221b_recs | Entries tagged with genre: case fic

Title: Maintenance and Repair
Author: patternofdefiance
Pairing: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson; brief John Watson/OFC
Length: 106,000 words
Rating: Explicit
Warnings: graphic depictions of violence/gore; amputation; body dysphoria; ableism
Verse: Sherlock BBC
Author's summary: John wants to explain the rush of sensation and data, which is just another form of sensation (or is it the other way around?). John wants to say: Augmentation circuits report temperature, pressure, various forms of quantitative input. Sudden changes are reported as pain, since sudden changes are dangerous, and pain is the quickest way to encourage reflexive extraction. But all John can manage is, “Nng.” Because this sudden touch is not reporting as pain.

Reccer's comments: This wonderful fic was five years in the making, and I'm so excited to be able to share it here on this comm now that it is finally finished! Patternofdefiance is a terrific writer, and this story is full of rich characterization, internal struggle, complex emotional and interpersonal dynamics, utterly convincing world-building, and well-realized original characters. This is a science-fiction, dystopic AU, but it's set in the very near future and the social, political, and psychological elements are convincing because they're only a few degrees removed from those of the world today. In this slightly more technologically advanced future, it's become possible to repair previously incurable injuries by grafting sensitive but short-term technology into the bodies and brains of the wounded. These disabled persons, who appear close to cyborgs, then have to deal with the ableism of a society that regards them uneasily and a medical profession that considers them violently unstable. Most of the care they receive is limited to 'maintenance and repair,' with the goal of preparing them for death once their augmentations fail - usually within two years - and ensuring they take no one else with them in their slow descent.

John enters the story as one of these disabled veterans, struggling in the aftermath of invasive procedures that were undertaken without his consent and which have transformed his body and his life in ways he finds hard to accept. It is in this state that he meets Sherlock and becomes his flatmate, friend, and colleague. Gradually they are both drawn into a series of mysteries surrounding other 'augmented' people, and they begin to realize that the information about John's condition peddled by the medical and political establishments may not be trustworthy.

This story has it all: insightful social commentary, an intelligent cast of characters -- John's ex, Mona, is one of the best OFCs I've encountered in the fandom -- and a slow-burn romance between Sherlock and John that, though fraught with miscommunication, manages to be both passionate and analytical, and above all superlatively in character.

pipmer1

Title: Excultus
Author: mottlemoth
Pairing: Mycroft/Lestrade
Length: 315,000 words
Rating: Explicit
Warnings: Graphic depictions of violence
Verse: Sherlock BBC

Author's summary: 23rd-century London is a divided city. Two hundred years of genetic tampering has fractured humanity into subspecies, not all of whom are willing to get along. The capital's crime-ridden streets are now home to some fairly fantastic variants of human - some of them more dangerous than others.

For DI Greg Lestrade, Cross-Human Relations at Scotland Yard, it's all just part of the day job.

But when a horrifying discovery forces him to seek the help of Mycroft Holmes, Head of Criminal Psychology, Greg might just be tested past his limits. Mycroft is unpleasant, unforgiving, and famously impossible to please.

But if Greg needs anyone right now, it's a vampire expert.

With dangerous forces fast on their tail, Greg and Mycroft must work together to avert the vampire threat - before it's too late.

[Mystrade Supernatural/Sci-fi AU.]

Reccer's comments: That author's summary pretty much says it all. Futuristic, Sci-Fi AU where some human subspecies co-mingle openly with other humans -- and some do not. This is basically one big epic casefic, where the mystery to be solved involves murderous vampires, and where DI Lestrade and Mycroft Holmes team up to contain the threat, assisted by some nicely fleshed-out OCs.

I should start out right away by letting everyone know that the only Sherlock canon characters here are Greg Lestrade and Mycroft Holmes.There is no Sherlock. There is no John Watson. If that puts anyone off, feel free to move on. I will stress, however, that you will be missing out on a grand action-packed adventure, where the relationship development between the two main characters is a wonder to behold. And I have never read a fic where I am so enthralled by the many OCs who play their supporting roles with so much heart and soul.

