she requested assistance from the RCMP, and she still wound up dead, with her murderer vanished into thin air. Thirty years later, Eliza Robertson reopens this cold case and tracks down every possible thread.
I loved her meticulous style of research and her unique style of getting people to talk to her, even if they seemed unwilling at first. This was probably one of the best true crime stories that I've read in a long time, simply because of how thorough the authors were in finding every single potential lead and following it to find any possible answers. And while the case didn't magically get solved, it left me questioning how safe women really are, even in our own homes.
Extra bonus points to the way the author devoted a chapter to the different treatment that women of color receive when they go missing compared to white women, and discussing MMIW very thoroughly. Overall, this was a worthwhile read that helped me understand the limitations of law enforcement in protecting women, and the importance of self-protection.
Krystal Senyk was a tough cookie, the kind of woman who was a comfort to everyone around her, and always seemed to offer a helping hand. Ironically, it was this very giving nature of hers that came back to bite her in the end - while helping a friend escape an abusive marriage, she drew the attention of her friend's abusive husband, who transferred all his anger to Krystal.
This was a woman who did everything right. She tried repeatedly to get a restraining order, she requested assistance from the RCMP, and she still wound up dead, with her murderer vanished into thin air. Thirty years later, Eliza Robertson reopens this cold case and tracks down every possible thread.
I loved her meticulous style of research and her unique style of getting people to talk to her, even if they seemed unwilling at first. This was probably one of the best true crime stories that I've read in a long time, simply because of how thorough the authors were in finding every single potential lead and following it to find any possible answers. And while the case didn't magically get solved, it left me questioning how safe women really are, even in our own homes.
Extra bonus points to the way the author devoted a chapter to the different treatment that women of color receive when they go missing compared to white women, and discussing MMIW very thoroughly. Overall, this was a worthwhile read that helped me understand the limitations of law enforcement in protecting women, and the importance of self-protection.
February 10, 2024
I saw Eliza speak to this book at the launch, and I walked away from that feeling similarly to how I feel now. I struggle to understand the justification for writing this particular book about this particular case. I felt a defensiveness at the launch, that is absent in the book, but I still felt the need to understand why. Why Eliza? Why not explore this through fiction? What compels her here?
As someone who has worked in gendered violence prevention for years, I found it fairly surprising that Eliza believed so firmly in the goodness of the police (6 years ago or now).
I found the presentation of Gilchrist's research useful, but even then the situation that MMIWG face in Canada felt glossed over, and really a means to argue that Krystal was a white woman but not a perfect white woman - the constant switch back to white woman in that chapter made the points of the chapter feel glossed over. Gilchrist is a friend, an advocate who works closely with FSIS, who would be the first to say that things are still awful for Indigenous women in KKKanada. To talk about the North and not about the specific experiences of Indigenous women in the North throughout - I felt that absence. I think we needed to hear more than just stats and media reviews.
I found Myles presence to be too absent. Was he an author? How? We needed more time to get to know him. Why did this case grab his attention. What's his perspective on the media representation of victims, given his expertise as a journalist?
And it was strange that we spent so long on someone who we would learn is undeniably not the perpetrator. Although I enjoyed the time spent in the south.
As someone who has worked in gendered violence prevention for years, I found it fairly surprising that Eliza believed so firmly in the goodness of the police (6 years ago or now).
I found the presentation of Gilchrist's research useful, but even then the situation that MMIWG face in Canada felt glossed over, and really a means to argue that Krystal was a white woman but not a perfect white woman - the constant switch back to white woman in that chapter made the points of the chapter feel glossed over. Gilchrist is a friend, an advocate who works closely with FSIS, who would be the first to say that things are still awful for Indigenous women in KKKanada. To talk about the North and not about the specific experiences of Indigenous women in the North throughout - I felt that absence. I think we needed to hear more than just stats and media reviews.
I found Myles presence to be too absent. Was he an author? How? We needed more time to get to know him. Why did this case grab his attention. What's his perspective on the media representation of victims, given his expertise as a journalist?
And it was strange that we spent so long on someone who we would learn is undeniably not the perpetrator. Although I enjoyed the time spent in the south.
