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swissmargThank you all for your feedback on the followers poll! It was really interesting. It looks like recs and fics are in a close one-two race, but the rec lovers are ahead by a nose. There may still be a special fic brewing, but until that's written, I am happy to present a list of some Sherlock fics that I think deserve more readers. Hopefully there will be something for everyone in here.
Since I generally rec fics that are already fairly popular, I thought for this list I'd go through my bookmarks on AO3 and pick out less popular fics that I can still stand behind. There are lots of measures of popularity, but I decided to go with the number of kudos, as each reader can only kudo a fic once. Comments are a less accurate measure of popularity, since you can make multiple comments, and some author respond to every single comment (haha, like me), which obscures the actual popularity of the fic. The hit count is also less accurate, as it does not measure unique hits; you can artificially inflate the hit count on your own story by repeatedly loading the same screen, for example, and multi-chapter fics that are posted serially will have vastly higher hit counts than one-shots, even though the one-shots may actually have had more readers.
I know that even kudos are not entirely reliable; some people may not leave kudos on fics that are kinky or high-rated because they don't want others knowing they read them. Also, the longer a fic is up, the more kudos it will receive just because it's there. So older fics have an 'advantage' over newer ones. For that reason, I am purposely excluding fics from this list that were completed in the last 30 days because they haven't had time to build up their kudo base yet.
I randomly decided on 100 kudos as my cut-off, although there are a couple of fics on this list that have slightly more kudos. But all of these are great fics that deserve lots more attention, and if you feel up to it, authors are always especially happy to get a comment, even if it's just to say 'I liked this a lot'.
TL;DR: Sherlock fics that deserve a greater readership, in no particular order:
This fic is so fantastic and well-written, it really gets into the characters, not only of Sherlock and John, but also Harry and Sherlock's family:
That Obscure Object (23566 words) by emmadelosnardos
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: Danger was a green pool in an inner courtyard, the wet slide of skin against skin, the risk of being caught. Danger was a needle under the floorboards, opium in the toe of a slipper, the subterfuge of his habit. Danger was a shabby cabbie, even odds, an aneurysm.
======
All of the stories in the Getting Better Series by LittlePippin. A Johnlock sickfic series in 5 parts, rated T. Amazing hurt/comfort with great casework. This series was first posted on ff.net, so people may have already read it there, accounting for its relatively low kudo count on AO3. But if you haven't read it and you are willing to commit to 200K of H/C, this is the place.
======
This is for those of you who like alternate meetings, nonlinear storytelling, and meant to be's:
Circles (23987 words) by jambal
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: Emotional AU. Wherein the universe allows Sherlock and John to meet in their teens and the aforementioned universe looks out for them, for an infinity.
======
Another alternate meeting with all the feels, but be prepared for heartbreak:
No Sacrifice (19643 words) by standbygo
Rating: Mature
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: It’s no sacrifice
Just a simple word
Two hearts living
In two separate worlds
Editing to add: This now has a sequel which fixes things in some ways, but may break your heart all over again: Nutmeg and Mace by standbygo
======
Funny, hot, bit of angst, plot twist, what more could you want?
Strictly Business (14101 words) by milverton
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: Sherlock and John try being "friends with benefits." It's nice, for a bit.
======
Post-Reichenbach, casefic, relationship development, lots of action, intrigue, and sex. Basically the perfect combination.
Face of the Sun, Face of the Moon (57430 words) by honeybee221b
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, Irene Adler/OC
Summary: Unresolved attraction between Sherlock and John comes to a head after Sherlock and Molly are arrested as part of a human tissue crime ring. John and Sherlock infiltrate the group in New York City in attempt to gather evidence against the real criminals and clear Molly's name, but are mistaken for each other, forcing Sherlock to sit on the sidelines as John does the heavy lifting. Throw in Irene Adler, her new wife and a couple of blow jobs and you've got a heck of a mess.
======
An exciting casefic that could be read as bosom buddies, bromance, or pre-slash:
Concertos and Blackmail (42720 words) by hoc_voluerunt
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes & John Watson
Summary: It’s around about when John’s in a white dinner jacket, shooting out security cameras and running from guards through the skyscraper of a media tycoon-cum-gentleman blackmailer, that he realises he’s probably gone well and truly mad. He couldn’t really care less, though. And hey — he and Sherlock started out sharing a flat; how appropriate if they end up sharing a prison cell. (A BBC Sherlock update of The Adventure of Charles Augustus Milverton.)
