40 Best Sherlock Fics of 2015
Jan. 3rd, 2016 07:17 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
swissmargContinuing my tradition of presenting an annual summary of my favorite fics based on the BBC television series Sherlock, this third installment is slightly shorter with 40 rather than the 50 I included in past years (2013, 2014). This may be due to a drop-off in the overall number of fics produced in the second year of hiatus following series 3 but even though the quantity has diminished, the extremely high quality is the same.
This list obviously reflects my own reading tastes, but if you're following me then they probably coincide pretty closely with yours. ;) Everything on here is Johnlock, with lots of AUs, a good number of crossovers, fusions and sci fi, sickfic, casefic, and series 3 fixits. All of these fics completed posting in 2015 although they may have started posting before that, and all have been featured in individual recs on my tumblr fanwork rec blog, SwissMiss' Fic Recs.
Finally my disclaimer, copied from last year: There are plenty of other fics that I loved, and even more that I simply didn't get around to reading (yet), so it's not a judgment if your favorite (or one you wrote) isn't on here. Think of this as a sampling rather than a definitive list. I hope this will help you to re-acquaint yourself with fics you loved, give a chance to others you may have skipped the first time round, and possibly discover something entirely new and astonishing.
And now here they are, in order of length, longest first:
Deflowered - Director's Cut (327,848 words) by Lorelei_Lee
Rating: Explicit
Warnings: Rape/Non-Con
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, Mycroft Holmes/Greg Lestrade, Mike Stamford/OFC, John Watson/Original Male Character(s), Sherlock Holmes/Original Male Character(s), John Watson/Victor Trevor
Summary: It should have been strictly business. Being a Mafia boss with a sadistic sexual streak, John had long since realised that his playthings were in it for the money only. Being a masochistic rent boy, Sherlock seemed too good to be true. Little did they know…
[English translation by me of this fic:
Unberührt - Deflowered - extended version (324,448 words) by Lorelei_Lee
Rating: Explicit
Warnings: Rape/Non-Con
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, Mycroft Holmes/Greg Lestrade
Summary: Mafia!AU – Alternatives Universum. Nach dem Tod seiner Mutter wächst Sherlock bei seinem Vater, dessen Frau und deren Sohn Mycroft – seinem Halbbruder – auf. Jahre später ersteigert der Londoner Mafia-Boss John „Doc“ Watson Sherlocks Jungfräulichkeit in Irene Adlers Bordell. Was für John als amüsante Abwechslung begonnen hat, entwickelt eine eigene Dynamik und bald kann John nicht mehr von Sherlock lassen. Als die Bürgermeisterwahlen anstehen, wird alles nur noch komplizierter, denn ein gewisser Mycroft Holmes ist einer der Kandidaten - doch er ist nicht der Wunschkandidat der Mafia...]
The Gilded Cage (327,000 words) by BeautifulFiction
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/Original Male Character(s), Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: In a world where Omegas are the property of the elite Alphas, locked away and treasured by those wealthy enough to buy them, John never questioned his flatmate's secondary gender. Sherlock Holmes was an Alpha through-and through. Wasn't he? A chance discovery turns the world on its head, and John is left grappling to come to terms with Sherlock's past as events conspire to threaten their future.
The Burning Life (229,596 words) by Morwen_Maranwe
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: After being shot and invalided from the Army, John is living a despondent life with a wife who has no respect and no love for him any longer, yet he is desperate to make their marriage work. In a last ditch effort to save their marriage, he moves them out of London and to some small, nameless town where his good friend, Mike Stamford, has been able to get him a job as a teacher at a secondary school. There he meets a teenage boy who he has an undeniable connection to, and who has the ability to make his life seem less meaningless. Though he knows that it’s wrong, John just can’t stop the relationship he is developing with Sherlock from growing. It slowly begins to spiral out of control, consuming his entire life like a wild fire and changing him in ways he didn’t think were possible anymore.
Keep the Car Running (212,932 words) by earlgreytea68
Rating: Mature
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, Arthur/Eames (Inception)
Summary: If Mycroft Holmes lived in a world where people could steal information from the subconsciouses of others, tell me he wouldn't be all over that when he had Moriarty in custody.
A River Without Banks (203,286 words) by Chryse
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, Mary Morstan/John Watson
Summary: "You love this, being Sherlock Holmes." He had once. When had it all gone so wrong?
Names for the Galaxy (191,102 words) by evadne
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, Anthea/Mycroft Holmes
Summary: Sci-fi AU. Sherlock Holmes is a recent arrival to 22nd century earth, and determined to find out who he is and where he comes from. John Watson has the unenviable task of teaching him how to be a normal human being.
