Proof that the remaining 10% is worth becoming a detective for here:
These are recommendations made by tropers for Sherlock Holmes Fan Fics, all of which have to be signed to stay on the page. Feel free to add a fanfic of your own to the list, but remember to use the template found here.
Do warn for content that is usually considered squicky or explicit. Also AU fanfics, shipping (which is, after all, Serious Business), and/or more exotic things if considered appropriate.
You can also add to the current recommendations if you want. Refrain from posting Conversation in the Main Page though; that goes in the discussion page.
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Authors and Websites
- Recommended by: Polaris, bregalad
- Comments: For all your Holmes/Watson shipping needs. Katie's fics are long, plotty, incredibly detailed and emotionally resonant. She has an excellent knowledge of the canon and the period; several stories deal with canonical incidents - and how they may have occurred differently than Watson chose to record them - and historical events (Full of Grace
deals with Oscar Wilde's imprisonment; The Presbury Letters with World War I). My personal favorite is The Three Favors, which deals with Holmes' return to London after Reichenbach.- Seconded. Her stories are amazing and you'll fall in love with her characterisations.
- This troper agrees, her characterisations are amazing and her writing style is beautiful.
- Katie's fics are amongst the best I've ever read, Holmes fandom or otherwise. Excellently written and deeply emotional - they feel like unabridged canon stories.
- Agree as well. This troper read The Sign of Change before seeing the second movie and couldn't avoid mixing both works together. Her stories have a great canon feel.
Add Review- Recommended by: Lady Nomad
- Comments: Wordybirdy writes the funniest Sherlock Holmes that could be felt like it was canon. She researches Victorian England well and incorporates it into her fics. She writers Holmes/Watson as a couple and as really good friends.
- Recommended by: birdsinthewindow
- Comments: sanguinity's characters care a lot about each other and show it. Their fics, often for very obscure Holmes-related fandoms, add depth to the shallow points in canon. Their plots are interesting and skillful, but the focus is always on the characters and their relationships with each other. They often write Johnlock and Mary/Kate. Their fics treat Mary as a full character, which is rare in this fandom.
- Recommended by: birdsinthewindow
- Comments: Plaid Adder writes incredibly intricate and well-researched plots with a strong focus on the characters. She often pull in more obscure characters — you might have to re-read some of the stories! Her writing makes lackluster parts of canon more interesting and gives clever explanations for some of the odder passages (for example, Holmes' inexplicable monologue about the beauty of roses). Her female characters are as realistic as their her characters, even characters that were essentially objects in canon. She typically writes Johnlock and various femmeslash pairings. Her fics typically have a good balance of suspense, humor, romance, and hurt/comfort.
General Fics
Stories focused on the family and the friendly relationships of the cast. Plot-focused stories or light day-in-the-life stories. Pretty much anything that isn't focused on romance.
Alter Ego by Silver Pard
- Recommended by: Dame-Amaryllis
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: You did not know when you began just how much you would lose to your fictional self.
Deserter by Queen Megaera
- Recommended by: Rubber Lotus
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: "For me, there still remains the cocaine-bottle. And he stretched his long white hand up to it." The Sign of the Four officially ended with these words, but Dr. John Watson's dilemma did not.
- Comments: Who knew that one single line could spawn such a short yet emotional ficlet?
Jottings from a Doctor's Journal by charleygirl
- Recommended by: Ancient Nonun
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: This are the alternate annotations of the Dr. John Watson, those who had not place in the adventures of the First and Only Private Detective of the World Sherlock Holmes, telling those everyday occurrences, mishaps and the insight of such an analytical mind.
- Comments: A beautiful compilation of short stories that detail the other side of the Coin in the life of Watson and Holmes, outside their adventures. Construct a profound and quite touching close relationship between the two(Bromance, not the obligatory Slash fic) and a door to the psyche of Holmes, who at times can be quite immature, lonely, childish and downright petty but at the same time more noble that the works would paint him. It's fluffy, funny and so hurtful. The solution of cabin fever is hilarious they play hidden game and face the music will make you cry. It had over other 30 works if you want to check it out.
