A Holmes/Watson Rec List

[wibblylever]

Ooh, a public post!

Okay, you guys - you may have noticed that I've gone a bit wacky for the detective and the doctor. Yes, despite having read the stories years ago, it was Wigram & Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes that got me to finally hunt up some fic. What can I say, I am easy, and I like extremely attractive men in waistcoats cavorting about London whilst being ambiguously gay with each other. DON'T HATE.

Anyway, over the last three months I've read a metric ton of fic and I think it's high time I put together a list of story recommendations for any of you who might be vaguely interested in the fandom, who have already been sucked in and don't know where to start, or those of you who just want porn. I can deliver on all three counts. :)

A caveat: Some of the stories will be based in canon rather than on the film, which while heavily influenced by and honoring the canon does not follow it at all. Also, some of the descriptions of the stories will have spoilers for the canon, so if you're the type who cannot stand spoilers, even for a 150 year old fandom, you should probably go read the books before you click the cut tag. :)

Every single rec will be Holmes/Watson, because that's how I roll.



The Seventeenth Step - this is where I found my first dose of Holmes fic, and this is why I stayed. Katie Forsythe writes in the canon, but don't let that deter you. She is so true to the characters, the era and the mysteries. It's amazing how she slips her stories in with the originals, so that you think they've always been a part of them. I think my favourite is Four Minor Interludes for the Solo Violin, because it just gorgeous, features PTSD!Watson and a clever, gorgeous Holmes. Read everything there, but make a sandwich first. You'll be a while.

Broken Substitutes by zarah5
Death and loss, hurt and comfort, Moriarty, drugs, addictions and sex that is a means to an end, until it isn’t anymore. Also: a couple of scientific details that might require a suspension of disbelief. (Post-movie, with several elements stolen from the books.)
moony's comments: I love stories that make certain to keep the characters' flaws intact, because that's what makes them so interesting. This takes the events of the film and ties it in with certain events in canon, builds up a substantial mystery, and leaves the reader wanting more.

These Things Were Promises by paperclipbitch
Summary: Set pre-movie. Watson has had to take a brutal course in being honest with himself so nothing Holmes says will ever be a surprise.
moony's comments: You should probably just read everything paperclipbitch has done in the Holmes fandom, because I'm convinced she can do no wrong. This is a long (LONG) fic detailing exactly how two intelligent, stubborn men can come together and not kill each other in the process (though they do try). Good if you like h/c fics, wounded!Watson and impossibly fucked-up Holmes. :)

The Other Way of the World by candle_beck
moony's comments: SPN fans will recognise this author's name, and for good reason: she's incredible. Lest you think I'm only interested in Watson suffering, here's some PTSD!Holmes who comes face to face with the harsh reality of his own limits while on a difficult case. Also, Watson. <3

Absurdly Simple by Irene Adler
Summary: Holmes is investigating a blackmail case and won't tell Watson who the client is; Watson does a little digging and finds out a lot of stuff he really should have known already.
moony's comments: Considered a classic in the (canon-based) fandom. A nice little love story, probably the first H/W fic for a lot of folks.

Proper Conclusions by ingridmatthews
moony's comments: This is short, sweet and to the point - Watson solves a case. Holmes likes that. A lot. Funny little PWP.

Do No Harm by ingridmatthews
moony's comments: I like fluff. I also like Watson. So a fluffy, Watson-centric story set during a snow-storm makes me exceedingly happy, especially one that is funny and well-written. This is a fic for when you're feeling grumpy and need a reason to smile.

Nothing Between Us and the New World by ariadnes_string
Summary: An old army buddy convinces Holmes and Watson to investigate a series of robberies at his inn on the Cornish coast. Watson is sure Holmes has only agreed to cheer him up after Mary’s death, but there may be more going on under the surface.
moony's comments: This is an original mystery, set after the '09 film, and it's gorgeous. Great imagery, great Watson introspection, great dynamic between him and Holmes. The ending is breathtaking.

The Curse by toft_froggy
moony's comments: Genderfuck on a train. Enough said.

The Greek Problem by candle_beck
moony's comments: A really long, pining!Watson story, with mysteries and intrigue and all sorts of lovely things. But mostly pining!Watson. He pines so much he smells like Christmas. It's awesome. I love Candle.

white crane spreads its wings by skyvehicle
summary: Like all of Holmes’ other quirks, Watson found that the easiest way to manage such things was to embrace them.
moony's comments: An interesting concept, building on Holmes's personality as a Bohemian, but what I really love about this is the dialogue. I'm a sucker for good dialogue. It's a very vivid piece to me, one of the few stories I can easily picture in my head-brain. :)

The Sinking Ship of Self by blue_soaring
moony's comments: It would spoil the canon to tell you exactly what this story is about, but suffice it to say that it is a good look at how one would be affected were he to be without the other, and how it might have gone a bit different when the other returned. Just lovely.

all he could do (to keep breathing) by lagolindari
moony's comments: Protective!Holmes, post-film but written vaguely in the style of canon. The last bit is heartbreaking, but in the good way. A little angst, a little love, a lot of good prose.

Don't Fall So Far (Next Time) by toestastegood
Summary: After Watson loses their rent money while gambling, Holmes observes that he has turned to dubious methods to earn it back.
moony's comments: I don't normally go in for fics that include things like prostitution, but something about this one clicked with me. Again, the characters remain flawed, beautifully so, and they suffer beautifully together. This would appeal to you deviant sorts (i.e. it got porn innit).


That's probably enough for now. If you've read all of this and still want more, consider joining holmeswatson09 which focuses mostly on the film, or cox_and_co, which is an all-encompassing repository for frantic Victorian buggery between our dear doctor and the detective. :)

For more recs, check out holmesian_recs.

Oh, and if you want to read the two stories I've done so far, you can find them over at hobbiesodd. I'm actually really proud of them, so. I have no qualms against saying you should read them 'cause they're nice. :)