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Lean Dogs Legacy #4
Long Way Down
When she was six, a horrific crime against a family member determined the course of Melissa Dixon’s life. It eventually drove her away from her tiny, Mississippi home town, away from her family, and into a career in law enforcement. Living and working in NYC, she keeps the past locked away tight, memory relegated to rare nightmares.
That all changed, however, when her Lean Dog CI, Pongo, involved her in the takedown of an international sex trafficking ring. Now, freshly-transferred to Sex Crimes, disturbed by what she glimpsed on the fringes of the Abacus case, memory and old trauma crowd her mind and cloud her judgement, as she and her new partner, Rob Contreras, tackle a serial rape case in which their suspect is paying tribute to an incarcerated rapist with a similar MO. Albeit reluctantly, Melissa turns to Pongo for help, and as the case grows murkier, she begins to understand the allure of the club in an ultimately lawless world.
Long Way Down is a mystery/thriller centering around a main m/f romance intended for adult audiences. It’s the fourth installment of the Lean Dogs Legacy series, a spinoff of the Dartmoor series, and references events that took place in the most recent Dartmoor novel, The Wild Charge . It is not a standalone.
That all changed, however, when her Lean Dog CI, Pongo, involved her in the takedown of an international sex trafficking ring. Now, freshly-transferred to Sex Crimes, disturbed by what she glimpsed on the fringes of the Abacus case, memory and old trauma crowd her mind and cloud her judgement, as she and her new partner, Rob Contreras, tackle a serial rape case in which their suspect is paying tribute to an incarcerated rapist with a similar MO. Albeit reluctantly, Melissa turns to Pongo for help, and as the case grows murkier, she begins to understand the allure of the club in an ultimately lawless world.
Long Way Down is a mystery/thriller centering around a main m/f romance intended for adult audiences. It’s the fourth installment of the Lean Dogs Legacy series, a spinoff of the Dartmoor series, and references events that took place in the most recent Dartmoor novel, The Wild Charge . It is not a standalone.
416 pages, Paperback
Published October 8, 2022
24 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 2, 2023
4 Stars
I went into this book with the understanding that this series (although a spinoff of Dartmoor) might NOT have all that much Dartmoor in it. And I was right. I only wished I had gone into earlier books in this series with that mentality too, as I think I might have enjoyed them more (looking at YOU).
But I digress.
If you have followed me for any length of time, you will know that Lauren Gilley is one of my ride-or-die authors and I usually inhale her books the minute I become aware of them. That said, life has been busy so I waited until the time was right to sit down and enjoy this. And enjoy it I did.
This book felt like a cross between Dartmoor-lite and Nora Robert's In Death series, which sounds like a diss, but it's not. Melissa was a great lead and I enjoyed her, which is saying a lot as I usually don't love female cop characters. I loved her and Pongo's dynamic and I only wish we had gotten more.
I can't WAIT to inhale Raven's book next.
I went into this book with the understanding that this series (although a spinoff of Dartmoor) might NOT have all that much Dartmoor in it. And I was right. I only wished I had gone into earlier books in this series with that mentality too, as I think I might have enjoyed them more (looking at YOU).
But I digress.
If you have followed me for any length of time, you will know that Lauren Gilley is one of my ride-or-die authors and I usually inhale her books the minute I become aware of them. That said, life has been busy so I waited until the time was right to sit down and enjoy this. And enjoy it I did.
This book felt like a cross between Dartmoor-lite and Nora Robert's In Death series, which sounds like a diss, but it's not. Melissa was a great lead and I enjoyed her, which is saying a lot as I usually don't love female cop characters. I loved her and Pongo's dynamic and I only wish we had gotten more.
I can't WAIT to inhale Raven's book next.
October 16, 2022
What a fantastic read. I had no idea that I would love a book so much that deviates rather far away from the whole Lean Dogs MC, but I did.
I was so caught up in Melissa's story from childhood through to now with a job I don't think many would have the stomach for. And don't even get me started on Pongo! I didn't even mind that we saw not one bit of Mercy, and that's a prerequisite for me when reading a Lean Dogs book!
This one is light on the romance, but then again Gilly is not a romance author so the little bits we get are just perfect. Pet peeve for me is the "older Woman trope" but in this case I didn't even notice, it was just that damn good.
Gilley's writing is so effortless, she sure knows how to suck you in from word one and doesn't let go till that very last word.