Misery by Ancalime8301
- Recommended by: Lady Nomad
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Holmes hits a rough patch just after Watson's wedding.
- Comments: It is a dramatic, nice fic that has everyone in character and even have a few elements from the literature. While it is angsty, there are a few light moments that help balance it out with some nice Holmes and Watson banter and a few lovely friendship moments between Holmes and Mary.
Power of the Pen by The Fool's Hope
- Recommended by: Mockingjay
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: A compilation of letters and other things written by various people after Sherlock Holmes' death.
- Comments: Contains the perfect balance of comedy and drama as the lives of Holmes' friends are detailed via telegrams, letters and other pieces of writing during the Hiatus.
A Study in Stardom by Aleine Skyfire
- Recommended by: totofan4ever
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: Sherlock Holmes and Jeremy Brett put up with each other, warts and all.
- Comments: This whole series of one shots is filled with Crowning Moments of Heartwarming as Jeremy Brett, David Burke, and Edward Hardwicke interact with their canonical counterparts. It really gives an inspiring idea to how Jeremy was able to act as close to Holmes as he could. And it also gives off amazing ideas such as Watson replacing David in the episode The Solitary Cyclist because David had the flu. Beautifully written and it's guaranteed to warm the heart of anyone who loves Sherlock Holmes and Jeremy Brett.
Sub Rosa by Professor Pangaea
- Recommended by: Polaris
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: "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
- Comments: This is a wonderful multimedia fic, consisting largely of telegrams exchanged between Holmes and Mycroft during the former's time in hiding after The Final Problem.
Moving On by trustingHim17
- Recommended by: birdsinthewindow
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: A look into Watson's experience with PTSD and Holmes' attempts to help him.
- Comments: The plotting is skillful and clever, showcasing Watson's intelligence as well as Holmes', and of course it's always nice to see Holmes and Watson taking care of each other. The best one is probably "Of Memories and Languages." POV switches between Holmes and Watson, sometimes covering the same events twice. Warning for war-induced PTSD.
Shipping Fics
Stories focused on the romantic relationships between the cast.
The Adventure of Hecate House by Eyebrows2
- Recommended by: Tonnocal
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: As Sherlock Holmes investigates an enigmatic doctor who makes extraordinary claims, he uncovers a fiendish web of dark crime. Can he and Watson unravel it before danger overtakes them? And what role does ex-client Violet Hunter play?
- Pairing: Holmes/Violet Hunter
- Comments: Neither crude nor crud, this is pure Sherlock Holmes. The leading lady features in one of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, and is true to Conan-Doyle's representation of her.
Confessions of the Master by amalcolm1
- Recommended by Regina Titania
- Status: Dormant
- Synopsis: Watson looks back on his relationship with Holmes after Reichenbach, recanting what really happened and the truth about his dear friend.
- Pairing: Watson/Holmes
- Comments: Possibly the longest Holmes/Watson slash fic on FF.Net, this 214k+ monster is still WIP and comes pretty well recommended. It tells a dark story of love between Holmes and Watson, especially in the face of Victorian society and Watson's parental responsibilities, along with several more hypotheses regarding their backgrounds.
- Told in the Watsonian style, one really feels as though Watson himself wrote this, although the use of footnotes does crack the illusion quite a bit. This story is something intriguing and attention-grabbing. No questions said; it is a tragedy. Take it like it is.
The Fall at Reichenbach, Revisited by rabidsamfan
- Recommended by: millernumber1
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: An AU look at what might have happened in Switzerland, from the prompt "What if Mary Watson didn't die during the Hiatus?"
- Pairing: Watson/Mary
- Comments: Incredibly dramatic, well written, and one of the few Watson/Mary shipping fics that doesn't go for the angst of the seemingly canon death of Watson's wife during the Hiatus. Deserves many, many reviews (and possibly encouragements for a follow up!).
Genevieve by CSI Clue
- Recommended by: JustTroper
- Status: Complete
- Sypnosis: Holmes falls in love with a girl from a book store, who later saves him from death.
- Pairing: Holmes/OC
- Comments: A rare case of Love Interest having a Speech Impediment (stutter), which even isn't presented as a disability.