======
A feel-good (eventually) holiday story that delves into the backgrounds, childhoods, and private lives of the main canon characters:
A Sherlock Carol (17387 words) by Jellybean728
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: This story is already complete, and hopefully I'll post a chapter a day until Christmas. This was based on a prompt at one of the Sherlock Holmes kink memes, to rewrite A Christmas Carol with the cast of Sherlock. Assume a post-Reichenbach/post-Empty House reunion, although not exactly a BBC canon compliant world. And yeah, I tried not to, but there are some Sherlock/John undertones.
======
This one is so funny and cute. Read it when you need a pick-me-up:
Lov tobakko ash (17052 words) by pjordha
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Relationships: Sebastian Wilkes/John Watson, Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: When asked if Sebastian Wilkes is good enough for John, Sherlock's reply is an emphatic "Absolutely not." Or, John Watson channels Bridget Jones.
======
An Empty House/Christmas Carol fusion. Yup, it totally works.
Ghosts (14752 words) by IronicNarwhal
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: A dead man is haunted by ghosts at Christmastime and, together, they help bring him back to life.
======
Apocafic that goes deep and comes up with pearls:
Somewhere Near The Edge (13427 words) by DarkCaustic
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, Molly Hooper/Greg Lestrade
Summary: Just because the world ended doesn't mean our lives are over. Maybe I need you.
======
Crossover with Dollhouse (but I don't know Dollhouse and enjoyed it anyway). A psychological post-Reichenbach genfic:
Nothing to Remember (38700 words) by ArwenKenobi
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Characters: Sherlock Holmes, Topher Brink, Adelle DeWitt, John Watson
Summary: Eighteen months after faking his own death Sherlock Holmes returns to London only to discover that John has sought refuge across the Atlantic and away from himself.
======
A mindfuck fic that I still like to re-read even though I know the twist:
angels long-fallen (15085 words) by Speechwriter
Rating: Not Rated
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: The one thing Sherlock doesn't know about Jim Moriarty is the most important.
======
A post-Reichenbach fic with a completely original case:
Full Circle (18596 words) by Rehfan
Rating: Mature
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, Sherlock Holmes/Original Female Character, Mary Morstan/John Watson
Summary: Re-adjusting to life with Sherlock after his fall isn't easy. Especially when you're still grieving for your late wife and your flatmate kisses you.
======
Doctor Who/Sherlock crossover with an interesting and creative premise:
The Watchman (24840 words) by radio_silent
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: When the Doctor shows up outside of 221B, John finds his loyalties tested—and his entire world turned upside down.
======
This whole series. The first part was rewritten and reposted, but even the original posting didn't have very many kudos. Post-Reichenbach John-Sherlock-Mary love triangle (no threesome) in which John chooses Mary. At first, anyway.
Five Years Ago and Three Thousand Miles Away Series by Sunnyrea
======
Non-linear break-up fic that will take you through all the emotions and back again:
All Those Things I Told Myself To Forget (and to make it through) (41824 words) by momotastic
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: After over a year of not talking to each other John did not expect to meet Sherlock in that pub. In fact, if he'd known that Sherlock would be there, he wouldn't have gone inside in the first place.
======
I gobbled up this fic in which Moriarty is Sherlock's ex... or maybe not-so-ex. It's really more Sherlock/John than Sherlock/Jim. My only caveat is that this was meant to be the first part in a series but the second part has not yet been written. So, sort of open-ended ending. But still satisfying enough.
It Falls, It Turns (42434 words) by stardust_made
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/Jim Moriarty, Sherlock Holmes & John Watson
Summary: When Mycroft leaves a mysterious envelope with John with the request to pass it on to Sherlock, John finds himself too tempted to resist a peek. What he discovers is a slice of Sherlock's personal history that affects him in more ways than one. But even before John has the chance to address his feelings, a stranger from Sherlock's past shows up at 221B Baker Street and throws both Sherlock and John's worlds up in the air. Who is this man and what is his powerful hold over Sherlock?
======
This whole series, which it seems ends up on every rec list I make. Some of the best casefic out there:
The Baker Street Series by magicbunni
======
This little two-part series (total under 20K), a fun no-strings university AU:
Whirlwind Series by rubyofkukundu
======
A great gen hurt/comfort casefic in which Sherlock is temporarily blinded:
Blind Man's Bluff (25151 words) by Rae666
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Characters: Sherlock Holmes, John Watson
Summary: "We are gods among mortals. But even gods must be tested." Sherlock loses his sight temporarily and must rely on his other senses and John in order to solve the case at hand. But as the killer draws closer, could the pair be in more danger than they first thought?
======
And finally, a Lestrade-centric casefic that shows how an investigation should be run:
Legwork (21778 words) by yonwords
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Relationships: Lestrade (Inspector)/OFC
Summary: "The boy sat on the farthest bench on the platform, slumped in his seat as though asleep." Lestrade gets to be the hero of his own detective novella.
