Michelle Horton: Dear Sister: A Memoir of Secrets, Survival, and Unbreakable Bonds

Bookreporter Talks To

Michelle Horton joins Carol Fitzgerald to talk about DEAR SISTER: A Memoir of Secrets, Survival, and Unbreakable Bonds, which has just released in paperback with bonus content and is a Bookreporter Bets On selection. Michelle shares the harrowing story of how her sister, Nikki, a victim of domestic violence for years, was imprisoned after she killed her long-time partner. Two police officers knocked on Michelle’s door one night and told her that she needed to come to the station to take Nikki’s two- and four-year-old children to her home. She explains what that meant for her --- and her son --- and notes that she and her family were not aware of the abuse that Nikki experienced.

Michelle discusses how the Domestic Abuse Act that was passed in New York led to Nikki’s early release. This law is only in effect in a few states, while others are fighting to get it on the books. She traces what happened at the trial and how information can be suppressed. Nikki was released on January 4, 2024, and the hardcover came out on January 30th. Michelle talks about including a chapter in the paperback edition to share what that experience was like, as well as the addition of a chapter from Nikki’s point of view. The latter gives insight into how the past 16 years have taken a toll on Nikki and the path to normalcy.

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Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald

Edited by Jordan Redd Productions