Homo Ex Machina by Toft
- Recommended by; Jesaja, caughtbluehanded
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Watson accidentally publishes a pornographic novella featuring himself and Holmes, and is blackmailed into making it a serial.
- Pairing: Watson/Holmes
- Comments: Well-written and enjoyable.
- Ridiculously fun to read. Also hot. -caughtbluehanded
A Journey to the Core by Nunewesen
- Recommended by: Eona
- Status: Dead
- Synopsis: Dr. Watson is finding himself unusually uncomfortable in his friendship with Sherlock Holmes. He decides to take a break to clear his mind, but finding the source of his uneasiness seems to be making things even more difficult...
- Pairing: Watson/Holmes
- Comments: This fic feels like it could be canon. The romance between Watson and Holmes feels natural. It is rated M for explicit sexual content, but it is tasteful.
Marriage à Trois by Sorrel
- Recommended by: Java
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: In the aftermath of the Blackwood case, Mary determines that if she wants to have a successful marriage, she must find a way to integrate Holmes into her relationship with John. It's a decision that will have a number of unforeseen consequences, as she becomes far closer with the famous detective than she ever could have imagined.
- Pairing: Watson/Mary/Holmes
- Comments: This fic is wonderfully realized, and I loved the gradual inclusion of Holmes. Follows the 2009 film.
A Scandal of No Importance by amalcolm1
- Recommended by: Fiwen 9430
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: In 1897 Holmes receives a letter asking him to help an old friend in Paris. The remembrances of their past relationship force him to confront his feelings for Watson.
- Pairing: Watson/Holmes
- Comments: Weaves the characters really well with actual historical events. Mostly Holmes' POV with lots of flashbacks, especially to the Old Bailey trial, though the last couple of chapters also have Wilde and Watson POV.
Will's Story by CSI Clue
- Recommended by: Tonnocal
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: After a murder at the Grande, Constable Clark and Mr. Holmes help to rescue a damsel, and Clarke gets more personallly involved.
- Pairing: Clarke/OC
Crossovers
The Baker Street Record by Featherfish
- Recommended by: Count Choculitis, Starshine
- Crossover with: House of Leaves
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Described by the author as an exercise in dual pastiche, this crossover begins with Holmes and Watson discovering a door in their house were there wasn't one before. Holmes starts going mad trying to wrap his mind around it. Where does it lead?
Is there something inside it?And then it gets worse. It should be noted that this is really not primarily a ship fic, but it contains Holmes/Watson slashiness and one scene of explicit sex. - Comments: What can you expect from the story? Uh... creepiness, postmodernism, footnotes, and general awesomeness. Captures the voice of both works marvelously, and is full of clever allusions and surprises. In-character while showing the characters' descent into desperation and madness, and contains a touching portrayal of the bond between Holmes and Watson. Complete.
- Seriously, this is a work of art. And if you're not into Holmes/Watson, don't let that put you off. The way she works it in is ingenious.
- Speaking as someone who has never read House of Leaves and didn't really like Holmes/Watson before she read this fic, it is absolutely amazing. I would say it's the best fanfic ever written, but I'm not sure that description does this work justice. Best fanwork ever is probably more accurate.
- Seriously, this is a work of art. And if you're not into Holmes/Watson, don't let that put you off. The way she works it in is ingenious.
Children of Time by Wholmes Productions
- Recommended by: fruitstripegum
- Crossover with: Doctor Who
- Status: Ongoing
- Synopsis: An AU series of fics asking "What If? Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson had become the Doctor's companions instead of Martha Jones?".
The Detective and the Diplomat by Beth Einspanier
- Recommended by: Hereward
- Crossover with: Discworld
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: During an experiment involving the use of magic between distant parts of the multiverse, a single sneeze sends two of the most analytically brilliant men known into each other's shoes. With Holmes booked to investigate an attempted murder and gold fever sweeping Ankh-Morpork, how can Watson and Vimes deal with this new development?
Elementary, My Dear ObiWan by Frostfyre7
- Recommended by: Shareth
- Crossover with: Star Wars
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Life in London can get plenty interesting when Sherlock Holmes is hot on the trail of the dastardly Moriarty. Things take a bizarre turn, however, when Holmes and Watson intervene in a most unusual assassination attempt on a strangely dressed young man.