At the beginning of the story, Lestrade and Mycroft are strangers who meet one night and have a one-night stand. Unbeknownst to them both, they will soon be caught up in a whirlwind of unsolved murders that require their particular brand of expertise and will force them to work together for the foreseeable future. As the mystery unfolds and their relationship progresses, it becomes clear that Mycroft is holding his cards very close to his vest, and that he is keeping a very large secret from his partner.

I found this story completely enthralling, heart-stopping, and emotionally satisfying. There are several twists and turns, and unexpected reveals, but it all progressed very naturally within the story, and none of it felt like surprise just for the shock factor or for the sake of cleverness. Some you will see coming, and some you won't. But it all comes together in a perfectly logical way. Please do give it a try.

pipmer1

Title: Signs Following
Author: vulgarweed
Pairing: Sherlock/John
Length: 24,285 words
Rating: Explicit
Verse: BBC Sherlock

Author's summary: 1976. Bone Fiddle-verse; Appalachian AU. A couple years into their relationship, John and Sherlock are cozily setting up for spring with Mrs. Hudson's expert guidance when a distraught young woman appeals to them for help and sends them on one of their strangest cases yet - in order to solve one murder and prevent another, they must tangle with a sinister preacher and enter the much-sensationalized, little-understood world of Pentecostal Holiness believers who strictly observe Mark 16: 17-18:

(And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.)

Reccer's comments: This takes place in the awesome Bonefiddle 'verse, an AU set in 1970's Appalachia. Considering how well known this verse is, I'm surprised at the comparatively low kudos and hits, so I thought it deserved a shout-out here.

Sherlock and John are an established couple here in rural West Virginia. Don't let the American setting put you off: these are the Sherlock and John that we know and love, just transplanted into a different culture. They are still very much themselves. John is a doctor and a war veteran, and Sherlock is a self-proclaimed detective. Together they solve crimes. For this specific story, it is a retelling of The Speckled Band, using a most unique twist. Here, the villain is a Holy-Roller snake handling preacher who preys upon his flock's vulnerabilities in order to commit murder. It never descends into religion bashing, though. The author deftly navigates between good old Sherlockian skepticism and sensitivity to good people's sincerely held beliefs. It's manipulative evil that is the true villain here.

The reader will surely enjoy John's reaction to Sherlock's prowess with a tire iron, as well as his BAMFness when it comes time to save Sherlock from himself.

discordantwords

Title: Throw Cares Away
Author: Alexaprilgarden
Pairing: Sherlock/John
Length: 7,873 words
Rating: Explicit
Warnings: None
Verse: Sherlock BBC
Author's summary: Sherlock had taught John how to dance for his wedding, and that night, John had kissed Sherlock. And had gone and got married nonetheless. Now, it’s the first Christmas after. After Appledore, after the disaster of John’s marriage. After John returned to Baker Street. And it should have been so easy, so simple, once that John was back. It isn’t anywhere near simple.

Reccer's comments: This is a lovely, quiet story that allows the characters time to breathe. Set in a world where John does not forgive Mary following the events of HLV, but instead returns home to Baker Street.

Sherlock is on eggshells trying to keep John comfortable, and trying to keep his own feelings in check. There's the small matter of John having kissed Sherlock, once, during their dance lesson (in The Measure of Dreams-- a previous story which is not necessary to have read in order to appreciate this one, but a lovely read as well), the memory of which continues to prey on Sherlock's mind and leaves him helpless with longing.

The approach of the first Christmas since Appledore has Sherlock on edge. A case, some carefully chosen words, and a quiet rooftop moment put things into perspective.

On top of it all, Christmas is approaching. And as much as Sherlock tries to despise it, it still makes him sentimental. He never fails to see the momentousness of things happening at Christmas.

He’d rather not have anything happen at Christmas. Because the only thing likely to happen these days, with the small room in his mind palace and the yearning of his heart still under lock and key, is him being his usual self, abrasive with frustration. Rude and aggravating until John finally snaps at him and storms out of the flat. And this time Sherlock isn’t at all sure John would ever come back.

sanguinity

Title: The Case of the Black Arrow
Author:

TheDoubleExposure
Pairing: Gen (Basil of Baker Street, Dr. Dawson, OC)
Length: 38,657 words
Rating: Unrated (reccer’s rating: Mature)
Warnings: child abuse and child-trafficking; moderate violence
Verse: Great Mouse Detective
Author's summary: Two years after Ratigan’s demise, and Basil is in a rut. Finding missing people and lost items are not nearly challenging enough for London’s only private consulting mouse detective. That is, until a mysterious vigilante solves Basil’s latest case before he does. Now Basil of Baker Street is determined to catch the rogue crime fighter and discover their real identity. But things are rarely that straightforward, as Basil and Dawson will soon learn.