Sketchy (157,179 words) by serpentynka
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, Mycroft Holmes/OMC
Series: Part 2 of Sketchy
Summary: What (and who) will be left when nobody cares about your Work? A slow-burn fic with cases, places, mistaken identities, unfair choices, essential changes, violent feels, blatant lies, fearless portraiture, family secrets, high-risk bespoke gifts, durable friendships, bedtime stories, foreign travel and tongues, sickness (and health), and the significance of things which are slow to unfurl -- but cannot be ignored. Oh, and...porn. (A continuation of plot arcs from Part 1 of Sketchy)
When the world’s only consulting detective starts dreaming of bowing out, his dearest person in the world is more than willing to go with him. It would seem that all that’s left to do is choose a date. And leave London....
The Edinburgh Problem (152,132 words) by snorklepie
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: “A nice holiday, just a bit more...murdery. ” John said drily. “Yes! The best kind of holiday!” Sherlock beamed. “So we won’t get bored!” After he separates from Mary, John returns to Baker Street. Following a request for help from Sherlock's cousin Violet, the detective and his blogger take a trip to Edinburgh. John discovers more about the Holmes family and Sherlock than he bargained for, but tries not to run screaming.
Mary (132,827 words) by kinklock
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, John Watson/Mary Morstan
Summary: Last night he dreamt he went to Manderley again... Monte Carlo, 1937. While working as the companion to Sebastian Wilkes, a young man becomes acquainted with a wealthy Englishman, John Watson. Rumour has it that Watson, owner of the grand country estate Manderley, is still haunted by the sudden death of his late wife. But as the young man soon learns, not all is as it seems.
To the Sticking Place (122,208 words) by blueink3
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: Renowned Shakespearean actor Sherlock Holmes has finally burned all of his bridges in the theatre industry save for his constant director, Greg Lestrade. John Watson has made a name for himself in the musical theatre circuit, but age and injury are working against him. Can they reinvent themselves for an all-male Macbeth without killing one another?
Prior Engagements (121,127 words) by PlaidAdder
Rating: Mature
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, Janine/Harry Watson
Summary: Years after Mary melted into the darkness, John and Sherlock are at their wits' end. Rachel Watson, aged nine, is proving harder to handle than Irene Adler and Jim Moriarty combined. John hopes that the right boarding school might give her the structure she seems to need. Not until after Rachel disappears do they discover that someone else appears to have had the same idea.
Breakable (117,629 words) by MissDavis
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: After John is seriously injured, Sherlock struggles to figure out how to help him, keep himself sane, and maybe, just maybe, get their life back to the way it's supposed to be.
Eyes Up, Heels Down (107,845 words) by CodenameMeretricious
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: Sherlock is a top eventing rider currently training at Baker Farms. John is the new groom who's been told to steer clear of the surly rider and his horses.
A Vintage Exceptionally to Your Liking (95,334 words) by EmmyAngua
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: Sherlock and John met seven years earlier than canon and fell in love. When John dies, Sherlock is introduced to the concept of alternate dimensions and given the opportunity to visit a different universe where he can have a second chance with a new John Watson. A love story across alternate dimensions. Complete.
The Guarded Secret (95,184 words) by mycapeisplaid
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: After his war injury, John feels broken, small, and useless. On a whim, he takes a position as a security guard of sorts at the gorgeous Holmes Hall in Yorkshire. As it turns out, he is not as broken, small, or useless as he thinks. A story of beauty and blossom, murder and mystery, loss and love.
Uphill (75,990 words) by scullyseviltwin
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: Sherlock Holmes is striving for gold in this, his fourth and final Olympics as a downhill Alpine racer.
Bury the Bells (71,673 words) by unknownsister
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, Molly Hooper/Greg Lestrade, Mary Morstan/John Watson
Summary: AU set after WWI in 1922. John is adrift in a loveless marriage. He takes a holiday to the country and meets a difficult patient. The spark that ignites between them might relight John's life or burn it to the ground.
The Orpheus Crucible* (67,370 words) by Nikoshinigami
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Series: Part 2 of The Ichor of Talos
Summary: No one knows where Simulants come from and those who have asked have had better things to do than pursue the answer when faced with extermination. With war still a present concern and Jim Moriarty's involvement left uncertain outside of its threat, the crew of the Black Manta may have taken on much more than they presumed to. And among the many mysteries left to face them in their voyage lies the answer to the question that has been posed since the very beginning: who killed Sherlock Holmes?