- Comments: Gets the tone of the original Sherlock Holmes stories spot-on while effortlessly blending in pre-Movie Star Wars-verse elements. The best and truest-to-literary-canon Sherlock Holmes crossover this troper has read since A Study in Emerald. Highly recommended.
Edward meets Sherlock Holmes by Van Wolfe
- Recommended by: Novatel
- Crossover with: Twilight
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Why did Edward stop hunting criminals? During those brief ten years, he was just like a superhero...So why? Because he met someone. A man named Sherlock Holmes.
- Comments: Crossover with Twilight of all things, and still manages to be great. Sherlock Holmes uses his intelligence to fight Edward Cullen, a vampire.
From the Sidelines by Riandra
- Recommended by: Rubber Lotus
- Crossover with: The Great Mouse Detective
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: One night, while on a food run, Dr. Dawson experiences a most heart-pounding adventure.
- Comments: Just a quick peek into those instances where the worlds of mice and men intersect, if ever so briefly.
The Magician and the Detective by Bad Horse
- Recommended by: Rilkar, Indalecio, Veanne
- Crossover with: My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: The brilliant Fetlock Holmes is a stallion almost worthy of the Great and Powerful Trixie. But he is interested in criminals, not mares. Have no fear! Trixie has a plan.
- Pairing: Holmes/Trixie
- Comments: One of EqD's prereaders says it better than I could: "Never before have I seen a crossover work so seemlessly, integrating the best elements of both worlds. Highly recommended."
- Brilliant! An erudite (how many fanfic writers put The Birth of the Tragedy in? Seamlessly?), eloquent narrator perfectly fitting the mould of J.H. Watson. A wry, smartass, uncannily observant and ruthlessly logical but strangely humble Holmes. A bold, daring criminal. A hot date with her (as hot as expected of Holmes). Read it - I know you'll love it! (May cause sniffles.)
Moustery by rabidsamfan
- Recommended by: Rubber Lotus
- Crossover with: The Great Mouse Detective
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: Watson observing something before Holmes has? More likely than you think.
- Comments: Absolutely marvelous, though sadly shorter than it ought to be. What the film itself only hinted at is fleshed out just a little bit more in this fic, as one particular human begins to take note of the world of talking mice.
A Study in Emerald by Neil Gaiman
- Recommended by: Count Choculitis, Ainyre
- Crossover with: Cthulhu Mythos
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: The Great Detective and his new flatmate investigate the murder of a member of the royal family.
- Comments: I just really love this clever twist on the plot of the first Holmes novel, A Study in Scarlet. It's set in an alternate universe Victorian London where Lovecraftian monsters rule the earth, and... well, you should probably just read it. Beautifully written, subtle, and creepy.
A Study in Rum by Nytd
- Recommended by: Belphegor
- Crossover with: Pirates of the Caribbean
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: One wicked and clever pirate. One singular and brilliant detective. One hundred and fifty years apart. An impossible meeting? Perhaps just improbable...
- Comments: Nytd is first and foremost a Pirates of the Caribbean fanfiction writer, but although this is a crossover, it remains a Holmes story throughout, with Doctor Watson as the narrator from beginning to end. It's fascinating, quite gripping and often funny, and the author has the 'voice' and feel of her characters down pat - no-one is forgotten. A definite must-read.
The Unexpected Visitor by Samantha Spanner
- Recommended by: roguehistoria
- Crossover with: The Great Mouse Detective
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: When Mrs. Hudson spots a mouse in 221b, her first reaction is to get rid of it. But, when Toby protests strongly and protects the creature, Sherlock intervenes in his landlady's planning.
''Elementary My Dear Natsuki by Dezo Penguin
- Recommended by: Type 40
- Crossover With: My-HiME and My-Otome
- Status: Complete
- Synopsis: A series of "braided novels" narrated by Natsuki Kuga as she accompanies consulting detective Shizuru Viola on her various cases, while conducting her own investigation into the murder of her mother.
