Don't forget to pack some fic!
This is not exactly a fic rec list, per se...more a list of my favorite fic that other people might want to check out too. I'm making it mainly because there are lots of fics in this fandom that are amazing and worth reading over and over which are currently cluttering up my bookmarks tab to an unacceptable level. This means that I will be continually updating this as I read more fics that I love and want to keep track of. Note: At the moment, I only plan to put completed fic on here, but I reserve the right to make exceptions. ^_^
Numbers Giant List of Fic*
(For a Desert Island)
*in alphabetical order by author, anons at bottom
By Arthur Doyle (PG-13) by
agiddything. A clever, tongue-in-cheek take on the John-is-a-writer trope. John is a writer. Sherlock is a fictional character. here on LJ
Rigging screws, size 1 3/8 inch, galvanised (PG-13) by ajhall. One of the best casefics I've ever read, with amazing OCs. "How's a woman supposed to prove her husband's a murderer, dammit?" AO3
Endgame (Gen) by ajhall. A child psychologist is asked to sit in on the questioning of her client, a nine-year old boy, traumatised by finding his father stabbed to death. The child's mother is being held for the murder and the case against her looks water-tight, unless her son can be persuaded to tell what he knows. But the only way to communicate with the traumatised child is through his great obsession, chess, and only one detective speaks chess fluently enough to understand what he has to say. AO3
I've just fallen in love with all things ajhall. Check out all their amazing Sherlock fics here on AO3.
A Sort of Fairytale (PG-13) by arcsupport. This wonderful little character study on Molly is my new headcanon. Some people have sharp edges. Some people have to be carefully kept. here on holmestice.
Mrs. Hudson's Uneventful Week (NC-17) by aslipperysloth. The author really says it all in the summary: Written for the prompt on the Sherlock kink meme here, "This is not a prompt, it's a dare. Who's up for it? Who's kinky enough? Sherlock/Mrs Hudson. I don't care how, I don't care why. Just make it happen. If anyone can do it, it you guys!" Though I don't see why it needed to be a dare, Mrs. Hudson is adorable. I mean, is this really the first Mrs. Hudson porn in this fandom? Why no love for our lovely landlady? here on LJ
Faerie-Touched (PG-13) by blind_author. Fairy AU. In a world of sorcerers and magic, Sherlock is a Faerie-born and John, lacking any kind of magical talent, often seems a bit out of place. But he has a gift all his own... LJ | fanfic.net
The Beast Not Found in Verse (Gen) by coloredink. I love this Beauty and the Beast crossover to distraction. READ NOW. He wasn't sure if he was more shocked that the creature talked, or that it spoke the Queen's English. AO3
The Internet Is Not Just For Porn (PG) by cyerus. John is Sherlock's internet boyfriend -- from Canada. From Lestrade's point of view. Genius. LJ | AO3
The Adoption of John Watson (PG) by cyerus. Mummy thinks that John Watson is so good for Sherlock that she must endeavor to make sure he stays with her son. If that means she has to force-adopt the man, then so be it. Mycroft is smug. Sherlock is horrified. John is devious. LJ | AO3
Eyes of Sapphires, Smile of Pearls (PG) by
daisychains123. Cute AU in which Sherlock owns a jewelry store and John is a customer. Bonus Lestrade included. here on LJ
The Orchard (NC-17) by dancinggrimm. “Now look, John,” Sherlock began, doing up his buttons. “This is very much not what I came here with the intention of doing.” “Oh?” John replied, puzzled. This was not, Sherlock admitted to himself, an unreasonable response. He had come to a brothel, he had recieved sex. To John’s average mind it must have made perfect, logical sense. fanfic.net | AO3
Birthday Suit (NC-17) by doodle_writes. Sherlock turns into a location-selective nudist. Sherlock has developed a predilection for nudity around the flat. If he doesn't stop it soon and put some bloody clothes on John is going to have to do something drastic. Like shag him senseless. here on LJ
Driving Lesson (Gen) by
earlgreytea68. Humorous take on a missing scene from THOB. When they picked up the car, John announced, "I'm going to drive." here on LJ
Peeps(G) by earlgreytea68. “Peeps?” Sherlock said. “What are Peeps?” “You know,” John said, gesturing vaguely in the air in a way that made Sherlock assume Peeps were hot air balloons made of octopus skin, because there was no other possible interpretation for that gesture. “They’re marshmallow chicks.” The most adorable ficlet. Also, PEEPS. here on LJ
A Cure for Boredom (NC-17) by emmagrant01. Smoldering hot smut. They'd never talked about sex in the year they'd known each other. Well, that wasn't quite correct: Sherlock had never said a word about sex; John had bemoaned his personal dearth of it on many occasions. LJ | AO3
{More: Alternate and Missing Scenes }
The Second Law of Thermodynamics (PG-13) by entangled_now. This fic (and series) is practically required reading in the fandom, and for VERY good reason. In which there's no heating and there's a dead owl in Sherlock's bed. LJ | AO3
{Sequels: The Art of Negotiation // The Definition of Insanity // The Rules }
Whispers In Corners (R) by esama. An amazing HP crossover with an interestingly apathetic Harry and a sexy, mysterious Mycroft. Everything started with a stumble - his new life in a new world as well as his surprisingly successful career as a medium. fanfic.net
Level 65 Paladin Looking for Group (PG-13) by etothepii. Gamer AU. "I think I met someone," John says at his next therapist's appointment. "A friend." "Really?" Ella asks. She sounds pleased, and also surprised. "What's his name?" John nods. "Really. His name's Sherlock. He -- he plays the same game as me, the online one. We party together." Dreamwidth | AO3
Sic Gorgiamus Allos Subjectatos Nunc (PG-13) by etothepii. I'm not any kind of Addam's Family fan, but this (and its two sequels) is my absolute favorite fic bar none in the fandom. What are you waiting for? "Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc. It's the family motto." "What does it mean?" "We gladly feast on those who would subdue us." LJ | AO3
{Sequels: Woe and Arachnids // Your Body Before Me }
Say My Name (PG-13) by etothepii. I'd read this on the meme (it was anon), and thought it was amazing. Then OF COURSE it turned out to be by my favorite author in the fandom ^_^ After the Pool Incident, as she's been mentally calling it in her head, Mycroft assigns her to monitoring his brother's website, which is how she finds herself reading through his boyfriend's blog. on the meme | AO3
Actually, just read everything ever written by etothepii.