[*Note: This and the preceding fic in the series were deleted so that they could be published as an original Sherlock Holmes pastiche under the name “The Adventures of the Late Sherlock Holmes: The Unlikely Death”. The link above leads to an archived version.]
Of Chaos and Calculation (65,105 words) by i_ship_an_armada
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: When John is captured and brought to Rome, he's sold to the most noted ludus in The Eternal City, the emperor's. There, he meets Sherlock, auctorati, enigma, a perfect partner in the arena.
And out.
Sherlock is investigating the murders of several gladiators, but has secrets of his own that could be more destructive than a defeat on the sands.
Scars (60,477 words) by SilentAuror
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, Mary Morstan/John Watson
Summary: “You loved him.” Her voice was gentle as John turned startled eyes to her face. Her gaze hadn’t wavered. “Didn’t you.” It was not a question. “Of course you loved him. It’s all right to tell me.” John’s hands had been locked together, his knuckles white in the lamplight. He’d cleared his throat, looking at them. “Yeah,” he’d said, his voice rough. “I did.” “That’s got to stop.” Mary’s voice hadn’t changed, not precisely, or not in any outward way that he could detect, and yet it was completely different. She sounded entirely calm and still very gentle, but beneath that there was something new. Something rather like steel.
The Waiting Isn't The Hardest Part (56,723 words) by starrysummernights
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, Mycroft Holmes/Greg Lestrade
Summary: Expecting a baby should be a joyous event in an Omega’s life. It’s what all the books, websites, and talk shows bleat about. It’s the crowning moment of glory in any Omega’s life. John’s just ready for it to be fucking over.
Coventry (52,020 words) by standbygo
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: A Sherlock/Dollhouse crossover AU. Previous knowledge of Dollhouse not necessary; no spoilers either.
In the Dark Hours (51,380 words) by hubblegleeflower
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, James Sholto/John Watson
Summary: John, wounded and silent, drifts back to Baker Street for healing...and then goes home again. He visits, gets more upbeat, chattier, smiles, jokes... and still goes home again. Sherlock wants him to move back in - it just makes sense - but John shows no signs of doing so. This is the story of how John and Sherlock learn to say what needs to be said when they're both so very, very rubbish at talking.
Screaming in Cathedrals (49,898 words) by J_Baillier
Rating: Mature
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: Sherlock usually ignores warning signals from The Transport but this time, it's his precious brain that's in jeopardy. How will he and John cope?
Everybody Knows (44,488 words) by Susan
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: As if John and Sherlock don't have enough problems already (that whole Sherlock getting shot by Mary thing), now there's a cold case detective from Canada snooping around asking questions about Moriarty.
Sentenced (42,194 words) by SarahKnight
Rating: Mature
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, Mary Morstan/John Watson
Summary: Virtual series 4 opener. Sherlock's in prison being targeted by a murderer, John's married to a pregnant assassin and Moriarty's back. Eventual John/Sherlock.
Right Hand Man (42,031 words) by SilentAuror
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: When John's left arm becomes paralysed after a car accident, Mary asks Sherlock to take him back to Baker Street to recuperate, as she's about to give birth. Despite the fact that the search for Moriarty is ongoing, Sherlock takes John in and takes responsibility for overseeing his rehabilitation as he adjusts to the loss of his arm.
The Curious Adventure of the Drs. Watson (40,883 words) by ShinySherlock
Rating: Mature
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: What if ACD Watson and BBC Watson switched places . . . “Imposter!” Hands clenching the lapels of John’s coat, Holmes shoved him anew. “Yes!” John agreed, nodding, and then grimacing. “Sort of!”
White Tulip (40,624 words) by withoutawish
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, Mary Morstan/John Watson
Summary: Sherlock is in love with John Watson. John Watson is in love with Mary Morstan. Sherlock likes Mary Morstan just fine. Sherlock likes drugs more. And most importantly, Sherlock doesn’t like Sherlock.
The Printer Is Jammed (40,336 words) by startrekto221B
Rating: General Audiences
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: John is a disgruntled customer who just wants his money back for a shoddy printer Harry ordered for him off of a catalogue. Sherlock is a bored customer service rep working the summer he has off from Oxford. They are both about to get more than they bargained for.
Coins on My Eyes (35,197 words) by Indybaggins
Rating: Mature
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: Sherlock spent nights lying awake, listening to the rustling of John’s hands on the bedcovers. The dull thumps of John’s head against the headboard. The rhythmic grinding of his teeth. The soft, hungry sounds of his mouth and throat. There is an unknown infection rapidly spreading through London, fear, unspoken love, dead who cannot die... and a way for them to come back. Post-zombie AU!