I was so caught up in Melissa's story from childhood through to now with a job I don't think many would have the stomach for. And don't even get me started on Pongo! I didn't even mind that we saw not one bit of Mercy, and that's a prerequisite for me when reading a Lean Dogs book!
This one is light on the romance, but then again Gilly is not a romance author so the little bits we get are just perfect. Pet peeve for me is the "older Woman trope" but in this case I didn't even notice, it was just that damn good.
Gilley's writing is so effortless, she sure knows how to suck you in from word one and doesn't let go till that very last word.
January 5, 2023
4.75*
I love the Dartmoor series and the Lean Dogs. The Legacy series is the just icing on the cake.
This story is beautifully written. Melissa’s past interwoven with the crime she’s currently working on. She’s a complicated woman, definitely prickly and honestly it wasn’t until her past had been revealed. All of it and the repercussions that I fully understood her.
Now Pongo is just adorable and laid back. And probably the only man that could win her over.
Because Pongo is so great it was hard finding her attracted to other men. To the point of picturing one during an intimate moment.
The story is strong and is very much crime based. The romance is a small sideline. But it worked brilliantly. Normally I’m all about the romance but it wouldn’t have fit here.
I can’t believe I put off reading this because I was worried it would be too dark and heavy. Bring on the next one and I’ll read it straight away.
I love the Dartmoor series and the Lean Dogs. The Legacy series is the just icing on the cake.
This story is beautifully written. Melissa’s past interwoven with the crime she’s currently working on. She’s a complicated woman, definitely prickly and honestly it wasn’t until her past had been revealed. All of it and the repercussions that I fully understood her.
Now Pongo is just adorable and laid back. And probably the only man that could win her over.
Because Pongo is so great it was hard finding her attracted to other men. To the point of picturing one during an intimate moment.
The story is strong and is very much crime based. The romance is a small sideline. But it worked brilliantly. Normally I’m all about the romance but it wouldn’t have fit here.
I can’t believe I put off reading this because I was worried it would be too dark and heavy. Bring on the next one and I’ll read it straight away.
July 4, 2025
Lauren Gilley is incapable of writing a bad book!
I’m convinced that Lauren Gilley is incapable of writing a bad book, and to no one’s surprise, I ended up loving this story. Lauren is one of those auto-buy authors that have never let me down. Sure, I have favorite books of Lauren’s, but I can always depend on her to deliver a quality story with interesting characters and mature writing.
This book? It’s a little different from Dartmoor and the other books in the Lean Dogs Legacy series because it’s about a character from the Lean Dogs Albany chapter, and we haven’t spent much time there as readers. However, we were able to see some beloved characters, and fall in love with new ones. Think vibes from The Silence of the Lambs with a black cat 🐈⬛ + golden retriever 🐶 romance. Our heroine is our black cat; a sexual victims detective with trauma buried deep in her past, and our hero is the sunshine, golden retriever from the Albany chapter of the Lean Dogs MC. A hero with curly red hair, freckles, and a little bit of a dark side 😇😈. Pongo has made it into my top 7 Dartmoor/LDL men, and if you know who he’s stacked up against, that’s saying something.
The more she saw of the world, the greater the appeal of vigilantism.
He’d loved the challenge of her, at first; he’d had to work to earn a smile, even her eye rolls like little victories. But by this point he was fairly certain he just plain loved her, and the way she shook, and shuddered, and couldn’t catch her breath now left him aching.
I’m convinced that Lauren Gilley is incapable of writing a bad book, and to no one’s surprise, I ended up loving this story. Lauren is one of those auto-buy authors that have never let me down. Sure, I have favorite books of Lauren’s, but I can always depend on her to deliver a quality story with interesting characters and mature writing.
This book? It’s a little different from Dartmoor and the other books in the Lean Dogs Legacy series because it’s about a character from the Lean Dogs Albany chapter, and we haven’t spent much time there as readers. However, we were able to see some beloved characters, and fall in love with new ones. Think vibes from The Silence of the Lambs with a black cat 🐈⬛ + golden retriever 🐶 romance. Our heroine is our black cat; a sexual victims detective with trauma buried deep in her past, and our hero is the sunshine, golden retriever from the Albany chapter of the Lean Dogs MC. A hero with curly red hair, freckles, and a little bit of a dark side 😇😈. Pongo has made it into my top 7 Dartmoor/LDL men, and if you know who he’s stacked up against, that’s saying something.