Since I generally rec fics that are already fairly popular, I thought for this list I'd go through my bookmarks on AO3 and pick out less popular fics that I can still stand behind. There are lots of measures of popularity, but I decided to go with the number of kudos, as each reader can only kudo a fic once. Comments are a less accurate measure of popularity, since you can make multiple comments, and some author respond to every single comment (haha, like me), which obscures the actual popularity of the fic. The hit count is also less accurate, as it does not measure unique hits; you can artificially inflate the hit count on your own story by repeatedly loading the same screen, for example, and multi-chapter fics that are posted serially will have vastly higher hit counts than one-shots, even though the one-shots may actually have had more readers.
I know that even kudos are not entirely reliable; some people may not leave kudos on fics that are kinky or high-rated because they don't want others knowing they read them. Also, the longer a fic is up, the more kudos it will receive just because it's there. So older fics have an 'advantage' over newer ones. For that reason, I am purposely excluding fics from this list that were completed in the last 30 days because they haven't had time to build up their kudo base yet.
I randomly decided on 100 kudos as my cut-off, although there are a couple of fics on this list that have slightly more kudos. But all of these are great fics that deserve lots more attention, and if you feel up to it, authors are always especially happy to get a comment, even if it's just to say 'I liked this a lot'.
TL;DR: Sherlock fics that deserve a greater readership, in no particular order:
This fic is so fantastic and well-written, it really gets into the characters, not only of Sherlock and John, but also Harry and Sherlock's family:
That Obscure Object (23566 words) by emmadelosnardos
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: Danger was a green pool in an inner courtyard, the wet slide of skin against skin, the risk of being caught. Danger was a needle under the floorboards, opium in the toe of a slipper, the subterfuge of his habit. Danger was a shabby cabbie, even odds, an aneurysm.
======
All of the stories in the Getting Better Series by LittlePippin. A Johnlock sickfic series in 5 parts, rated T. Amazing hurt/comfort with great casework. This series was first posted on ff.net, so people may have already read it there, accounting for its relatively low kudo count on AO3. But if you haven't read it and you are willing to commit to 200K of H/C, this is the place.
======
This is for those of you who like alternate meetings, nonlinear storytelling, and meant to be's:
Circles (23987 words) by jambal
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: Emotional AU. Wherein the universe allows Sherlock and John to meet in their teens and the aforementioned universe looks out for them, for an infinity.
======
Another alternate meeting with all the feels, but be prepared for heartbreak:
No Sacrifice (19643 words) by standbygo
Rating: Mature
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: It’s no sacrifice
Just a simple word
Two hearts living
In two separate worlds
Editing to add: This now has a sequel which fixes things in some ways, but may break your heart all over again: Nutmeg and Mace by standbygo
======
Funny, hot, bit of angst, plot twist, what more could you want?
Strictly Business (14101 words) by milverton
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: Sherlock and John try being "friends with benefits." It's nice, for a bit.
======
Post-Reichenbach, casefic, relationship development, lots of action, intrigue, and sex. Basically the perfect combination.
Face of the Sun, Face of the Moon (57430 words) by honeybee221b
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, Irene Adler/OC
Summary: Unresolved attraction between Sherlock and John comes to a head after Sherlock and Molly are arrested as part of a human tissue crime ring. John and Sherlock infiltrate the group in New York City in attempt to gather evidence against the real criminals and clear Molly's name, but are mistaken for each other, forcing Sherlock to sit on the sidelines as John does the heavy lifting. Throw in Irene Adler, her new wife and a couple of blow jobs and you've got a heck of a mess.
======
An exciting casefic that could be read as bosom buddies, bromance, or pre-slash:
Concertos and Blackmail (42720 words) by hoc_voluerunt
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes & John Watson
Summary: It’s around about when John’s in a white dinner jacket, shooting out security cameras and running from guards through the skyscraper of a media tycoon-cum-gentleman blackmailer, that he realises he’s probably gone well and truly mad. He couldn’t really care less, though. And hey — he and Sherlock started out sharing a flat; how appropriate if they end up sharing a prison cell. (A BBC Sherlock update of The Adventure of Charles Augustus Milverton.)
======
A feel-good (eventually) holiday story that delves into the backgrounds, childhoods, and private lives of the main canon characters:
A Sherlock Carol (17387 words) by Jellybean728
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: This story is already complete, and hopefully I'll post a chapter a day until Christmas. This was based on a prompt at one of the Sherlock Holmes kink memes, to rewrite A Christmas Carol with the cast of Sherlock. Assume a post-Reichenbach/post-Empty House reunion, although not exactly a BBC canon compliant world. And yeah, I tried not to, but there are some Sherlock/John undertones.