Where Else Would I Be? (34,890 words) by cwb
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: John and Sherlock's five-year-old granddaughter spends the weekend with them in Sussex. Sherlock happily indulges her whims, and John takes care of them while quietly revisiting the past thirty years of their lives together.
a good old-fashioned happy ending (32,679 words) by darcylindbergh
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: And Sherlock stands there, in the middle of a Christmas market as John hums along to Silent Night, John’s hand warm in his with fingertips a little gritty from the cinnamon-sugar doused churros they’d shared, and thinks, oh, that’s–that’s an idea, isn’t it? * For Christmas this year, Sherlock wants to get John something special: something every fairytale deserves.
Life in Sussex (30,215 words) by iriswallpaper
Rating: Teen and Up Audiences
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, Sherlock Holmes/Victor Trevor, John Watson/Mary Morstan
Summary: Sherlock and John both had two great loves of their lives. They had waited more than half their lifetime for each other. They’d both married and had good lives and now as widowers the time for their relationship had finally come.
A story of happiness, loss, rediscovered love, contentment, retirement together, family, friendship and late-life love.
Fantasy Island (29,644 words) by kedgeree
Rating: Mature
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: On the remote tropical paradise of Fantasy Island, Sherlock Holmes brings his clients’ most desperate fantasies to life…although the end result may not be exactly what they expect. And isn’t it far less boring that way?
Manifest (29,579 words) by causidicus
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: John finds Sherlock's porn. The discovery shifts the dynamic of their relationship.
The Very Best of Times (24,009 words) by Moranion
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Mary Morstan/John Watson, Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: John and Mary get divorced, but it doesn't really go the way divorces are supposed to go. In fact, nothing happens the way it's supposed to happen, but it still works out.
Dear John (23,028 words) by wendymarlowe
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, (John Watson/fake!OMC)
Series: Part 1 of Dear John
Summary: With Sherlock dead, John eventually (under duress) makes a profile on an online dating site. And falls into a long-distance relationship with an enigmatic partner who reminds him of Sherlock in all the right ways. (Hint: it turns out to be Sherlock.) Updated in real time.
The Dead Letters (17,716 words) by cwb
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: Sherlock is dead, and John might as well be. When Sherlock breaks his silence to keep John from doing something drastic, John tries to work through his anger enough to respond.
[Note: The author has contacted me to point out that this was actually completed in 2014. *blush* I am guessing I downloaded and read this early in 2015 and didn't check the actual completion date so my fault. Still a great fic and stays on the list. :)]
Back to the Start (14,088 words) by slashscribe
Rating: Mature
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: Sherlock hasn't played the violin since John's wedding (which is long since over), and when John returns to 221B, Sherlock relearns the violin as he and John relearn each other. Post S3 fic with an obscene amount of pining, idiocy, and attempts to pawn off tea duties.
This list obviously reflects my own reading tastes, but if you're following me then they probably coincide pretty closely with yours. ;) Everything on here is Johnlock, with lots of AUs, a good number of crossovers, fusions and sci fi, sickfic, casefic, and series 3 fixits. All of these fics completed posting in 2015 although they may have started posting before that, and all have been featured in individual recs on my tumblr fanwork rec blog, SwissMiss' Fic Recs.
Finally my disclaimer, copied from last year: There are plenty of other fics that I loved, and even more that I simply didn't get around to reading (yet), so it's not a judgment if your favorite (or one you wrote) isn't on here. Think of this as a sampling rather than a definitive list. I hope this will help you to re-acquaint yourself with fics you loved, give a chance to others you may have skipped the first time round, and possibly discover something entirely new and astonishing.