September 16, 2023
Lucid, chilling, devastating - the story about the murder of Krystal Senyk and the search for the man who killed her.
I have so many feelings reading this book - the sadness about a wasted life, dismay about the book’s tracing of the long lasting impact of Krystal’s death for those who knew her, and the fury about shitty men who don’t deal with their issues so they can be decent humans who don’t terrorize and ultimately, murder women. In society today, we’re so good at turning eyes away from difficult, deep seated issues - including, as this book highlights, gender based violence against women.
The narrative of this book effectively took me on a journey through the years of research Robertson and Dolphin undertook to support the story. It is incredibly well written and makes Krystal’s story all the more impactful and moving. What a person she must have been, and what a waste that she was murdered, and that so many other women experience violence that reduce their lives from shit men.
The book raises important questions and points towards some possibilities for improvement, but it isn’t a roadmap for addressing the kind of violence it questions. Still, I’m grateful for the work that went into it’s telling-this is very much a story meant to be told and shared.
I have so many feelings reading this book - the sadness about a wasted life, dismay about the book’s tracing of the long lasting impact of Krystal’s death for those who knew her, and the fury about shitty men who don’t deal with their issues so they can be decent humans who don’t terrorize and ultimately, murder women. In society today, we’re so good at turning eyes away from difficult, deep seated issues - including, as this book highlights, gender based violence against women.
The narrative of this book effectively took me on a journey through the years of research Robertson and Dolphin undertook to support the story. It is incredibly well written and makes Krystal’s story all the more impactful and moving. What a person she must have been, and what a waste that she was murdered, and that so many other women experience violence that reduce their lives from shit men.
The book raises important questions and points towards some possibilities for improvement, but it isn’t a roadmap for addressing the kind of violence it questions. Still, I’m grateful for the work that went into it’s telling-this is very much a story meant to be told and shared.
May 23, 2023
I found the book fascinating regarding the sleuthing. Those investigating certainly were tenacious albeit a bit reckless. They are lucky that no harm came to them.
This book delves into the investigations & reports regarding the murder of a woman in Yukon, Canada. This woman was only trying to help her friend escape an abusive husband.
It’s interesting to hear how the investigation was conducted and to hear the comparisons regarding such reported crimes. The authors addressed how/which pronouns are or are not used when reporting crimes against women, separating us from the horrors. Also, pointing out how the wording used in reports or articles often tip toe around the fact that we are talking about rape or child abuse in some cases.
Another interesting point that was brought up in the book was how domestic disputes are reported using the woman’s name, as if she’s the one who’s done the crime.
There are way too many missing women and girls/children. It’s about time the spotlight is put on how these crimes are dealt with. The statistics should scare you because they’re only getting worse.
No matter what your childhood was like, do better, raise kinder children.
This book delves into the investigations & reports regarding the murder of a woman in Yukon, Canada. This woman was only trying to help her friend escape an abusive husband.
It’s interesting to hear how the investigation was conducted and to hear the comparisons regarding such reported crimes. The authors addressed how/which pronouns are or are not used when reporting crimes against women, separating us from the horrors. Also, pointing out how the wording used in reports or articles often tip toe around the fact that we are talking about rape or child abuse in some cases.
Another interesting point that was brought up in the book was how domestic disputes are reported using the woman’s name, as if she’s the one who’s done the crime.
There are way too many missing women and girls/children. It’s about time the spotlight is put on how these crimes are dealt with. The statistics should scare you because they’re only getting worse.
No matter what your childhood was like, do better, raise kinder children.
February 4, 2024
This has been on my list of “to read” for a while and finally managed to get a copy.
Well researched with compassion and empathy displayed towards Krystal Senyk and her family along with Colleen, her sons and family, this is a startlingly look at how gender/domestic violence based crimes are unfortunately still not taken as seriously as they should at all times by law enforcement and how the circumstances surrounding Krystal’s death were not only brushed off but not recorded in parts by law enforcement, and how if it had been taken more seriously this is a tragedy that likely could have been averted.
It offers a glimpse into how despite our justice system as a whole works to do its best, that more and better should and could have been done.
Trigger warning: it is a difficult read if you or a loved one has experienced intimate partner violence and should be read with caution.
Well researched with compassion and empathy displayed towards Krystal Senyk and her family along with Colleen, her sons and family, this is a startlingly look at how gender/domestic violence based crimes are unfortunately still not taken as seriously as they should at all times by law enforcement and how the circumstances surrounding Krystal’s death were not only brushed off but not recorded in parts by law enforcement, and how if it had been taken more seriously this is a tragedy that likely could have been averted.
It offers a glimpse into how despite our justice system as a whole works to do its best, that more and better should and could have been done.
Trigger warning: it is a difficult read if you or a loved one has experienced intimate partner violence and should be read with caution.
May 28, 2023
I Got a Name: The Murder of Krystal Senyk by Eliza Robertson is a true-crime story that is both vivid and meticulous in its portrayal of the deep fractures in a system that repeatedly fails to protect women. The book takes a deep dive into an unresolved murder case that occurred 31 years ago in Yukon, Canada. The author's writing style is engaging and thought-provoking, and she does an excellent job of exposing the systemic issues that still exist in our society.
I highly recommend this book for the true crime reader. It's a book that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page.
I highly recommend this book for the true crime reader. It's a book that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page.
June 7, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up.
Krystal sounds like she was a wonderful woman with a passion for life. This book does a great job of giving a clear picture of who she was and the effect she had on others’ lives. Although I enjoyed this book (I listened to the audiobook), I was a bit disappointed that so much time was spent investigating a man who could have been Ronald Bax, but it turns out most likely wasn’t. I think this book would have been great as a long form article, instead of a full length publication. That being said, there was some shocking but informative research about domestic violence and violence against women that was very thoughtfully communicated.
Krystal sounds like she was a wonderful woman with a passion for life. This book does a great job of giving a clear picture of who she was and the effect she had on others’ lives. Although I enjoyed this book (I listened to the audiobook), I was a bit disappointed that so much time was spent investigating a man who could have been Ronald Bax, but it turns out most likely wasn’t. I think this book would have been great as a long form article, instead of a full length publication. That being said, there was some shocking but informative research about domestic violence and violence against women that was very thoughtfully communicated.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2023
This was an engrossing read with depth about a killing in the Yukon of Canada. Krystal was just helping her good friend to get away from her abusive husband, when he turned his anger on her. Ron Bax blamed Krystal for his wife leaving him and taking the kids. What follows is a look at the broken system and sad lack of results in the case, as the killer was never caught.
October 7, 2023
This is a sad story told with skill and empathy. I live in the Yukon so this resonated particularly deeply for me, especially since a similar story played out in a small town here (Faro) a few years ago. Despite the somber subject matter, I enjoyed this book and devoured it over a day and a half. Highly recommended!
October 12, 2023
This books has a lot of decent points, and one pretty gnarly part where I was genuinely skeeved out by the situation the author found herself in. Outside of that, it’s fairly all over the place and disjointed. I appreciate the leg work that went into writing this, however outside of small circled context I don’t see this appealing to a larger audience.
November 8, 2023
As a Yukoner, I really value being able to read books about things locally. This book is really well done, and I appreciate how it tells the story of what happened while also telling the story of who Krystal was and the impact this has had on her family. It was written very respectfully of everyone involved.
March 2, 2024
This book definitely kept me on the edge of my seat and had everything I look for in a true crime book. Telling the backstory and allowing me to get to know the victims, then seeing how those that bring down the killers go about solving the crime. It was a great book in that I felt like i was able to watch from start to finish how to bring to justice what was needed to be brought to justice.
June 20, 2023
Good true crime read. Really accentuates how discrimination is in different parts of the world. It is unfortunate that many deaths have resulted in complains that were not taken seriously. Terrible that killers are not found.
Read
July 4, 2023Heartbreaking but interesting and informative. A professionally told true crime story. Recommend to anyone interested in true crime. Thanks to Libro.FM for the copy. I also recommend the audio book for book listeners!
February 7, 2024
I found the format compelling. Reminded me of “serial” podcast. Raised some important issues and tried not to tell the story without multiple contexts. Of course I am always interested in stories from the Yukon.
August 25, 2023
This was very informative. It was very well researched and well written. The effort by Eliza Robertson and Myles Dolphin show throughout the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews