A list of fic recs

[mightymads]

I’ve read some fics recently which I’d like to rec, both ACD and moreholmes. The fabulous rachelindeed gave her own list of recs in response to my request, and I post it with great pleasure:

The Case of the Oblivious Detective by luthienberen (moreholmes: Petr Kopl comics & The Great Mouse Detective, 10.5K, E, first time) - an entry to the recent Holmestice round, this story is a joy to read even if you’re not acquainted with Petr Kopl’s comic series. But if you are, it’s a double pleasure because the style and the humour of the comics are just spot on, plus there’s a delightful crossover with The Great Mouse Detective. A case brings Holmes and Watson to the country where they can finally come to an understanding about their relationship.

Tamerlane by methylviolet10b (ACD, 30.2K, M, friendship) - this one is also a brand new story. While it’s a part of a series, I think it can be easily read as a stand-alone. What I loved about it: deep character study, the devotion between Holmes and Watson, Wiggins and Cartwright all grown up and helping Watson to rescue Holmes, who was abducted by an old enemy. It’s an amazing action-adventure thriller from different POVs.

From Allegany by sanguinity (ACD, 1.2K, G, established relationship) - this one was actually recommended by rachelindeed in the discussion about beekeeping. I adore the way it’s written. Holmes and Watson’s love for each other which grew and matured throughout the years. They know each other so well and miss each other so much while apart. I’m looking forward to the major story of the series, Langstroth on Bees, which sanguinity is currently writing.

Home from Exile by orchid314 (ACD, 1.3K, T, developing relationship) - A wonderful post-Reichenbach story where Holmes and Watson share quiet domestic moments, a newfound level of intimacy after their reunion. As always, orchid314’s character study is exquisite.

One Out Of a Thousand Apologies by tei (ACD, 1.8K, G, established relationship) - this is also a beautiful post-Reichenbach story which explores trust issues through shaving and where Holmes apologises to Watson for leaving him for three years.

Homo Faber by saki101 (BBC & Frankenstein crossover, 13.2K, T, first time) - I enjoyed it most for the Frankenstein fix-it, since the book frustrated me very much. Sherlock is a stand-in for Victor Frankenstein, but John is at his side, so this time everything is all right for the man created via science.

Witness and Testimony by Violsva (ACD, 11.7K, E, first time) - this story is probably well-known to people who have been long in the Holmes fandom, but for me it was a delightful discovery. It’s a case fic where Watson sees a man from his club, not knowing that Holmes reciprocates his feelings. And then this man is accused of murder he didn’t commit. The only one who can testify to his innocence is Watson because they spent an evening together which is in turn can be quite compromising for them both. So Holmes takes on the case, saves the day, and gets Watson.

The Secret Sculptor by gowerstreet (ACD, 7.6K, G, established relationship) - this is also a delightful case fic which must be well-known to long-time Holmes fans. Victor Trevor appears in Holmes’s life once again, asking to solve a case. It brings up a lot of memories between them, and Watson is jealous, but he really doesn’t have to be because Holmes loves him.

Sussex Santa by Loremaiden (ACD, 705 words, G, friendship) - a sweet ficlet about the Sussex era, where Watson is a bit unshaven, and a little boy mistakes him for Father Christmas.

------Recs by rachelindeed-----

A Queer Beginning by a_candle_for_sherlock (Mrs. Hudson/Mrs. Turner, pre-Holmes/Watson). Sherlock Holmes, smitten with his new flatmate, comes to Mrs. Hudson for advice.

A Winter’s Tale, or, The Case of the Slip-Shod Servant (2695 words) by OldShrewsburyian - Early in the days of their association, Holmes asks Watson’s assistance. The doctor acquiesces, but remains somewhat bewildered by his strange fellow-lodger.

The Threat of Lunch (1922 words) by sans_patronymic - Sherlock receives a menacing telegram and Mycroft has some suspicions.

History Rewritten (5169 words) by sans_patronymic - 1920--The Great War has ended and Sherlock Holmes has settled into country retirement with his lover and his brother. What could possibly go awry?

Private Friends (6999 words) by orchid314 - John Watson tries to make sense of words and desire. Sometimes, he finds, that’s not such a simple task.

Masked Ball (31626 words) by Waid - Six months after Holmes’ return from the dead, the delicate equilibrium in Baker Street is disturbed when a stranger walks out of the London fog with a case – for Watson. Holmes is wary, Watson is fascinated. But who is the man calling himself Álvaro de León? And what does he really want?

Autumn in Wimpole (2122 words) by sans_patronymic - Watson struggles to uncover a mystery in a seaside village. Holmes is less than helpful.

The Chimney-Sweep's Aunt (4033 words) by ancientreader - In which Holmes is bested by a dying chimney-sweep, a retired music-hall artiste, and Dr. Watson; the episode does all four persons credit, and yet it is not an occasion for rejoicing.

A Study in Midnight (41537 words) by M_Leigh - In a world dominated by an alien monarchy, criminals Sherlock Holmes and John Watson work to take down the royal establishment while detective James Moriarty and his associate Sebastian Moran try to track them down. Also featuring by Irene Adler and Roderick Maclean, who did in fact exist. AU based on Neil Gaiman's phenomenal short story "A Study in Emerald."

Sub Rosa (0 words) by prof_pangaea - "One of the most attractive things about the flowers is their beautiful reserve. The truly beautiful and noble puts its lover, as it were, at an infinite distance, while it attends him more strongly than ever." (Henry David Thoreau). After Reichenbach Falls, Mycroft Holmes finds himself engaged in a singular telegramatic correspondence.

The Book of Life (4812 words) by methylviolet10b - Five times Holmes observed Watson’s scars, and one time he allowed Watson to see his.

Baker Street Papas (17559 words) by sanguinity - Holmes stood; the infant steadied itself with a fistful of his waistcoat. “Watson, I am given to understand that this is—” “Violet Victoria Mary Smith-Watson,” I said, hearing the death knell of my easy, bachelor life with Holmes.

Intimations and The Taste of Love by nlralicia.

The Incident with the Bicycle (2606 words) by Garonne - We know Holmes can ride a bicycle, but when exactly did he learn?

The Maiden Voyage of the Tiresias (2861 words) by astolat - Someone's getting taken for a ride.

Number 94 (7164 words) by tweedisgood - Appearances deceive. That is, one might say, their chief function.

Comments

[rachelindeed]

Oh yay, thank you for your recs! A lot of those are from authors I love, and whose most recent work I still need to catch up on :) And I second your rec for Homo Faber, that's one of my favorite of saki101's beautiful AUs.

[mightymads]

Thanks again for your recs! I've got to discover a lot of works in this fandom yet!

[rachelindeed]

My pleasure! If there are any themes, genres, or tropes in particular you're interested in, we could try doing a themed rec list sometime, too :)

[orchid314]

Thank you both for the generous recs. There are some favorites in here that I recognize but still more that I haven't read before. I can't wait to get to them.

[mightymads]

Thank you for your wonderful stories! Hope you’ll enjoy others from the lists :)

[mightymads]

Yes, by all means! Let’s do a themed rec list sometime :D

[mightymads]

Oh I love your story, it’s amazing!