And now here they are, in order of length, longest first:
Deflowered - Director's Cut (327,848 words) by Lorelei_Lee
Rating: Explicit
Warnings: Rape/Non-Con
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, Mycroft Holmes/Greg Lestrade, Mike Stamford/OFC, John Watson/Original Male Character(s), Sherlock Holmes/Original Male Character(s), John Watson/Victor Trevor
Summary: It should have been strictly business. Being a Mafia boss with a sadistic sexual streak, John had long since realised that his playthings were in it for the money only. Being a masochistic rent boy, Sherlock seemed too good to be true. Little did they know…
[English translation by me of this fic:
Unberührt - Deflowered - extended version (324,448 words) by Lorelei_Lee
Rating: Explicit
Warnings: Rape/Non-Con
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, Mycroft Holmes/Greg Lestrade
Summary: Mafia!AU – Alternatives Universum. Nach dem Tod seiner Mutter wächst Sherlock bei seinem Vater, dessen Frau und deren Sohn Mycroft – seinem Halbbruder – auf. Jahre später ersteigert der Londoner Mafia-Boss John „Doc“ Watson Sherlocks Jungfräulichkeit in Irene Adlers Bordell. Was für John als amüsante Abwechslung begonnen hat, entwickelt eine eigene Dynamik und bald kann John nicht mehr von Sherlock lassen. Als die Bürgermeisterwahlen anstehen, wird alles nur noch komplizierter, denn ein gewisser Mycroft Holmes ist einer der Kandidaten - doch er ist nicht der Wunschkandidat der Mafia...]
The Gilded Cage (327,000 words) by BeautifulFiction
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/Original Male Character(s), Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: In a world where Omegas are the property of the elite Alphas, locked away and treasured by those wealthy enough to buy them, John never questioned his flatmate's secondary gender. Sherlock Holmes was an Alpha through-and through. Wasn't he? A chance discovery turns the world on its head, and John is left grappling to come to terms with Sherlock's past as events conspire to threaten their future.
The Burning Life (229,596 words) by Morwen_Maranwe
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: After being shot and invalided from the Army, John is living a despondent life with a wife who has no respect and no love for him any longer, yet he is desperate to make their marriage work. In a last ditch effort to save their marriage, he moves them out of London and to some small, nameless town where his good friend, Mike Stamford, has been able to get him a job as a teacher at a secondary school. There he meets a teenage boy who he has an undeniable connection to, and who has the ability to make his life seem less meaningless. Though he knows that it’s wrong, John just can’t stop the relationship he is developing with Sherlock from growing. It slowly begins to spiral out of control, consuming his entire life like a wild fire and changing him in ways he didn’t think were possible anymore.
Keep the Car Running (212,932 words) by earlgreytea68
Rating: Mature
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, Arthur/Eames (Inception)
Summary: If Mycroft Holmes lived in a world where people could steal information from the subconsciouses of others, tell me he wouldn't be all over that when he had Moriarty in custody.
A River Without Banks (203,286 words) by Chryse
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, Mary Morstan/John Watson
Summary: "You love this, being Sherlock Holmes." He had once. When had it all gone so wrong?
Names for the Galaxy (191,102 words) by evadne
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, Anthea/Mycroft Holmes
Summary: Sci-fi AU. Sherlock Holmes is a recent arrival to 22nd century earth, and determined to find out who he is and where he comes from. John Watson has the unenviable task of teaching him how to be a normal human being.
Sketchy (157,179 words) by serpentynka
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, Mycroft Holmes/OMC
Series: Part 2 of Sketchy
Summary: What (and who) will be left when nobody cares about your Work? A slow-burn fic with cases, places, mistaken identities, unfair choices, essential changes, violent feels, blatant lies, fearless portraiture, family secrets, high-risk bespoke gifts, durable friendships, bedtime stories, foreign travel and tongues, sickness (and health), and the significance of things which are slow to unfurl -- but cannot be ignored. Oh, and...porn. (A continuation of plot arcs from Part 1 of Sketchy)
When the world’s only consulting detective starts dreaming of bowing out, his dearest person in the world is more than willing to go with him. It would seem that all that’s left to do is choose a date. And leave London....
The Edinburgh Problem (152,132 words) by snorklepie
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: “A nice holiday, just a bit more...murdery. ” John said drily. “Yes! The best kind of holiday!” Sherlock beamed. “So we won’t get bored!” After he separates from Mary, John returns to Baker Street. Following a request for help from Sherlock's cousin Violet, the detective and his blogger take a trip to Edinburgh. John discovers more about the Holmes family and Sherlock than he bargained for, but tries not to run screaming.
Mary (132,827 words) by kinklock
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, John Watson/Mary Morstan
Summary: Last night he dreamt he went to Manderley again... Monte Carlo, 1937. While working as the companion to Sebastian Wilkes, a young man becomes acquainted with a wealthy Englishman, John Watson. Rumour has it that Watson, owner of the grand country estate Manderley, is still haunted by the sudden death of his late wife. But as the young man soon learns, not all is as it seems.
To the Sticking Place (122,208 words) by blueink3
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: Renowned Shakespearean actor Sherlock Holmes has finally burned all of his bridges in the theatre industry save for his constant director, Greg Lestrade. John Watson has made a name for himself in the musical theatre circuit, but age and injury are working against him. Can they reinvent themselves for an all-male Macbeth without killing one another?