The Theory of Narrative Causality (PG-13) by
falling_voices. The one. The only. Sherlock and John are BNFs in Sherlock Holmes fandom. Together, they fight crime. (Always.) And write porn, incidentally. here on LJ
The Case of the Uncommon Cold (PG-13) by fakinbrilliance. I want to snuggle this fic on a cold, winter day. John has the Flu. Sherlock is one of his most persistent symptoms. here on LJ
Upon This Throne (PG-13) by ifonlynotnever. Pitch-perfect look into the concept of Sherlock's mind palace. Inside his mind is a Palace. Inside the Palace are many rooms. Within the largest room is the Throne. Upon the Throne sits the King. fanfic.net | AO3
That Thing That Happens To Other People (PG-13) by inkvoices. Wonderful AU for the prompt Sherlock is John’s therapist. “Did you serve in Afghanistan or Iraq?” the man clarifies, steepling his fingers under his chin so that he looks like he’s praying for patience, and John reminds himself that he only has to attend six obligatory sessions with a psychiatrist. here on LJ
Quick Like a Bunny (PG-13) by
innie_darling. Sherlock/Queer Eye crossover. Only one of many brilliant fics by innie_darling, don't stop with this one. All five of the men were smiling at him, gleaming sets of American teeth; it was like shark week right there in his flat. LJ | AO3
A Study in Winning (NC-17) by
jupiter_ash. Easily the best thing since sliced bread: Sherlock tennis AU. John and Sherlock are professional tennis players and it’s Wimbledon. One is a broken almost was at the end of his career, the other an arrogant rising star tipped for greatness. It should have been a straightforward tournament. It really should have been. How were they to know that a chance encounter would change everything? LJ | AO3
Fundamental Things Apply (PG-13) by karadin. Adorable John, clueless Sherlock. On Valentines Day John leaves a clue, because Sherlock needs one. AO3
Winter's Delights (NC-17) by kate_lear. Have you ever read a fic so good you wish the BBC would hire the author so you could see it on TV? Yeah. This is the one. Sherlock takes John home to meet the extended Holmes family. LJ | AO3
{Sequel: Silk }
I Do Believe (PG) by
kcscribbler. Post-RF. Sherlock is a master of disguise (just like every version of him ever) and he's not just going to spend his 'death' ignoring the people he cares about. So - 5 times Sherlock used a disguise to watch over the people he left behind and one time he revealed himself. here on LJ
Quercus Robur (PG) by kikainausagi. One day John Watson turned into a tree. Touching and (somewhat surprisingly) not crack. LJ | AO3
There is Nothing as Deceptive as Obvious Facts (PG-13) by koshartu. Genius screen-shot fill for this prompt on the meme: Sherlock, out of sheer boredom and curiosity, offers his virginity on Craigslist. He gets plenty of responses, but only one person catches his eye. The person turns out to be none other than John Watson. here on LJ
Blue Veins (PG) by lbmisscharlie. “If a clock could count down to the moment you meet your soul mate, would you want to know?” Everyone has a clock, either installed by futuristic machines or they're born with one. Sherlock/John. LJ | AO3
The Detective (PG) by
lotherington. Adorable Doctor Who crossover. John Watson was seven years and three months old when he first met His Raggedy Detective. He wasn’t expecting the bright red telephone box to crash land in his back garden in the middle of the night, but then, who ever expected such a silly thing to happen in the first place? LJ | AO3
I Know Thee, Stranger (PG-13) by
lotherington. Cuz there can never be enough lotherington recs. Archangel AU. ‘They’ve even accounted for dinosaurs, for goodness’ sake, and they were meant as a bit of a joke when we all got pissed that one afternoon.’ It’s 2010. Sherlock is bored. Mycroft is exasperated. Gabriel’s tired. Raphael’s missing. LJ | AO3
Senza Catene (PG) by madlori. One of the first fics I ever read in this fandom, and one I keep returning to. Sherlock has a secret hobby. One night John follows him to find out what his flat mate is up to and gets the surprise of his life. here on LJ
Performance in a Leading Role (NC-17) by madlori. THE actor!AU epic. A must-read. Sherlock Holmes is an Oscar winner in the midst of a career slump. John Watson is an Everyman actor trapped in the rom-com ghetto. When they are cast as a gay couple in a new independent drama, will they surprise each other? Will their on-screen romance make its way into the real world? LJ | AO3
A Mile in His Shoes (NC-17) by
mamfidd. John and Sherlock swap bodies. Hijinks (yes, that is a euphamism) ensue. here on LJ
Oh, But You're an Explosion (NC-17) by mardia. John/Sherlock at its steamy best. “The thing that’s confusing John is the look on Sherlock’s face-it’s the expression John’s privately taken to calling his ‘detecting face’, but it’s been a while since Sherlock’s turned it on him." here on LJ
A Little Happy Ever After (Gen) by mazarin221b. Because Molly and Lestrade deserve a little love too. Despite all of the horrible things he says, that he thinks, he does have a heart buried down somewhere deep and untouchable. But now, watching his eyes coldly rake the body of someone known, she wonders if it could ever be unlocked, unleashed, by anyone. She’s never been more certain than she is right now that it will never be by her. LJ | AO3
