Book review: ‘The Unseen Sacrifice’

The Unseen Sacrifice by Dani I. Tobbek. Emerald Books, 2025. Hardcover, 285 pages.

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Let me begin by giving some advice to readers: When you begin reading The Unseen Sacrifice by Dani I. Tobbek, clear your schedule for the rest of the day. I can’t imagine anyone being able to put down this engrossing and complex novel until the last page is read.  

Set in Henderson, Nevada, The Unseen Sacrifice is, on its face, a legal thriller about what happens when one family accuses another family’s dogs of attacking one of their sheep. The lawsuits, legal proceedings, and courtroom drama are, however, not the heart of Dani’s story.  

The main theme centers on the strength of the bond between the protagonist, Mia, and her family’s dogs. Her family’s quest to seek justice — and ultimately save their dogs — drives a wedge between neighbors, causes rifts in the community, and even impacts a young couple’s future.  

Dani is adept at peeling back the layers of personal and community strife and estrangement. She is also good at showing what is left when the dust settles and the truth is revealed. The Unseen Sacrifice, I hope, is just the first of many novels from a skilled and wise writer.

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Shelter staff can’t do it alone. Saving animals in shelters is everyone’s responsibility, and it takes support and participation from the community. No-kill is possible when we work together thoughtfully, honestly, and collaboratively.