Reccer's comments: A vigilante crimefighter, as sharp and skilled as Basil himself — and some respects sharper! — is operating in Mousedom’s London. But while the Black Arrow is solving Basil’s cases — and dispensing a rougher justice than Basil would — Basil turns to solving the Black Arrow. At first Basil investigates the Black Arrow out of simple professional jealousy (although he would never to admit it), then in the name of the law, but ultimately in the name of justice.

Basil and Dawson are entirely themselves in this case fic, Basil with his black lows and brilliant highs, and Dawson with his fierce protectiveness. (I note that Dawson shades away from the Bruceian movie depiction and more toward his literary forebear, which is all to the good for those who enjoy a strong and competent character in the Watson role!) The Black Arrow proves a strong foil for our heroes, a vibrant OC who pushes Basil both professionally and personally, and causes both Basil and Dawson to wrestle with where their conscience lies. The case fic, too, is nicely paced, with the question of proper action becoming murkier as Basil and Dawson draw nearer their quarry.

A note about the author’s AO3 content warnings: the author shows an abundance of caution in their warnings, possibly because the story has much darker content than the film. The case centers on the abuse, trafficking, and murder of children, but none of those topics are graphic. (There is one brief instance which invites inference about what the victims endured.) There is some on-screen violence between adults, which I personally feel slants more moderate than graphic, although obvs mileage can vary on that.

Mostly, though: long-form GMD casefic! With an antagonist who really makes Basil work for it. :-D

rachelindeed

Title: Signs and Signals
Author: saki101
Pairing: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Length: @9,000 words
Rating: M
Warnings: none
Verse: ACD Holmes
Author's summary: Holmes boxes. Watson wagers. There are exchanges of signals and a case.

Reccer's comments: I have a special love for established relationship stories, where we get the chance to see how two people actually work in their day to day lives after they get together. This story is set in something of the 'honeymoon period' of Holmes and Watson's new relationship, while they are still dizzy with happiness and hungrily passionate with each other. Watson, especially, is searching for some public way to express his pride and elation without endangering them both. He quietly struggles with the niggling sense of insecurity he feels, knowing that the traditional social markers that solidify a recognized, committed relationship can never be theirs. But Holmes and Watson's shared life is as much about their work as it is anything else, and there too we can see the way they match each other and share the delights of discovery. The story follows them as they pursue an unusual jewel thief and uncover a historical mystery. The heart of the story, though, lies in the subtle but essential growth of their own mutual understanding as they find ways of reassuring one another that what they have is meant to last.

pipmer1

Title: The Last Companion
Author: standbygo
Pairing: Sherlock/John, Sherlock/OMCs, Sherlock/OFCs
Length: 34,075 words
Rating: Explicit
Warnings: Discussions of non-con because Moriarty is creepy
Verse: Sherlock BBC/Firefly

Author's summary: Thirty years after the Miranda Wars, there is peace, both on the Rim and the Core planets. There are a number of old social mores still in place, such as the Order of Companions, but there is a sense that even such respected practices are coming to an end…

Sherlock is a Companion - the best Companion on Persephone. With a bit of detective work on the side, of course. Then he meets a man named John Watson, encounters a series of bizarre cases, and finds his world is getting turned upside down.

Reccer's comments: All of this author’s Sherlock fics are well worth the read, but I chose this one because of the unique fusion with Firefly, a sci-fi television show. I myself wasn’t that familiar with the world of Firefly, and I don’t think knowledge of that world is necessary to enjoy this story to the fullest. The writing is such that any necessary background information is seamlessly woven into the narrative.