Prior Engagements (121,127 words) by PlaidAdder
Rating: Mature
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, Janine/Harry Watson
Summary: Years after Mary melted into the darkness, John and Sherlock are at their wits' end. Rachel Watson, aged nine, is proving harder to handle than Irene Adler and Jim Moriarty combined. John hopes that the right boarding school might give her the structure she seems to need. Not until after Rachel disappears do they discover that someone else appears to have had the same idea.
Breakable (117,629 words) by MissDavis
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: After John is seriously injured, Sherlock struggles to figure out how to help him, keep himself sane, and maybe, just maybe, get their life back to the way it's supposed to be.
Eyes Up, Heels Down (107,845 words) by CodenameMeretricious
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: Sherlock is a top eventing rider currently training at Baker Farms. John is the new groom who's been told to steer clear of the surly rider and his horses.
A Vintage Exceptionally to Your Liking (95,334 words) by EmmyAngua
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: Sherlock and John met seven years earlier than canon and fell in love. When John dies, Sherlock is introduced to the concept of alternate dimensions and given the opportunity to visit a different universe where he can have a second chance with a new John Watson. A love story across alternate dimensions. Complete.
The Guarded Secret (95,184 words) by mycapeisplaid
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: After his war injury, John feels broken, small, and useless. On a whim, he takes a position as a security guard of sorts at the gorgeous Holmes Hall in Yorkshire. As it turns out, he is not as broken, small, or useless as he thinks. A story of beauty and blossom, murder and mystery, loss and love.
Uphill (75,990 words) by scullyseviltwin
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: Sherlock Holmes is striving for gold in this, his fourth and final Olympics as a downhill Alpine racer.
Bury the Bells (71,673 words) by unknownsister
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, Molly Hooper/Greg Lestrade, Mary Morstan/John Watson
Summary: AU set after WWI in 1922. John is adrift in a loveless marriage. He takes a holiday to the country and meets a difficult patient. The spark that ignites between them might relight John's life or burn it to the ground.
The Orpheus Crucible* (67,370 words) by Nikoshinigami
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Series: Part 2 of The Ichor of Talos
Summary: No one knows where Simulants come from and those who have asked have had better things to do than pursue the answer when faced with extermination. With war still a present concern and Jim Moriarty's involvement left uncertain outside of its threat, the crew of the Black Manta may have taken on much more than they presumed to. And among the many mysteries left to face them in their voyage lies the answer to the question that has been posed since the very beginning: who killed Sherlock Holmes?
[*Note: This and the preceding fic in the series were deleted so that they could be published as an original Sherlock Holmes pastiche under the name “The Adventures of the Late Sherlock Holmes: The Unlikely Death”. The link above leads to an archived version.]
Of Chaos and Calculation (65,105 words) by i_ship_an_armada
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: When John is captured and brought to Rome, he's sold to the most noted ludus in The Eternal City, the emperor's. There, he meets Sherlock, auctorati, enigma, a perfect partner in the arena.
And out.
Sherlock is investigating the murders of several gladiators, but has secrets of his own that could be more destructive than a defeat on the sands.
Scars (60,477 words) by SilentAuror
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, Mary Morstan/John Watson
Summary: “You loved him.” Her voice was gentle as John turned startled eyes to her face. Her gaze hadn’t wavered. “Didn’t you.” It was not a question. “Of course you loved him. It’s all right to tell me.” John’s hands had been locked together, his knuckles white in the lamplight. He’d cleared his throat, looking at them. “Yeah,” he’d said, his voice rough. “I did.” “That’s got to stop.” Mary’s voice hadn’t changed, not precisely, or not in any outward way that he could detect, and yet it was completely different. She sounded entirely calm and still very gentle, but beneath that there was something new. Something rather like steel.
The Waiting Isn't The Hardest Part (56,723 words) by starrysummernights
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, Mycroft Holmes/Greg Lestrade
Summary: Expecting a baby should be a joyous event in an Omega’s life. It’s what all the books, websites, and talk shows bleat about. It’s the crowning moment of glory in any Omega’s life. John’s just ready for it to be fucking over.
Coventry (52,020 words) by standbygo
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: A Sherlock/Dollhouse crossover AU. Previous knowledge of Dollhouse not necessary; no spoilers either.