The more she saw of the world, the greater the appeal of vigilantism.
He’d loved the challenge of her, at first; he’d had to work to earn a smile, even her eye rolls like little victories. But by this point he was fairly certain he just plain loved her, and the way she shook, and shuddered, and couldn’t catch her breath now left him aching.
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October 13, 2022
Read in my latest trip to Yellowstone
Why does that matter? Not sure only that it is a truly feel good, completely badass story. I love Lauren Gilley. She is a treasure and if you haven't read her yet, you are missing out. Big time. Enoy.
Why does that matter? Not sure only that it is a truly feel good, completely badass story. I love Lauren Gilley. She is a treasure and if you haven't read her yet, you are missing out. Big time. Enoy.
May 4, 2025
What can I even say anymore about this fantastic series?? I loved this one, even though it features none of the major characters and not even a lot of MC plot in general. It’s very Silence of the Lambs with a police investigation.
October 15, 2022
Awesome read!
I was worried it had been too long inbetween Lean Dog reads and was in two minds whether or not to do a refresher read of the series. Being too eager to get into this new story, I dived in and hoped for the best! Lucky for me, I had no trouble at all keeping up and recalling the overarching storyline.
The criminal branch Melissa (Dixie) worked for is usually a deal breaker for me, but knowing LG's writing style, I made an exception. So glad I did because the focus was broader than the actual crime being investigated.
Pongo and Melissa were an unconventional combo romantically considering their jobs but I got so caught up in 'them' that I overlooked the barriers that would have surely been a deal breaker IRL.
I also had no issue with Pongo being younger than Melissa. I thought they surpassed the stage where their age difference (not overly significant from memory) made a difference to the dynamics of their relationship.
This book was the catnip I yearn for when picking up a book. Thanks LG l, I can't wait to see where the next book in this series takes us!
I was worried it had been too long inbetween Lean Dog reads and was in two minds whether or not to do a refresher read of the series. Being too eager to get into this new story, I dived in and hoped for the best! Lucky for me, I had no trouble at all keeping up and recalling the overarching storyline.
The criminal branch Melissa (Dixie) worked for is usually a deal breaker for me, but knowing LG's writing style, I made an exception. So glad I did because the focus was broader than the actual crime being investigated.
Pongo and Melissa were an unconventional combo romantically considering their jobs but I got so caught up in 'them' that I overlooked the barriers that would have surely been a deal breaker IRL.
I also had no issue with Pongo being younger than Melissa. I thought they surpassed the stage where their age difference (not overly significant from memory) made a difference to the dynamics of their relationship.
This book was the catnip I yearn for when picking up a book. Thanks LG l, I can't wait to see where the next book in this series takes us!
October 31, 2022
A fabulous read, beautifully written as always with Lauren Gilley.
If you haven’t read her yet, you are missing out.
She is unique and will impress you with her incredible stories and lovable characters.
I cannot wait for the next book !
« We are not contrary to popular belief anarchists. We don’t thrive off chaos. We are a society. A self-contained kingdom. We want to be left alone. We want to make our own rules, mete out our own justice, protect our own and hand down our own histories. We live outside the law because the law doesn’t exist to protect people like us. It protects the people at the top, and our founders made the decision a long time ago that we would not be preached to by scumbags and sycophants just because they dress fancier than us. » - Mav
« The Lean Dogs have always had a bit of a Robin Hood reputation. Less ruthless, more…philanthropical. » - Mav
« You were… six ? » he asked, sick over the idea of it. She was a petite adult ; what a tiny, defenseless little slip of a thing she must have been. He could picture her raincoat sleeves over her little, fluttery bird hands, and the same look of determination she got now on a tiny, baby-soft jaw. - Pongo
If you haven’t read her yet, you are missing out.
She is unique and will impress you with her incredible stories and lovable characters.
I cannot wait for the next book !
« We are not contrary to popular belief anarchists. We don’t thrive off chaos. We are a society. A self-contained kingdom. We want to be left alone. We want to make our own rules, mete out our own justice, protect our own and hand down our own histories. We live outside the law because the law doesn’t exist to protect people like us. It protects the people at the top, and our founders made the decision a long time ago that we would not be preached to by scumbags and sycophants just because they dress fancier than us. » - Mav
« The Lean Dogs have always had a bit of a Robin Hood reputation. Less ruthless, more…philanthropical. » - Mav
« You were… six ? » he asked, sick over the idea of it. She was a petite adult ; what a tiny, defenseless little slip of a thing she must have been. He could picture her raincoat sleeves over her little, fluttery bird hands, and the same look of determination she got now on a tiny, baby-soft jaw. - Pongo
November 24, 2022
It's no secret that the Dartmoor series is one of my absolute favourites and the Lean Dogs will forever have my heart. I've been with this series since the very beginning and watching it grow and become what it has is something incredible.
Crime thrillers are my absolute favourite and Long Way Down mixes that whole element in with the added bonus of the Lean Dogs, and cutie Pongo. Melissa is the badass detective with the tragic past that softens (a little) only for cute, dorky Pongo. What's not to love about that?
I really enjoyed the criminal case aspect as we followed along from Melissa's POV and Pongo's.
Lauren has, once again, knocked it out of the park with this installment. It's hard to pick just one of my favourite books from the series but this one is definitely high on the list.
Crime thrillers are my absolute favourite and Long Way Down mixes that whole element in with the added bonus of the Lean Dogs, and cutie Pongo. Melissa is the badass detective with the tragic past that softens (a little) only for cute, dorky Pongo. What's not to love about that?
I really enjoyed the criminal case aspect as we followed along from Melissa's POV and Pongo's.
Lauren has, once again, knocked it out of the park with this installment. It's hard to pick just one of my favourite books from the series but this one is definitely high on the list.
December 29, 2022
3.85 stars.
I will never not love going back to the Lean Dog world. I love seeing it evolve with the Legacy's. Pongo was so loving, I adored him right away. and i loved Melissa, too. Not sure I saw them as a couple for the longest time, not when she was lusting for someone else and even used Pongo's body while thinking of other dude.
This one was more crime and mystery based and only saw hints of romance, so that's understandable. If I had a wish, it would have been to see their relationship more cemented by the end.
But again, I just adore going back into this world. LG has fleshed it out so well and so detailed, it's like visiting family. Can't wait for the next.
I will never not love going back to the Lean Dog world. I love seeing it evolve with the Legacy's. Pongo was so loving, I adored him right away. and i loved Melissa, too. Not sure I saw them as a couple for the longest time, not when she was lusting for someone else and even used Pongo's body while thinking of other dude.
This one was more crime and mystery based and only saw hints of romance, so that's understandable. If I had a wish, it would have been to see their relationship more cemented by the end.
But again, I just adore going back into this world. LG has fleshed it out so well and so detailed, it's like visiting family. Can't wait for the next.
February 23, 2024
This book focuses on, cop, Melissa Dixon and a rape case. Pongo, a Lean Dog, is part of her story, but Lean Dogs are not really part of this book. The crime is somewhat of a mystery. I did not like the promptness of which it was solved. Once one part was figured out suddenly everything else fit into place and everyone who was lying began telling the truth. I do think this could be a stand alone book. You do not need to know about the Lean Dogs MC to understand what's happening. I am guessing the next book in the series will refer to characters we've met in this book. That may be the only reason it's not a stand alone, if you're continuing on.
December 18, 2025
I think this is my least favorite one so far. Everything I read said to read Dartmoor and The Lean Dogs series in order by release date, including the author herself. However this one was released in 2022 and The Wild Charge in 2023. But after reading it, I see I have missed a lot happening and should have read The Wild Charge first. I think that is why I didn't like it. I went into this one not knowing anything or having heard about the New York chapter or Melissa. So it was like reading a standalone that was referencing unrelatable stuff from another series. I'm sure I will change my mind once I have read The Wild Charge which is next.
December 20, 2022
A crime thriller/mystery about a hunt for a serial rapist. Although it's connected to the Lean Dogs books, it's not really a motorcycle club book.
Apart from the repulsive nature of the crimes, the mystery and romance aspects of the storyline kept me engaged to the end. I did get a little frustrated that it took so long for Melissa to accept her feelings for Pongo (yeah, terrible name, I know). But overall, a decent read and I will happily read the next instalment.
Apart from the repulsive nature of the crimes, the mystery and romance aspects of the storyline kept me engaged to the end. I did get a little frustrated that it took so long for Melissa to accept her feelings for Pongo (yeah, terrible name, I know). But overall, a decent read and I will happily read the next instalment.
October 14, 2022
I really am impressed
I fell for these new Characters, when I met them in the last book. But I really fell in love with them is this book. I loved the story. I loved the place and the people. I just really loved the story its freaking amazing very hard to put down you never diapoint.
I fell for these new Characters, when I met them in the last book. But I really fell in love with them is this book. I loved the story. I loved the place and the people. I just really loved the story its freaking amazing very hard to put down you never diapoint.
October 16, 2022
Compelling!
Another beautifully written, incredible story that you cannot stop reading but don't want to end! This is Pongo and Melissa's story within a gripping storyline that keeps you hooked from the first to the very last page. I can't recommend this book, the Lean Dogs Legacy series or the Dartmoor series highly enough. Already eagerly awaiting the next instalment 😊
Another beautifully written, incredible story that you cannot stop reading but don't want to end! This is Pongo and Melissa's story within a gripping storyline that keeps you hooked from the first to the very last page. I can't recommend this book, the Lean Dogs Legacy series or the Dartmoor series highly enough. Already eagerly awaiting the next instalment 😊
October 10, 2022
Very Satisfying
This book opens up a new direction with a new set of main characters, but with the same sense of morality and loyalty as the original Dartmoor books. I can't wait to see where it goes.
This book opens up a new direction with a new set of main characters, but with the same sense of morality and loyalty as the original Dartmoor books. I can't wait to see where it goes.
October 23, 2022
Lomg Wsy Down
For those of you who have read the Dartmore books , your going to love this, really enjoyable read couldn't put it down, can't wait for the next instrumental. Thank you Lauren please keep writing
For those of you who have read the Dartmore books , your going to love this, really enjoyable read couldn't put it down, can't wait for the next instrumental. Thank you Lauren please keep writing
December 31, 2022
Can never put them down
The Lean Dogs are a series I have re-read several times and each time I can never put it down. Written so you see, hear, and smell the world painted on the pages.
The Lean Dogs are a series I have re-read several times and each time I can never put it down. Written so you see, hear, and smell the world painted on the pages.
July 24, 2023
loved it!!
I love Lauren Gilley, she’s amazingly talented and a true story teller….almost something magical about her stories. This one was better edited then the last one too and I’m very happy about that. She deserves an editor as talented as she is!
I love Lauren Gilley, she’s amazingly talented and a true story teller….almost something magical about her stories. This one was better edited then the last one too and I’m very happy about that. She deserves an editor as talented as she is!
December 5, 2025
Loved this one
I always think after I read another Lean Dog adventure, it's my new favorite. Loved the character build, the relationships, the plot line, all of it. Another fantastic read in this series.
I always think after I read another Lean Dog adventure, it's my new favorite. Loved the character build, the relationships, the plot line, all of it. Another fantastic read in this series.
December 19, 2025
okay the detective/crime part of this was veryyy entertaining, I really enjoyed it. Can’t say I like Melissa very much but whatever. There were few parts that really needed editing (just like in last few of her books) but its okay
December 29, 2025
Pongo and Dixie
This was a different story to the rest of the Lean Dogs Legacy but I was here for it. Pongo is so much more than the fool character we met him as. Im looking forward to seeing how this story plays out.
This was a different story to the rest of the Lean Dogs Legacy but I was here for it. Pongo is so much more than the fool character we met him as. Im looking forward to seeing how this story plays out.
October 14, 2022
Wished for more Pongo\Mellisa moments.
Still great read as alwace.
Still great read as alwace.
October 22, 2022
Love this series, can’t wait for more
October 24, 2022
I loved the mystery!!
November 8, 2022
Great mystery & character building - Lauren Gilley writes complex characters that are so real. Long Way Down is a fabulous addition to the Lean Dogs/ Dartmoor series.
If you’ve not read a Gilley piece yet, what are you waiting for - you are truly missing out.
If you’ve not read a Gilley piece yet, what are you waiting for - you are truly missing out.
November 8, 2022
Another fabulous book from Lauren Gilley
I loved every second of this book. Pongo is amazing. But the star of this book is Melissa Dixon and I loved her.
I loved every second of this book. Pongo is amazing. But the star of this book is Melissa Dixon and I loved her.
December 5, 2022
Still in the Lean Dog universe but a bit of a side story. LOVED it! Can't wait to follow this couple as the story moves on.
December 16, 2022
Lauren Gilley can do no wrong. Loved it. I have reread the Lean Dogs series so many times, and this is a great addition to the Legacy series. I just wish that more people were aware of her books.
April 6, 2023
I wasn't expecting to like this book as much as I did. Love Pongo!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews