Dear Sister

A Memoir of Secrets, Survival, and Unbreakable Bonds

By: Michelle Horton

Narrated by: Michelle Horton

Length: 11 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

A breathtaking memoir about two sisters and a high-profile case: Nikki Addimando, incarcerated for killing her abuser; and the author, Michelle Horton, left in the devastating fall-out to raise Nikki's young children and to battle the criminal justice system.

In September 2017, a knock on the door upends Michelle Horton’s life forever: her sister had just shot her partner and was now in jail. During the investigation that follows, Michelle learns that Nikki had been hiding horrific abuse for years. Stunned to find herself in a situation she’d only ever encountered on television and true crime podcasts, Michelle rearranges her life to care for Nikki's children and simultaneously launches a fight to bring Nikki home, squaring off against a criminal justice system seemingly designed to punish the entire family.

In this exquisite memoir, Michelle retraces the sisters’ childhood and explores how so many people, including herself, could have been blind to the abuse. An intimate look at a family surviving trauma, Dear Sister is a deeply personal story about what it takes to be believed and the danger of keeping truths hidden. Ultimately, Horton turns her family’s suffering into hard won wisdom: a profound story of resilience and the unbreakable bond between sisters.

©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.

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.

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.

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

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!!!

Incredible

I have been gripped by Nikki’s story since listening to the Believe Her podcast. I’m in awe of this family’s strength and am disgusted by the systemic failures that betrayed Nikki again and again. It was only about a month ago that I saw on instagram that Nikki was released early and sobbed with relief. I ache for her, for her family, and for so many others in similar situations. Michelle is a force of nature. I wish them peace, comfort and joy. 💜💜💜

I Stand With Nikki

Im genuinely at a loss for words. This is beautifully written and heartbreakingly raw. This story provides you deeper insight into DV turned criminalized survivors and how our society silences those who need the most help. It is also a story of resilience, love, and sisterhood. Impactful is an understatement.

Sisterhood

Incredibly well put together! Thank you for trusting us with your life’s story! You are moving mountains, and changing narratives.

Must listen!

This is a powerful and important book read beautifully by the author. Original audio from phone calls really helps connect the listener with the anguish of the story.