Everyone Love a Scandal (PG-13ish?) by metisket. The most BAMF!Irene I've ever read, plus metisket's Norton is just so lovable! The kind of guy who’s shitfaced at six o’clock on a Tuesday evening may indeed be the kind of guy who learns to drunkenly pick his own locks. Except that this isn’t his lock. On top of that, he’s faking drunk and poking around her bedroom, which, damning. Who the fuck is this guy? And what’s she supposed to do with him? But Norton, he followed me home. Can’t I keep him? here on LJ
Cold Snap (NC-17) by mirith. The Mayo Clinic prescription for hypothermia is this: Tea. Blanket fort. Sex. LJ | AO3
{Sequel: Heat Wave }
The Politician in the Manor (NC-17) by miya_tenaka. Fun case-fic with glasses!Sherlock. Yum. Sherlock and John go undercover to solve a theft at Sweet Pines Manor, a private resort that caters only to same-sex couples who value their privacy high enough to pay their extortionate fees. here on LJ
On Habits and Toast (Gen) by moorishflower. Sweet domestic story. It's easy to get to know Sherlock's habits, but getting to know the man himself is a bit more difficult. here on LJ
Mouth of Babes (Gen) by morganstuart. The first fic in a marvelous series featuring Lestrade's indomitable daughter Sofie. Several weeks after the explosion at the pool, Lestrade visits the recuperating Sherlock and John at 221B Baker Street. He brings case files and food... and a visitor in tow. LJ | AO3
{Sequels: Facing Forward // Sentry Duty // Lessons Learned // After All }
The Dangerous Book for Boys (PG-13) by
orange_crushed. Classic high school AU, with bonus casefic! LJ | AO3
The Whore of Babylon Was a Perfectly Nice Girl (NC-17) by out_there. Hot, hot, hot. Sherlock walks into a room and takes all the space right out of it. He does the same inside John's head. Dreamwidth | AO3
The Case of the Unwelcome Owl (PG) by pandarus. HP crossover, Luna Lovegood is Sherlock's cousin. There was a medium-sized barn owl in the living room, perching on the back of the sofa. It didn't seem to be showing any immediate signs of being a ninja owl assassin working for an evil genius; on the other hand, John hadn't the faintest idea what on earth had led it to come and sit on furniture in the middle of 221B Baker Street. here on LJ
Astronomy (PG-13) by parachute_silks. Just what a tired shipper needs after a long day of slash. Fem!Everyone. It had been Harry's idea to take Joan on holiday. It had not, however, been Harry's idea to bring Joan's deranged flatmate, her equally alarming sister, a skull, two snakes, a box full of blood samples and a senior Scotland Yard official. here on LJ
Bored Games (PG-13) by patster223. Sherlock is bored (BORED) and John decides that they should play Cluedo. In retrospect, it was a truly awful decision. here on LJ
Sibling Rivalry (NC-17) by percygranger. Sherlock and Mycroft both want Gregory Lestrade. What happens when they both get him? Dark!Sherlock and Mycroft. LJ | AO3
Catch As Catch Can (R) by perevision. This fic will become your go-to tour of London. Sherlock is bored. BORED. John devises a Scavenger Hunt. But not just any scavenger hunt. The clues are all from pop culture, films and crap telly. All the things Sherlock knows nothing about. Why would Sherlock even go through this? The prize...is John. Dreamwidth | AO3
The Perils of Urban Warfare (PG-13) by
phantomjam. The problems of acclimatising to civilian life a.k.a the travails of John, his therapist and Sherlock. LJ | AO3
East of the Sun and- (PG-13) by plalligator. This is one of the most stunning fics I've ever read. Philosophical, lyrical, moving...just, go read it. Please. John rather thinks he might have been something else before he was, well, John. A discarded coat, maybe, worn through at the elbows, frayed and stained; or some bright-eyed bird or mammal; or a few inky, smudged sheets of newspaper; or a handful of rich, red clay. LJ | AO3
Any Amount of Sense (PG-13) by preromantics. Or: five times people thought john and sherlock were dating, and one time they didn’t. John and Sherlock have been dating for a long time, almost as long as it takes to figure out that they are. here on LJ
Stringplay (NC-17) by prettyarbitrary. John secretly plays fiddle. Sherlock and his violin seduce him into a threesome. Indulge your violin kink. LJ | AO3
Other People (NC-17) by proxydialogue. An outstanding post-TRF fic that had me tearing up and laughing in turns. Definitely a must-read. Return fic. It’s a long road from the afterlife back to John Watson. here on LJ
Dating Lark (PG-13) by queenklu. Criminally cute. Sherlock has the unnatural predisposition of being absolutely everyone's worst date. Which doesn't mean he wants to talk about it. here on LJ
The Anatomist (NC-17) by
rosa_acicularis. Run, don't walk to this disturbing yet amazing take on Molly and Jim as twins. "You’re not the only one to enjoy a good murder. There’s others out there just like you - except you’re just a man. And they’re so much more than that." LJ | AO32