In the Dark Hours (51,380 words) by hubblegleeflower
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, James Sholto/John Watson
Summary: John, wounded and silent, drifts back to Baker Street for healing...and then goes home again. He visits, gets more upbeat, chattier, smiles, jokes... and still goes home again. Sherlock wants him to move back in - it just makes sense - but John shows no signs of doing so. This is the story of how John and Sherlock learn to say what needs to be said when they're both so very, very rubbish at talking.
Screaming in Cathedrals (49,898 words) by J_Baillier
Rating: Mature
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: Sherlock usually ignores warning signals from The Transport but this time, it's his precious brain that's in jeopardy. How will he and John cope?
Everybody Knows (44,488 words) by Susan
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: As if John and Sherlock don't have enough problems already (that whole Sherlock getting shot by Mary thing), now there's a cold case detective from Canada snooping around asking questions about Moriarty.
Sentenced (42,194 words) by SarahKnight
Rating: Mature
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, Mary Morstan/John Watson
Summary: Virtual series 4 opener. Sherlock's in prison being targeted by a murderer, John's married to a pregnant assassin and Moriarty's back. Eventual John/Sherlock.
Right Hand Man (42,031 words) by SilentAuror
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: When John's left arm becomes paralysed after a car accident, Mary asks Sherlock to take him back to Baker Street to recuperate, as she's about to give birth. Despite the fact that the search for Moriarty is ongoing, Sherlock takes John in and takes responsibility for overseeing his rehabilitation as he adjusts to the loss of his arm.
The Curious Adventure of the Drs. Watson (40,883 words) by ShinySherlock
Rating: Mature
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: What if ACD Watson and BBC Watson switched places . . . “Imposter!” Hands clenching the lapels of John’s coat, Holmes shoved him anew. “Yes!” John agreed, nodding, and then grimacing. “Sort of!”
White Tulip (40,624 words) by withoutawish
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, Mary Morstan/John Watson
Summary: Sherlock is in love with John Watson. John Watson is in love with Mary Morstan. Sherlock likes Mary Morstan just fine. Sherlock likes drugs more. And most importantly, Sherlock doesn’t like Sherlock.
The Printer Is Jammed (40,336 words) by startrekto221B
Rating: General Audiences
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: John is a disgruntled customer who just wants his money back for a shoddy printer Harry ordered for him off of a catalogue. Sherlock is a bored customer service rep working the summer he has off from Oxford. They are both about to get more than they bargained for.
Coins on My Eyes (35,197 words) by Indybaggins
Rating: Mature
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: Sherlock spent nights lying awake, listening to the rustling of John’s hands on the bedcovers. The dull thumps of John’s head against the headboard. The rhythmic grinding of his teeth. The soft, hungry sounds of his mouth and throat. There is an unknown infection rapidly spreading through London, fear, unspoken love, dead who cannot die... and a way for them to come back. Post-zombie AU!
Where Else Would I Be? (34,890 words) by cwb
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: John and Sherlock's five-year-old granddaughter spends the weekend with them in Sussex. Sherlock happily indulges her whims, and John takes care of them while quietly revisiting the past thirty years of their lives together.
a good old-fashioned happy ending (32,679 words) by darcylindbergh
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: And Sherlock stands there, in the middle of a Christmas market as John hums along to Silent Night, John’s hand warm in his with fingertips a little gritty from the cinnamon-sugar doused churros they’d shared, and thinks, oh, that’s–that’s an idea, isn’t it? * For Christmas this year, Sherlock wants to get John something special: something every fairytale deserves.
Life in Sussex (30,215 words) by iriswallpaper
Rating: Teen and Up Audiences
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, Sherlock Holmes/Victor Trevor, John Watson/Mary Morstan
Summary: Sherlock and John both had two great loves of their lives. They had waited more than half their lifetime for each other. They’d both married and had good lives and now as widowers the time for their relationship had finally come.
A story of happiness, loss, rediscovered love, contentment, retirement together, family, friendship and late-life love.
Fantasy Island (29,644 words) by kedgeree
Rating: Mature
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: On the remote tropical paradise of Fantasy Island, Sherlock Holmes brings his clients’ most desperate fantasies to life…although the end result may not be exactly what they expect. And isn’t it far less boring that way?
Manifest (29,579 words) by causidicus
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: John finds Sherlock's porn. The discovery shifts the dynamic of their relationship.
The Very Best of Times (24,009 words) by Moranion
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Mary Morstan/John Watson, Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: John and Mary get divorced, but it doesn't really go the way divorces are supposed to go. In fact, nothing happens the way it's supposed to happen, but it still works out.
