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The Justice Agency #1

Double Exposure

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Someone thinks a picture is worth killing for in this thrilling story, part of Susan Sleeman’s The Justice Agency series.

Photographer Jennie Buchanan unknowingly captures a drug cartel meeting on film. And now she has become a killer’s next target. Even worse, her only protection from the danger that threatens her life is the man who threatens her heart. Dodging bullets almost seems safer than facing the feelings stirred up by seeing ex-FBI agent and ex-boyfriend Ethan Justice again. Ethan vows to safeguard Jennie from the deadly men on her trail. And for a second chance at Jennie’s love, he’s willing to risk anything to expose the truth—about the drug smugglers, the past and the future together he still wants.

Experience more action-packed mystery and suspense in the rest of The Justice Agency series by Susan

Double Exposure

Dead Wrong

No Way Out

Thread of Suspicion

Dark Tide

From Love Inspired Courage. Danger. Faith..

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

52 people are currently reading
423 people want to read

About the author

Susan Sleeman

130 books810 followers
SUSAN SLEEMAN is the bestselling author of over sixty romantic suspense and mystery novels with more than two million books sold. She writes romantic suspense novels that are clean with inspiring messages of faith. Readers love her series for the well-drawn characters and edge-of-your-seat action. She graduated from the FBI and local police citizen academies, so her research is spot-on and her characters are real.

In addition to writing, Susan also hosts The Suspense Zone. She has lived in nine states but now calls Oregon home. Her husband is a retired church music director, and they have two beautiful daughters, two special sons-in-law, and four amazing grandsons

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5 stars
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73 (15%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
Profile Image for Andrea Cox.
Author 4 books1,741 followers
August 30, 2018
I just can’t do this, y’all. One profane phrase. A control-freak/stalker leading man (toward the leading lady, no less). Narration that jumps from super action to surface-attraction, gushy romance. All that adds up to Not My Taste.

DNF in chapter five (nearly one hundred pages in).
Profile Image for Susan Snodgrass.
2,002 reviews273 followers
July 22, 2017
Photographer Jennie Buchanan unknowingly captures a drug-cartel meeting on film. And now she has become a killer's next target. Even worse, her only protection from the danger that threatens her life is the man who threatens her heart. Dodging bullets almost seems safer than facing the feelings stirred up by seeing former FBI agent and ex-boyfriend Ethan Justice again. Ethan vows to safeguard Jennie from the deadly men on her trail. And for a second chance at Jennie's love, he's willing to risk anything to expose the truth—about the drug smugglers, the past and the future together he still wants.

Susan Sleeman is my favorite suspense author! She hits the ground running from the first page, sometimes the first paragraph and sometimes the first SENTENCE! The action does not let up until you turn the last page. Her characters are always well developed and seem to leap off the page into the reader's heart. She always has great plots. How does she manage to do that book after book? This one is a rerelease of an earlier series, one I had not read because I only discovered her last year. It's the first in a 5 book series and I cannot WAIT to read the rest! Don't miss this one!
Profile Image for Paula Legate.
Author 17 books25 followers
March 6, 2020
Susan Sleeman is one of my favorite authors’. I have read Double Exposure, Dead Wrong, and now High-Stakes Inheritance. All 3 books were so good!
The action heats up quickly in this book, and I couldn’t put this book down. Jennie is a photographer, and by mistake took pictures with drug lords in the back ground. The drug Lord and his helpers will do anything to destroy those pictures. Will her ex boyfriend be able to keep her save?
I loved this book, and I hope you enjoy it too! I really enjoyed reading a Christian action packed thriller! I will be looking for more books by Susan Sleeman.

