Dear Sister

A Memoir of Secrets, Survival, and Unbreakable Bonds

By: Michelle Horton

Narrated by: Michelle Horton

In this "incendiary" memoir, a woman fights the criminal justice system to release her incarcerated sister after she kills her longtime abuser (Publishers Weekly).

In September 2017, a knock on the door upends Michelle Horton’s life: she learns that her sister has just shot her partner and is now in jail. Stunned, Michelle rearranges her life to raise Nikki's two young children alongside her own son.

During the investigation that follows, Michelle is shocked to learn that Nikki had been hiding horrific abuse for years. Michelle launches a fight to bring Nikki home, squaring off against a criminal justice system designed to punish the entire family.

Since Dear Sister’s original publication, Michelle’s fight—alongside a tireless network of supporters—has resulted in Nikki’s release from prison.

With a new chapter, an update from Nikki, and never-before-seen photographs documenting the homecoming, this edition provides a touching new conclusion to a profound, intimate story of resilience and the unbreakable bond of family.

©2024 Michelle Horton (P)2024 Grand Central Publishing

Critic reviews

"A devastating and heart-breaking account which sheds light on all of the secrets, the silences, the unnecessary opprobrium, and the injustice that still surround battered women in our society today."—Sheila Kohler, author of Once We Were Sisters

“This deeply felt and beautifully written book—this tale of tragedy and love, cruelty and community—will stay with me long after Nikki comes home and these two amazing sisters and their children can heal. It will stay with me, inspire me, and fuel my commitment to women, because as little Ben says at the end of the book, “It’s not over until we help all the other mommies who defended themselves get free.”"—Elizabeth Lesser, Cofounder of Omega Institute and author of New York Times bestseller, Broken Open

"The sheer scale of what Michelle Horton has done—in this book, in her life, in telling her sister’s story and her own, in her very survival—will leave you awestruck. I didn’t read this book, I swallowed it. It will make you feel despair, rage, horror, and ultimately reverence and adoration. Hopefully, it will make you stand up and take notice of all we get wrong with survivors like Nikki Addimando. I don’t think anyone will read this book and not want to take to the streets and demand we do better. I know I’ll be out there. In a word, this book is miraculous.”—Rachel Louise Snyder, author of No Visible Bruises and Women We Buried, Women We Burned

A Must Read

I have followed Nikki’s story since i listened to the podcast “Believe Her.” Listening to the podcast and this book is a real eye opener. The struggles that domestic violence survivors face in our “Justice System” is maddening. Nikki’s story heartbreaking, yet, gives hope for others, knowing she is free now. We are all hoping for real change in the justice system.
This book was very well written and the audible version was beautifully read. 

true story

I liked that it told the whole story but hated that she was convicted.

Wonderful writing, heartbreaking, anger provoking

Highly recommend! Thank you for writing it. Amazing & had me hooked immediately! Prayers for all, true meaning of love, family & injustices of the system still today!

Strong bonds/ strong sisters

This true story was physically close to my hometown. You never know what goes on behind closed doors and what someone may be going through. This book was well written, heartfelt and full of purpose. Thank you for writing this book.

Best audible listen to date

I was not expecting the audio clips. I sobbed throughout this listen. You get a window into the heartbreaking realities of domestic abuse, generational trauma, the UNjustice system, and most importantly the Phoenix rising from the ashes. This is just the beginning for Nikki and Michelle-I know I will see them move mountains together.

Couldn't Put it Down - All on a Sunday

The Injustice of it all!! Written and narrated so well, it frustrates me so deeply. I was Nikki, took me 6 years and 3 hospitalizations to finally leave. none of my family knew because I too, never pressed charges, just hoped things would go back the way they used to.

I highly reccomend this book. the writer is honest, insightful and A SUPERHERO

Absolutely beautiful

Following the story closely as I live in the same town, it was so beautiful to follow the children through their story. Nikki is truly a hero and a survivor in every sense of the word and I am so incredibly happy for her release. She still has a lifetime and she will truly change the world.

Best book I’ve listened to yet!

Awesome story, writing and narration!!! I loved the audio clips! I didn’t want it to end! I will be waiting for the next one!!!

Heartbreaking True Story

This book is beautifully written, extremely emotional, and heart wrenching. I couldn’t stop listening to this book. I cried for Nikki and her family for abuse she suffered and for the injustice that was served to her. Our justice system needs to be fixed…it needs to support domestic violence victims not make them suffer even more. The author, Michelle Horton (her sister), does a wonderful job retelling Nikki’s story. I hope we can all learn and grow from this story. This is a must read for everyone. -JRobeach

A must read!

Wow. This book was heartbreaking but beautifully written and ultimately hopeful. I could not put it down! This book examines the disturbing way victims of domestic violence and their families are treated in America and the very many flaws in the legal system. At the same time it reveals the kindness and resiliency of people who recognize a need for change. A must read!