Dear John (23,028 words) by wendymarlowe
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, (John Watson/fake!OMC)
Series: Part 1 of Dear John
Summary: With Sherlock dead, John eventually (under duress) makes a profile on an online dating site. And falls into a long-distance relationship with an enigmatic partner who reminds him of Sherlock in all the right ways. (Hint: it turns out to be Sherlock.) Updated in real time.
The Dead Letters (17,716 words) by cwb
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: Sherlock is dead, and John might as well be. When Sherlock breaks his silence to keep John from doing something drastic, John tries to work through his anger enough to respond.
[Note: The author has contacted me to point out that this was actually completed in 2014. *blush* I am guessing I downloaded and read this early in 2015 and didn't check the actual completion date so my fault. Still a great fic and stays on the list. :)]
Back to the Start (14,088 words) by slashscribe
Rating: Mature
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: Sherlock hasn't played the violin since John's wedding (which is long since over), and when John returns to 221B, Sherlock relearns the violin as he and John relearn each other. Post S3 fic with an obscene amount of pining, idiocy, and attempts to pawn off tea duties.
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no subject
Date: 2016-01-03 06:47 pm (UTC)I've got one question and maybe you can help me. I've been lurking about Deflowred for some time and am not sure if to read the English or German version. Normally, you don't get that choice and I'm unsure. I've tried once to write a fic in German and never finished it because the parts about bits did sound horrible in my own ears. On the other hand it sounds slightly ridiculous to read a fic in English when it's available in my native language. See, I need some advice. Which one would you choose if you had to? Thank you!
no subject
Date: 2016-01-03 07:04 pm (UTC)Arguments in favor of German:
The language is smoother. It was sometimes hard for me to get those long German sentence structures down to manageable English chunks, so I had to cut some sentences up or move things around. There are still places where it sounds like a translation to me despite numerous reworkings. And some readers have complained that there are too many Americanisms which break up the flow, even though I tried hard to keep it as British as I know how. Also, there are some nuances and plays on words which are simply not translatable. Lorelei Lee and I discussed those and came to some compromises but if you want the true beauty of her writing (and she is really an excellent writer) and no nasty Americanisms then go for the German.
Arguments in favor of English:
Apparently, it's weirder and more awkward for German speakers to read smut in German than in English. Every German speaker who's voiced an opinion to me about it has said that English smut sounds more natural to them. I guess that's what you mean too when you say 'the parts about bits'? Well, this fic has lots and lots of smut. If you find reading smut in German strange then you may prefer the English version. Another argument in favor of English is that this is set in a British fandom. You may find it easier to get into the mood and really immerse yourself in the story if you read it in English. If you've only ever seen the English episodes then it may just be weird for you to suddenly have everyone speaking German. Also, if you've watched the episodes in English and never seen the German dubbed versions then if you read this in German you may miss out on many of the references to the episodes in the dialogue, some of which are taken verbatim from the scripts. We were careful in the translation to preserve those references, so where Lorelei Lee wrote the lines from the German dubbed versions, I used the original lines from the English episodes.
I guess you have to decide for yourself what will be more comfortable for you. I don't know how good your English skills are (they sound excellent) but if you find yourself missing the meanings of words or reading much slower in English than German then you can always switch back.
I hope that helps you and that you can enjoy this fic in whatever language you decide on!
no subject
Date: 2016-01-03 07:39 pm (UTC)Well, I haven't read more than two books in German the past two years, so I'm probably fast reading in both languages. And I've watched both versions of the show and still find it strange when they call each other 'Sie' at first. :)
Oh yes, it is really awkward to read smut in German, it doesn't matter if it's slash, het or femslash - the bits and pieces sound mostly vulgar in my ears. But I get that every translation loses some of the original flow of words. I saw it with HP and the other way round with Kafka whose great beauty of using words just got lost.
Well, I'll probably try the German version first to feel the flow of Lorelei Lee's fic and see how it goes. If needs must, I'll switch to your translation. I'm sure you did a great job with this long story and for sure will feel at home reading it in English as well.
Your answer helped a lot. Thank you! <3
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Date: 2016-01-03 07:51 pm (UTC)Story List
Date: 2016-01-03 07:25 pm (UTC)RE: Story List
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Date: 2016-01-03 07:38 pm (UTC)Everybody knows you are the undisputed Queen of Sherlock Recs, but maybe I should put together a list of - not exactly the "best" but the "ones I liked the most" of Canon-based Holmes stories from 2015. It will, of course, be much a shorter list, but I know I read some awesome stories that were written in 2015.
Thank you for the inspiration!
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