Here is a sample from chapter 5
Sirens wound through the air. A shooting would bring every available officer in the area. Probable an ambulance wail mixed in, too. He ran back to Jenie. Her eyes were glassy with shock. One hand pressed firmly against Ashley’s stomach, the other circling her own waist. “You okay?” He dropped down next to her, stowing his gun so he didn’t draw fire from arriving officers who could mistake him for the intruder. “no,” She answered, her voice not more than a whisper. Her glazed eyes coupled with her own admission weren’t good signs. He hoped the medics hurried. She looked as if she might pass out.
3,549 reviews40 followers
August 14, 2017
Once again, Ms Sleeman delivers a story that is not only filled with suspense, intrigue, and romance but also a story that is thought provoking, heartbreaking and heartwarming.
This is a book is the first of the author’s series titled The Justice Agency, an agency owned and operated by a set siblings who previously worked in law enforcement. Their goal is to help those in need.
This first one, centers around Ethan, whose girlfriend while he was in college, left him and disappeared. He was left devastated and 10 years after, he has been assigned to protect her. Jennie left Ethan because she had secrets about her past, and rather than be rejected she left. She has become a well known photographer and in charge of a charity that helps children in poverty. but someone wants her killed , and Ethan is hired to protect her.
Aside from a complex set of characters, as well as a plot filled with twists and turns, the book delivers much more. It’s a story about how our past , our upbringing, and past mistakes, mold us as adults. Can we overcome these self-recriminations, doubts and feelings of being unworthy? Should we avoid trusting others for fear or rejection, or should we trust ourselves, them and God to help us overcome these fears and doubts. And doing doing so, can we find peace and love.
A book worth reading. Be aware ,that these books are reprints.
I was gifted this copy. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Profile Image for Edward Arrington.
1,177 reviews12 followers
February 17, 2019
After reading this story, I think I need to be extra careful where I take pictures. Who would have thought that a lady photographer who took pictures of children in foreign countries to raise funds to help meet their basic needs would become the target of unknown assailants? The gallery where she was preparing for a large show featuring her photos was trashed and she is being chased by a person she doesn’t recognize. She knows her life is in danger but hasn’t an inkling why this is happening. The pictures were taken in Mexico and the one chasing her is Hispanic but she cannot see a connection. The Justice Agency has been hired to provide security at the gallery, but suddenly she has become the primary person seeming to need protection. I enjoyed the suspense and tension that continues to build from the first page until the end. And believe me when I say that not all of the tension is a result of the attacks on Jennie and others. A significant level of tension exists between her and one of the Justice brothers; well, maybe not just a brother. Ethan seems to have an overly-protective sister. Two of the Justice siblings are twins, but they were all adopted. Their camaraderie and love for each other goes a lot deeper than many blood brothers and sisters. They represent the kind of family that Jennie always dreamed about but she has a secret in her past that holds her back from making close connections. Will she ever get a chance at a real family? I received a copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
Profile Image for Suzie Waltner.
Author 13 books148 followers
July 31, 2017
Fans of Dee Henderson’s O’Malley series will enjoy this re-release of Susan Sleeman’s Justice Series. The first books, Double Exposure, introduces readers to these adopted siblings who have brought their experience in law enforcement to form a private, family business.
When the Justice Agency is hired to protect photographer Jennie Buchanan after her photo exhibit to raise funds for her non-profit organization is vandalized—along with a threatening message. Jennie was also the young woman who left Ethan heartbroken and abandoned ten years prior.

As the team scurries to solve the questions of who is after Jennie and why, they find themselves embroiled in the workings of a drug cartel.

Jennie struggles with not being enough—good enough, rich enough—for relationships with others in her life. Ethan has to deal with his hurt over Jennie’s abandonment but remains intent on keeping Jennie safe—and alive.
Through a series of escalating events that keep the action rolling forward, Jennie must find her acceptance in God and Ethan will have to trust his heart.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Profile Image for Lisa G. Hudson.
698 reviews61 followers
July 23, 2017
FANTASTIC ROMANTIC SUSPENSE!!

Susan Sleeman writes compelling opening sentences that will immediately hook you. Double Exposure is another perfect example!! In this book, the old adage "a picture is worth a thousand words" is shown in its truest form. A young photographer is poised to have an exhibition to raise money for her charity "Photos of Hope" until a series of attacks threaten to stop her show. Enter the Justice Agency - a family of five siblings (all adopted) who share law enforcement backgrounds but now work in the PI ranks. This book is PACKED with stay-up-all-night-suspense, mystery, intrigue, great family dynamics, lost loves, found loves, heartache, car chases, plot twists, excellent characterization and at the end you will be exhausted. But you will certainly have enjoyed every moment of the story! I was provided an ARC of this book. However, the opinions expressed here are completely my own.
Profile Image for Marilyn Johnson.
601 reviews
August 4, 2017
This is book one in The Justice Agency series, so what a great place to start. I love the entire Justice family and look forward to reading more in this series. This book is full of mystery, suspense, twist and turns and of course romance.

Jennie Buchanan has a heart of gold but a hard time forgiving herself and moving beyond a rough past and some difficult decisions. When she must rely on the one man who once held her heart will she be able to continue to help her charity, stay alive and keep her secret and her heart safe?

I fell in love with the handsome ex-FBI agent, Ethan Justice. He must protect the one woman whom he took over a year to get over. I loved the family bond between his siblings and their unique work force. I look forward to learning more about this fun, loving, hard working family.
944 reviews9 followers
April 24, 2023
As Jenny is about to open her photo exhibit to promote a charity, it becomes apparent that someone wants to sabotage her and her photos. Enter Ethan, Jenny's ex-FBI ex-boyfriend. As the two race against time to discover who's behind the destruction, can Jenny and Ethan come together to solve the mystery and win a second chance at love?
Breathtaking, edge-of-your-seat suspense with drug smugglers, attempted murder, romance, and so much more! As always, I LOVE Ms. Sleeman's books, and "Double Exposure" is no exception.
Also, I learned that if you cut brownies with a plastic knife, "they don't stick to plastic like they do to real silverware"--Interesting!
I highly recommend this clean romantic suspense and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
931 reviews1 follower
September 25, 2017
Susan Sleeman is a master at creating suspense-filled, riveting stories. It’s obvious that she does much research and puts a lot of effort into making her stories authentic. Double Exposure captured my interest right from the start and kept me on the edge of my seat until the end. The characters were engaging and multi-layered and the premise was interesting. This is part of The Justice Agency series by Susan Sleeman, but it works well as a stand-alone book. I would recommend this to those who enjoy romantic suspense. It is a clean Christian fiction book.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
345 reviews17 followers
December 31, 2017
Another Susan Sleeman book and I realized I’m reading them backwards but I was still able read it and follow along. Lots of action to keep you reading late into the night. This book is Ethan Justice’s story and he gets called in to provide protection for someone whom ends being the woman who walked on him!
Jennie Buchanan can’t believe it that a man is following her and not being very subtle about it. To top things off she is hoping the man she walked out on gets to her in time before her stalker does.
Profile Image for Tina Lowery.
232 reviews
January 8, 2025
WOW!! Susan Sleeman totally wrapped Double Exposure in mystery, self-esteem issues, twists, turns -- and doubt. Jennie, a woman who is wrapped up in that doubt was, once walked away from the only man she loved and needed. Ethan Justice, who is a reminder of her past, saves her from an attack attempting to keep her off balance.. This story is filled with danger, lies, and misfortune. While Sleeman uses every skill of the trade and writes a compelling story of loss, love, and forgiveness. I give this book 5 out 5 stars!!
20 reviews
January 30, 2025
This was a hard read for me. At every turn all you heard was Jennie comparing and complaining about her past and how it will never work out for relationships in the future. Even when Ethan proves over and over he isn’t that type of guy and wouldn’t treat her as such, she just dwells on it. Every internal dialogue is rent with desire for him but how it can’t happen. After the first 100 pages of that, it got old really fast. It took away from the excitement and action of the storyline. I can see having doubts, but it was ALL THE TIME. Just too much.
Profile Image for Linda C.
2,497 reviews5 followers
January 8, 2022
Jennie Buchanan, photographer, has her work destroyed at a gallery where she is about to have an opening show. Threats are made to kill her if the show goes up. The Justice Agency is hired to provide protection and the source. Jennie's attacked several times during the story. Seems on of her photos was a very incriminating shot. Jennie and Ethan Justice have a history so there is action, suspense, romance and an inspirational overtone.
Profile Image for Faith Posten.
313 reviews11 followers
December 31, 2019
Who is the Enemy?

What a fantastic story that all began because of a picture. It's a story with exceptionally strong characters in desperate circumstances. Much more than that, it's a story fraught with danger, crime. But there is also hope, love and forgiveness. A must read.
Profile Image for Saraya K Costello.
51 reviews
August 17, 2018
New ideas

It’s sad to say in this busy world that we don’t take time to think about the children of this world that need parents and family. Mrs Sleeman did a good job bringing that thought to mind. Thanks to all the families that have adopted children.
Profile Image for Dianne Sidebottom.
1,433 reviews15 followers
October 22, 2018
another episode in the Justice Agency but the 1st story. Jennie and Ethan's and getting the tidbits of what happened that influenced in the previous Justice stories I read. Like watching dvd's onto reading the next Justice story ( the twins Dani and Derrick hmm.. which one!!)
Profile Image for Jan.
751 reviews23 followers
February 16, 2021
I loved this book. It not only has a lot of great suspense and it get into why the main character got into the profession she’s in and why she photographs the children that she photographs. It gives a lot of great meaning to the whole story.
Profile Image for Kathy.
554 reviews6 followers
April 9, 2021
Jennie and Ethan neither one had gotten over the love they had once shared. Could they or would they get the chance to put their love back together? Would Jennie finally tell Ethan why she had left him all those years ago? Great book.
Profile Image for Harlequin Books.
18.4k reviews2,804 followers
Read
December 2, 2024
Inspirational Suspense, Wholesome Romance, Romantic Suspense, Police Procedural Mystery & Detective, Suspense, Women Sleuths Mystery & Detective Fiction, Private Investigators, Crime Thriller, Crime
Miniseries
The Justice Agency (Book #1)
7 reviews1 follower
December 10, 2017
A good read

Enjoyed this book, the author gives you everyday problems that make us feel guilty and uses scripture along with suspense to get her point across.
938 reviews
October 11, 2018
Loved this book. Very good with lots of drama/romance. Plan to read the whole series.
666 reviews3 followers
March 19, 2019
WOW!!!!

This book was awesome. It had everything that I look for in abook: mystwry, intrique, faith in God and romance. This author is amazing..
70 reviews
November 13, 2023
Super series

You have to read the whole series. Family that works to help others and takes care of each other. Enjoy the the stories.
Profile Image for Charlotte Dance.
205 reviews2 followers
February 24, 2025
Nice suspense. Good characters and conclusion. I believe I would enjoy the other books in this series.
20 reviews
June 8, 2025
Great read, don't miss it!

Susan's done it again! A great start to what I'm sure is a great series! I'm adopted so it especially touched my heart. Now, on to book two!!!
Profile Image for cookiemonger.
232 reviews7 followers
March 5, 2016
For at least the first half, this book is a good three or four stars. Jennie Buchanan is a photographer who has a regular workaday job, but also heads a charity that provides for children in need. When a particular show is vandalised before it opens, complete with a threat to kill her if she doesn't cancel, her ex, Ethan Justice, is the man hired to protect her.

The story starts off great. Suspenseful, a little bit frightening. It's a good time. Jennie has severe issues with her self worth because she got pregnant when she was young and gave up the baby. That stabs at her enough, but she was also shunned by her community and lost her fiancé because of it. Ethan basically became her ex because she either pre-empted his inevitable rejection, or possibly because she convinced herself she didn't deserve him. I'm honestly for both.

It obviously hurts Ethan to see her again, and they have a number of rather frank discussions, as well as the skating-around-it kind. But... okay, something is seriously wrong with Ethan.

Sometimes, when I think a book has done something spectacularly wrong or stupid, I run it by the guys in my D&D group. They are singularly qualified, since they're more inclined to be fair than I am. Their verdict was that it's disturbing and Not Right.

For Jennie, the idea of Ethan finding out about her giving up her baby was terrifying. Understandable. But he already knew. He already knew because after they broke up, he tried to find her. Not just "find" but track her down. He ended up going to her hometown, which was where he found out.

This is so creepy that I dropped the book. And it gets worse.

After they finally talk about it, Jennie is far more afraid of Ethan knowing about her past than she is about the fact that her ex-boyfriend basically stalked her because she broke up with him. Personally, I would have questioned just how/why his agency was employed to take my case at this point.

Anyway, Ethan gets it into his head that Jennie has to meet her child. She refuses, and really, it is her decision--the end. But no. Ethan goes to his brother and tells him to track the kid down. His brother even tells him that this is a horrible idea. And yet he does it anyway.

Ethan bulldozes Jennie into a meeting, without her knowledge and directly against her stated wishes, because he knows better. It's disgusting. The only indication given that the writer has any idea how awful this looks is the brother saying it's a bad idea, and Jennie telling Ethan ONCE that he "had no right." Which he effing didn't.

This destroyed the romance for me. He's a stalker and a controller, and his siblings lecturing Jennie about how she broke his heart made me sick.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews

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