A Priori (R) by rubberbutton. In which vampires have enslaved humans and control, well, everything. Vampire!Mycroft insists his little brother get a slave -- even though it didn't work out with the dog -- and Sherlock chooses the one guaranteed to irritate his brother the most: an unassuming little doctor with an ugly past and absolutely no style to speak of. AO3
{Sequels: White Noise // Symbiosis }
Lab Book (NC-17) by sam_storyteller. "The likelihood of finding a cab on Christmas Eve is fast approaching nil." "So was the likelihood of you kissing me in the middle of the pavement, and yet." Dreamwidth
{More: Podfic read by fayjay }
You'll never be alone in the bone orchard (R) by saraht. John Watson meets Mycroft Holmes one day early. The world tilts slightly on its axis. Dreamwidth | AO3
Strange Aeons (R) by
shiny_n_new. Brilliant Lovecraftian Horror crossover. “Have you ever heard of an Outer God?” John asked pleasantly. here on LJ
Living Lore (Gen) by silverpard. Creepy, atmospheric thriller in which 221B is a sentient being. London dreams of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson. fanfic.net | AO3
The Sherlock Holmes Club (Gen) by silverpard. Slightly cracky, but no less brilliant, piece of comedy from the dazzling silverpard. The Sherlock Holmes Is An Arrogant Sod And We Must Bitch About It Club met in a random pub just about every Wednesday. fanfic.net
Untitled Forensics John Fic (PG) by stickstockstone. AU. What happens when John (who is the new head of forensics) meets Sherlock (...who is Sherlock)? "What in the fuck do you think you're doing?" here on LJ
{Sequel: The Inconsequential Death of Mr. Stevens }
Catharsis (Gen) by velvet_mace. Sarah and Molly have a real conversation. That has nothing to do with men. Over a dead body. Sarah wants to see the body of the woman who tried to kill her. here on LJ
Meet Me Inside (NC-17) by wakeneve. A Prison AU that's somehow perfectly in character. John and Sherlock meet in prison. John becomes Sherlock's prison-wife. AO3
Just a Minor Peerage (Gen) by waketosleep. Do not miss this lovely and hilarious series of short, fluffy fics. In which there is some business about a barony, and Mycroft Holmes is not a man to underestimate. AO3
{Series: How John Watson Became a Baroness // Intellectual Intercourse }
An Act of Charity (PG-13) by wordstrings. The first in wordstrings' celebrated Paradox series. REQUIRED reading. Yes, the capitals are necessary. In which what's in his head is never going to get any better, and John is nearly thrown out of his flat. Sherlock POV. here on LJ
{Series: The Paradox Series }
The Barter System (PG) by anonymous. Fluffilicious. The first time John notices Sherlock wearing one of his tee-shirts, he’s surprised. Not that Sherlock would invade John’s privacy and take whatever he liked for his own use, of course, John’s gotten used to that, irritating though it is. No, what surprises him is that it’s John’s clothes that Sherlock has decided to help himself to. And not to perform some kind of experiment on the melting point of cotton tee-shirts worn by ex-army doctors or something, just to wear. on the meme
John's Midnight Garden (PG-13? maybe?) by anonymous. John meets Sherlock in his dreams. For as long as John can remember he has dreamt of the garden. on the meme
Five Drinks Sherlock Turned Down, and One He Didn't (PG) by anonymous. John runs a bar. Sherlock is the newest customer. on the meme
Jawn of the Dead (Gen) by anonymous. Self-explanatory hilariousness. Oh meme, how I do love thee. "If anybody could come back as a zombie," Lestrade said, waving his beer can at the screen in what he clearly thought was an explanatory manner, "If anybody could. You know." on the meme
Zero Sum Game (PG-13) by anonymous. A chilling look into the mind of a consulting criminal. James Moriarty cares about three things: mathematics, the game, and understanding what makes Sherlock Holmes tick. When he can combine two of those things - glorious. When he can combine all three… on the meme
Numbers Giant List of Fic*
(For a Desert Island)
*in alphabetical order by author, anons at bottom
By Arthur Doyle (PG-13) by
agiddything. A clever, tongue-in-cheek take on the John-is-a-writer trope. John is a writer. Sherlock is a fictional character. here on LJ
Rigging screws, size 1 3/8 inch, galvanised (PG-13) by ajhall. One of the best casefics I've ever read, with amazing OCs. "How's a woman supposed to prove her husband's a murderer, dammit?" AO3
Endgame (Gen) by ajhall. A child psychologist is asked to sit in on the questioning of her client, a nine-year old boy, traumatised by finding his father stabbed to death. The child's mother is being held for the murder and the case against her looks water-tight, unless her son can be persuaded to tell what he knows. But the only way to communicate with the traumatised child is through his great obsession, chess, and only one detective speaks chess fluently enough to understand what he has to say. AO3
I've just fallen in love with all things ajhall. Check out all their amazing Sherlock fics here on AO3.
A Sort of Fairytale (PG-13) by arcsupport. This wonderful little character study on Molly is my new headcanon. Some people have sharp edges. Some people have to be carefully kept. here on holmestice.
Mrs. Hudson's Uneventful Week (NC-17) by aslipperysloth. The author really says it all in the summary: Written for the prompt on the Sherlock kink meme here, "This is not a prompt, it's a dare. Who's up for it? Who's kinky enough? Sherlock/Mrs Hudson. I don't care how, I don't care why. Just make it happen. If anyone can do it, it you guys!" Though I don't see why it needed to be a dare, Mrs. Hudson is adorable. I mean, is this really the first Mrs. Hudson porn in this fandom? Why no love for our lovely landlady? here on LJ
Faerie-Touched (PG-13) by blind_author. Fairy AU. In a world of sorcerers and magic, Sherlock is a Faerie-born and John, lacking any kind of magical talent, often seems a bit out of place. But he has a gift all his own... LJ | fanfic.net
The Beast Not Found in Verse (Gen) by coloredink. I love this Beauty and the Beast crossover to distraction. READ NOW. He wasn't sure if he was more shocked that the creature talked, or that it spoke the Queen's English. AO3
The Internet Is Not Just For Porn (PG) by cyerus. John is Sherlock's internet boyfriend -- from Canada. From Lestrade's point of view. Genius. LJ | AO3
The Adoption of John Watson (PG) by cyerus. Mummy thinks that John Watson is so good for Sherlock that she must endeavor to make sure he stays with her son. If that means she has to force-adopt the man, then so be it. Mycroft is smug. Sherlock is horrified. John is devious. LJ | AO3
Eyes of Sapphires, Smile of Pearls (PG) by
daisychains123. Cute AU in which Sherlock owns a jewelry store and John is a customer. Bonus Lestrade included. here on LJ
The Orchard (NC-17) by dancinggrimm. “Now look, John,” Sherlock began, doing up his buttons. “This is very much not what I came here with the intention of doing.” “Oh?” John replied, puzzled. This was not, Sherlock admitted to himself, an unreasonable response. He had come to a brothel, he had recieved sex. To John’s average mind it must have made perfect, logical sense. fanfic.net | AO3
Birthday Suit (NC-17) by doodle_writes. Sherlock turns into a location-selective nudist. Sherlock has developed a predilection for nudity around the flat. If he doesn't stop it soon and put some bloody clothes on John is going to have to do something drastic. Like shag him senseless. here on LJ
Driving Lesson (Gen) by
earlgreytea68. Humorous take on a missing scene from THOB. When they picked up the car, John announced, "I'm going to drive." here on LJ
Peeps(G) by earlgreytea68. “Peeps?” Sherlock said. “What are Peeps?” “You know,” John said, gesturing vaguely in the air in a way that made Sherlock assume Peeps were hot air balloons made of octopus skin, because there was no other possible interpretation for that gesture. “They’re marshmallow chicks.” The most adorable ficlet. Also, PEEPS. here on LJ
A Cure for Boredom (NC-17) by emmagrant01. Smoldering hot smut. They'd never talked about sex in the year they'd known each other. Well, that wasn't quite correct: Sherlock had never said a word about sex; John had bemoaned his personal dearth of it on many occasions. LJ | AO3
{More: Alternate and Missing Scenes }
The Second Law of Thermodynamics (PG-13) by entangled_now. This fic (and series) is practically required reading in the fandom, and for VERY good reason. In which there's no heating and there's a dead owl in Sherlock's bed. LJ | AO3
{Sequels: The Art of Negotiation // The Definition of Insanity // The Rules }
Whispers In Corners (R) by esama. An amazing HP crossover with an interestingly apathetic Harry and a sexy, mysterious Mycroft. Everything started with a stumble - his new life in a new world as well as his surprisingly successful career as a medium. fanfic.net
Level 65 Paladin Looking for Group (PG-13) by etothepii. Gamer AU. "I think I met someone," John says at his next therapist's appointment. "A friend." "Really?" Ella asks. She sounds pleased, and also surprised. "What's his name?" John nods. "Really. His name's Sherlock. He -- he plays the same game as me, the online one. We party together." Dreamwidth | AO3
Sic Gorgiamus Allos Subjectatos Nunc (PG-13) by etothepii. I'm not any kind of Addam's Family fan, but this (and its two sequels) is my absolute favorite fic bar none in the fandom. What are you waiting for? "Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc. It's the family motto." "What does it mean?" "We gladly feast on those who would subdue us." LJ | AO3
{Sequels: Woe and Arachnids // Your Body Before Me }
Say My Name (PG-13) by etothepii. I'd read this on the meme (it was anon), and thought it was amazing. Then OF COURSE it turned out to be by my favorite author in the fandom ^_^ After the Pool Incident, as she's been mentally calling it in her head, Mycroft assigns her to monitoring his brother's website, which is how she finds herself reading through his boyfriend's blog. on the meme | AO3
Actually, just read everything ever written by etothepii.
The Theory of Narrative Causality (PG-13) by
falling_voices. The one. The only. Sherlock and John are BNFs in Sherlock Holmes fandom. Together, they fight crime. (Always.) And write porn, incidentally. here on LJ
The Case of the Uncommon Cold (PG-13) by fakinbrilliance. I want to snuggle this fic on a cold, winter day. John has the Flu. Sherlock is one of his most persistent symptoms. here on LJ
Upon This Throne (PG-13) by ifonlynotnever. Pitch-perfect look into the concept of Sherlock's mind palace. Inside his mind is a Palace. Inside the Palace are many rooms. Within the largest room is the Throne. Upon the Throne sits the King. fanfic.net | AO3
That Thing That Happens To Other People (PG-13) by inkvoices. Wonderful AU for the prompt Sherlock is John’s therapist. “Did you serve in Afghanistan or Iraq?” the man clarifies, steepling his fingers under his chin so that he looks like he’s praying for patience, and John reminds himself that he only has to attend six obligatory sessions with a psychiatrist. here on LJ
Quick Like a Bunny (PG-13) by
innie_darling. Sherlock/Queer Eye crossover. Only one of many brilliant fics by innie_darling, don't stop with this one. All five of the men were smiling at him, gleaming sets of American teeth; it was like shark week right there in his flat. LJ | AO3
A Study in Winning (NC-17) by
jupiter_ash. Easily the best thing since sliced bread: Sherlock tennis AU. John and Sherlock are professional tennis players and it’s Wimbledon. One is a broken almost was at the end of his career, the other an arrogant rising star tipped for greatness. It should have been a straightforward tournament. It really should have been. How were they to know that a chance encounter would change everything? LJ | AO3
Fundamental Things Apply (PG-13) by karadin. Adorable John, clueless Sherlock. On Valentines Day John leaves a clue, because Sherlock needs one. AO3
Winter's Delights (NC-17) by kate_lear. Have you ever read a fic so good you wish the BBC would hire the author so you could see it on TV? Yeah. This is the one. Sherlock takes John home to meet the extended Holmes family. LJ | AO3
{Sequel: Silk }
I Do Believe (PG) by
kcscribbler. Post-RF. Sherlock is a master of disguise (just like every version of him ever) and he's not just going to spend his 'death' ignoring the people he cares about. So - 5 times Sherlock used a disguise to watch over the people he left behind and one time he revealed himself. here on LJ
Quercus Robur (PG) by kikainausagi. One day John Watson turned into a tree. Touching and (somewhat surprisingly) not crack. LJ | AO3
There is Nothing as Deceptive as Obvious Facts (PG-13) by koshartu. Genius screen-shot fill for this prompt on the meme: Sherlock, out of sheer boredom and curiosity, offers his virginity on Craigslist. He gets plenty of responses, but only one person catches his eye. The person turns out to be none other than John Watson. here on LJ
Blue Veins (PG) by lbmisscharlie. “If a clock could count down to the moment you meet your soul mate, would you want to know?” Everyone has a clock, either installed by futuristic machines or they're born with one. Sherlock/John. LJ | AO3
The Detective (PG) by
lotherington. Adorable Doctor Who crossover. John Watson was seven years and three months old when he first met His Raggedy Detective. He wasn’t expecting the bright red telephone box to crash land in his back garden in the middle of the night, but then, who ever expected such a silly thing to happen in the first place? LJ | AO3
I Know Thee, Stranger (PG-13) by
lotherington. Cuz there can never be enough lotherington recs. Archangel AU. ‘They’ve even accounted for dinosaurs, for goodness’ sake, and they were meant as a bit of a joke when we all got pissed that one afternoon.’ It’s 2010. Sherlock is bored. Mycroft is exasperated. Gabriel’s tired. Raphael’s missing. LJ | AO3
Senza Catene (PG) by madlori. One of the first fics I ever read in this fandom, and one I keep returning to. Sherlock has a secret hobby. One night John follows him to find out what his flat mate is up to and gets the surprise of his life. here on LJ
Performance in a Leading Role (NC-17) by madlori. THE actor!AU epic. A must-read. Sherlock Holmes is an Oscar winner in the midst of a career slump. John Watson is an Everyman actor trapped in the rom-com ghetto. When they are cast as a gay couple in a new independent drama, will they surprise each other? Will their on-screen romance make its way into the real world? LJ | AO3
A Mile in His Shoes (NC-17) by
mamfidd. John and Sherlock swap bodies. Hijinks (yes, that is a euphamism) ensue. here on LJ
Oh, But You're an Explosion (NC-17) by mardia. John/Sherlock at its steamy best. “The thing that’s confusing John is the look on Sherlock’s face-it’s the expression John’s privately taken to calling his ‘detecting face’, but it’s been a while since Sherlock’s turned it on him." here on LJ
A Little Happy Ever After (Gen) by mazarin221b. Because Molly and Lestrade deserve a little love too. Despite all of the horrible things he says, that he thinks, he does have a heart buried down somewhere deep and untouchable. But now, watching his eyes coldly rake the body of someone known, she wonders if it could ever be unlocked, unleashed, by anyone. She’s never been more certain than she is right now that it will never be by her. LJ | AO3
Everyone Love a Scandal (PG-13ish?) by metisket. The most BAMF!Irene I've ever read, plus metisket's Norton is just so lovable! The kind of guy who’s shitfaced at six o’clock on a Tuesday evening may indeed be the kind of guy who learns to drunkenly pick his own locks. Except that this isn’t his lock. On top of that, he’s faking drunk and poking around her bedroom, which, damning. Who the fuck is this guy? And what’s she supposed to do with him? But Norton, he followed me home. Can’t I keep him? here on LJ
Cold Snap (NC-17) by mirith. The Mayo Clinic prescription for hypothermia is this: Tea. Blanket fort. Sex. LJ | AO3
{Sequel: Heat Wave }
The Politician in the Manor (NC-17) by miya_tenaka. Fun case-fic with glasses!Sherlock. Yum. Sherlock and John go undercover to solve a theft at Sweet Pines Manor, a private resort that caters only to same-sex couples who value their privacy high enough to pay their extortionate fees. here on LJ
On Habits and Toast (Gen) by moorishflower. Sweet domestic story. It's easy to get to know Sherlock's habits, but getting to know the man himself is a bit more difficult. here on LJ
Mouth of Babes (Gen) by morganstuart. The first fic in a marvelous series featuring Lestrade's indomitable daughter Sofie. Several weeks after the explosion at the pool, Lestrade visits the recuperating Sherlock and John at 221B Baker Street. He brings case files and food... and a visitor in tow. LJ | AO3
{Sequels: Facing Forward // Sentry Duty // Lessons Learned // After All }
The Dangerous Book for Boys (PG-13) by
orange_crushed. Classic high school AU, with bonus casefic! LJ | AO3
The Whore of Babylon Was a Perfectly Nice Girl (NC-17) by out_there. Hot, hot, hot. Sherlock walks into a room and takes all the space right out of it. He does the same inside John's head. Dreamwidth | AO3
The Case of the Unwelcome Owl (PG) by pandarus. HP crossover, Luna Lovegood is Sherlock's cousin. There was a medium-sized barn owl in the living room, perching on the back of the sofa. It didn't seem to be showing any immediate signs of being a ninja owl assassin working for an evil genius; on the other hand, John hadn't the faintest idea what on earth had led it to come and sit on furniture in the middle of 221B Baker Street. here on LJ
Astronomy (PG-13) by parachute_silks. Just what a tired shipper needs after a long day of slash. Fem!Everyone. It had been Harry's idea to take Joan on holiday. It had not, however, been Harry's idea to bring Joan's deranged flatmate, her equally alarming sister, a skull, two snakes, a box full of blood samples and a senior Scotland Yard official. here on LJ
Bored Games (PG-13) by patster223. Sherlock is bored (BORED) and John decides that they should play Cluedo. In retrospect, it was a truly awful decision. here on LJ
Sibling Rivalry (NC-17) by percygranger. Sherlock and Mycroft both want Gregory Lestrade. What happens when they both get him? Dark!Sherlock and Mycroft. LJ | AO3
Catch As Catch Can (R) by perevision. This fic will become your go-to tour of London. Sherlock is bored. BORED. John devises a Scavenger Hunt. But not just any scavenger hunt. The clues are all from pop culture, films and crap telly. All the things Sherlock knows nothing about. Why would Sherlock even go through this? The prize...is John. Dreamwidth | AO3
The Perils of Urban Warfare (PG-13) by
phantomjam. The problems of acclimatising to civilian life a.k.a the travails of John, his therapist and Sherlock. LJ | AO3
East of the Sun and- (PG-13) by plalligator. This is one of the most stunning fics I've ever read. Philosophical, lyrical, moving...just, go read it. Please. John rather thinks he might have been something else before he was, well, John. A discarded coat, maybe, worn through at the elbows, frayed and stained; or some bright-eyed bird or mammal; or a few inky, smudged sheets of newspaper; or a handful of rich, red clay. LJ | AO3
Any Amount of Sense (PG-13) by preromantics. Or: five times people thought john and sherlock were dating, and one time they didn’t. John and Sherlock have been dating for a long time, almost as long as it takes to figure out that they are. here on LJ