======
This one is so funny and cute. Read it when you need a pick-me-up:
Lov tobakko ash (17052 words) by pjordha
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Relationships: Sebastian Wilkes/John Watson, Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: When asked if Sebastian Wilkes is good enough for John, Sherlock's reply is an emphatic "Absolutely not." Or, John Watson channels Bridget Jones.
======
An Empty House/Christmas Carol fusion. Yup, it totally works.
Ghosts (14752 words) by IronicNarwhal
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: A dead man is haunted by ghosts at Christmastime and, together, they help bring him back to life.
======
Apocafic that goes deep and comes up with pearls:
Somewhere Near The Edge (13427 words) by DarkCaustic
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, Molly Hooper/Greg Lestrade
Summary: Just because the world ended doesn't mean our lives are over. Maybe I need you.
======
Crossover with Dollhouse (but I don't know Dollhouse and enjoyed it anyway). A psychological post-Reichenbach genfic:
Nothing to Remember (38700 words) by ArwenKenobi
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Characters: Sherlock Holmes, Topher Brink, Adelle DeWitt, John Watson
Summary: Eighteen months after faking his own death Sherlock Holmes returns to London only to discover that John has sought refuge across the Atlantic and away from himself.
======
A mindfuck fic that I still like to re-read even though I know the twist:
angels long-fallen (15085 words) by Speechwriter
Rating: Not Rated
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: The one thing Sherlock doesn't know about Jim Moriarty is the most important.
======
A post-Reichenbach fic with a completely original case:
Full Circle (18596 words) by Rehfan
Rating: Mature
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, Sherlock Holmes/Original Female Character, Mary Morstan/John Watson
Summary: Re-adjusting to life with Sherlock after his fall isn't easy. Especially when you're still grieving for your late wife and your flatmate kisses you.
======
Doctor Who/Sherlock crossover with an interesting and creative premise:
The Watchman (24840 words) by radio_silent
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: When the Doctor shows up outside of 221B, John finds his loyalties tested—and his entire world turned upside down.
======
This whole series. The first part was rewritten and reposted, but even the original posting didn't have very many kudos. Post-Reichenbach John-Sherlock-Mary love triangle (no threesome) in which John chooses Mary. At first, anyway.
Five Years Ago and Three Thousand Miles Away Series by Sunnyrea
======
Non-linear break-up fic that will take you through all the emotions and back again:
All Those Things I Told Myself To Forget (and to make it through) (41824 words) by momotastic
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Summary: After over a year of not talking to each other John did not expect to meet Sherlock in that pub. In fact, if he'd known that Sherlock would be there, he wouldn't have gone inside in the first place.
======
I gobbled up this fic in which Moriarty is Sherlock's ex... or maybe not-so-ex. It's really more Sherlock/John than Sherlock/Jim. My only caveat is that this was meant to be the first part in a series but the second part has not yet been written. So, sort of open-ended ending. But still satisfying enough.
It Falls, It Turns (42434 words) by stardust_made
Rating: Explicit
Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/Jim Moriarty, Sherlock Holmes & John Watson
Summary: When Mycroft leaves a mysterious envelope with John with the request to pass it on to Sherlock, John finds himself too tempted to resist a peek. What he discovers is a slice of Sherlock's personal history that affects him in more ways than one. But even before John has the chance to address his feelings, a stranger from Sherlock's past shows up at 221B Baker Street and throws both Sherlock and John's worlds up in the air. Who is this man and what is his powerful hold over Sherlock?
======
This whole series, which it seems ends up on every rec list I make. Some of the best casefic out there:
The Baker Street Series by magicbunni
======
This little two-part series (total under 20K), a fun no-strings university AU:
Whirlwind Series by rubyofkukundu
======
A great gen hurt/comfort casefic in which Sherlock is temporarily blinded:
Blind Man's Bluff (25151 words) by Rae666
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Characters: Sherlock Holmes, John Watson
Summary: "We are gods among mortals. But even gods must be tested." Sherlock loses his sight temporarily and must rely on his other senses and John in order to solve the case at hand. But as the killer draws closer, could the pair be in more danger than they first thought?
======
And finally, a Lestrade-centric casefic that shows how an investigation should be run:
Legwork (21778 words) by yonwords
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences
Relationships: Lestrade (Inspector)/OFC
Summary: "The boy sat on the farthest bench on the platform, slumped in his seat as though asleep." Lestrade gets to be the hero of his own detective novella.