Stringplay (NC-17) by prettyarbitrary. John secretly plays fiddle. Sherlock and his violin seduce him into a threesome. Indulge your violin kink. LJ | AO3
Other People (NC-17) by proxydialogue. An outstanding post-TRF fic that had me tearing up and laughing in turns. Definitely a must-read. Return fic. It’s a long road from the afterlife back to John Watson. here on LJ
Dating Lark (PG-13) by queenklu. Criminally cute. Sherlock has the unnatural predisposition of being absolutely everyone's worst date. Which doesn't mean he wants to talk about it. here on LJ
The Anatomist (NC-17) by
rosa_acicularis. Run, don't walk to this disturbing yet amazing take on Molly and Jim as twins. "You’re not the only one to enjoy a good murder. There’s others out there just like you - except you’re just a man. And they’re so much more than that." LJ | AO32
A Priori (R) by rubberbutton. In which vampires have enslaved humans and control, well, everything. Vampire!Mycroft insists his little brother get a slave -- even though it didn't work out with the dog -- and Sherlock chooses the one guaranteed to irritate his brother the most: an unassuming little doctor with an ugly past and absolutely no style to speak of. AO3
{Sequels: White Noise // Symbiosis }
Lab Book (NC-17) by sam_storyteller. "The likelihood of finding a cab on Christmas Eve is fast approaching nil." "So was the likelihood of you kissing me in the middle of the pavement, and yet." Dreamwidth
{More: Podfic read by fayjay }
You'll never be alone in the bone orchard (R) by saraht. John Watson meets Mycroft Holmes one day early. The world tilts slightly on its axis. Dreamwidth | AO3
Strange Aeons (R) by
shiny_n_new. Brilliant Lovecraftian Horror crossover. “Have you ever heard of an Outer God?” John asked pleasantly. here on LJ
Living Lore (Gen) by silverpard. Creepy, atmospheric thriller in which 221B is a sentient being. London dreams of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson. fanfic.net | AO3
The Sherlock Holmes Club (Gen) by silverpard. Slightly cracky, but no less brilliant, piece of comedy from the dazzling silverpard. The Sherlock Holmes Is An Arrogant Sod And We Must Bitch About It Club met in a random pub just about every Wednesday. fanfic.net
Untitled Forensics John Fic (PG) by stickstockstone. AU. What happens when John (who is the new head of forensics) meets Sherlock (...who is Sherlock)? "What in the fuck do you think you're doing?" here on LJ
{Sequel: The Inconsequential Death of Mr. Stevens }
Catharsis (Gen) by velvet_mace. Sarah and Molly have a real conversation. That has nothing to do with men. Over a dead body. Sarah wants to see the body of the woman who tried to kill her. here on LJ
Meet Me Inside (NC-17) by wakeneve. A Prison AU that's somehow perfectly in character. John and Sherlock meet in prison. John becomes Sherlock's prison-wife. AO3
Just a Minor Peerage (Gen) by waketosleep. Do not miss this lovely and hilarious series of short, fluffy fics. In which there is some business about a barony, and Mycroft Holmes is not a man to underestimate. AO3
{Series: How John Watson Became a Baroness // Intellectual Intercourse }
An Act of Charity (PG-13) by wordstrings. The first in wordstrings' celebrated Paradox series. REQUIRED reading. Yes, the capitals are necessary. In which what's in his head is never going to get any better, and John is nearly thrown out of his flat. Sherlock POV. here on LJ
{Series: The Paradox Series }
The Barter System (PG) by anonymous. Fluffilicious. The first time John notices Sherlock wearing one of his tee-shirts, he’s surprised. Not that Sherlock would invade John’s privacy and take whatever he liked for his own use, of course, John’s gotten used to that, irritating though it is. No, what surprises him is that it’s John’s clothes that Sherlock has decided to help himself to. And not to perform some kind of experiment on the melting point of cotton tee-shirts worn by ex-army doctors or something, just to wear. on the meme
John's Midnight Garden (PG-13? maybe?) by anonymous. John meets Sherlock in his dreams. For as long as John can remember he has dreamt of the garden. on the meme
Five Drinks Sherlock Turned Down, and One He Didn't (PG) by anonymous. John runs a bar. Sherlock is the newest customer. on the meme
Jawn of the Dead (Gen) by anonymous. Self-explanatory hilariousness. Oh meme, how I do love thee. "If anybody could come back as a zombie," Lestrade said, waving his beer can at the screen in what he clearly thought was an explanatory manner, "If anybody could. You know." on the meme
Zero Sum Game (PG-13) by anonymous. A chilling look into the mind of a consulting criminal. James Moriarty cares about three things: mathematics, the game, and understanding what makes Sherlock Holmes tick. When he can combine two of those things - glorious. When he can combine all three… on the meme