In this universe, Sherlock has been groomed from childhood to become a Companion, and in adulthood he has become one of the most sought-after ones. A Companion, to put it delicately, is a paid escort. But Companions have been trained not only in the art of pleasure and seduction, but they are some of the most educated and talented people on the planet. They are paid not only for providing sexual intimacy, but almost anything else that the client may crave as well. And Sherlock’s skills at deduction ensure that the clients always come away satisfied.

Of course being a Companion is not Sherlock’s only vocation. He also does detective work on the side. In the middle of one of his investigations, he is rescued by a stranger going by the name of John Watson. Of course, the two of them get caught up in a case, become fascinated with each other, go dancing, fall in love -- and it almost all comes crashing down due to the machinations of one James Moriarty.

discordantwords

Title: Not English But Angels
Author: Sideris
Pairing: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson; Mycroft Holmes/Greg Lestrade
Length: 203,251 words
Rating: Explicit
Warnings: Dubious consent, show-typical violence
Verse: Sherlock BBC
Author's summary: A sort-of canon, sort-of AU fic in which I twist and supplement canon to weave it into a new story in which Sherlock and John come from different worlds and nothing is quite what it seems.

There were times I didn't even think you were human. - John

I may be on the side of the angels, but don’t think for one second that I am one of them. - Sherlock

Reccer's comments:

Where to even begin with this one?

This fandom is rich in stories where Sherlock makes his slow transition from Great Man to Good One, and this is one of my favorites. Somehow it never seemed to quite find its audience—it's currently sitting at fewer than 175 kudos on AO3.

The author takes what might seem an outlandish premise—Sherlock and Mycroft are Angels, sent down to Earth on an investigative mission from Heaven—and manage to make it work perfectly within the bounds of existing canon material. The story here happens between the lines, filling in gaps, taking events that we've seen on screen (and read about on John's blog) and shifting our perspective on them.

The Sherlock we meet at the start of this story is cold, detached, manipulative, self-serving and so utterly far from human it's difficult to imagine he'll ever get there. He's not exactly popular with Management, something that Mycroft (ever-ambitious and yet fiercely protective) anxiously seeks to smooth over. Sherlock wants a human specimen he can study up close, and John, his new flatmate, seems to suit those purposes perfectly. From there, as he and John grow closer, we witness Sherlock's defenses crumble and fall away as he finds himself entirely blindsided by unexpected affection and moved to act in increasingly irrational ways to ensure that John remains safe. The slow progression of their relationship is poignant and touching and frustrating and incredibly satisfying all at once.

There's a case which cleverly incorporates elements from BBC canon—Sherlock finds himself caught up in Moriarty's web while investigating the deaths of several Nephilim, while Mycroft begins to realize he's being used as a pawn in a conspiracy of biblical proportions. This all comes to a head with a twist that made my jaw drop (and which sent me rushing back to the beginning to pay attention to all of the clues that I'd missed the first time through.)

As with any fic that adheres to a canon timeline, it can be hard to avoid the sense that you know what's coming next (because… we've already seen it.) But the author manages to put a fresh spin on even dialogue we already know by heart, a feat which feels remarkable.

Note: there is a moment of extremely dubious consent in this story involving John's missing Wednesday. The fic itself is not tagged as such, but the chapter in question (Chapter 11) is clearly marked at the beginning. Highlight for details if you'd like to know the gist of what happens before deciding whether or not to read: Sherlock, fearing he may have revealed his secret, drugs John in order to question him. The drugged conversation takes a turn, and John masturbates while Sherlock watches. Sherlock does not touch John. John does not remember the incident in question and is not told what happened.

This fic is Sherlock's journey from Superior Being to Human Being, and it's a wild, weird and wonderful ride.

( Excerpt under the cut... )

rachelindeed

Title: Number 94
Author: tweedisgood
Pairing: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Length: 7,200 words
Rating: M (for a character's erotic thoughts; there's no sex or violence in the events of the story)
Warnings: none
Verse: ACD Books
Author's summary: Appearances deceive. That is, one might say, their chief function.

Reccer's comments: I have fallen woefully behind in recc'ing the many wonderful fics in this month's ACD Holmesfest, so at this point I will plan to leave thumbnail recs for most of my favorites in this comm's open recs post. But I couldn't finish out my month as a recc'er here without giving a bit more in-depth attention to this remarkable story.

Amid deep historicity and attention to period detail, this fic reconnects us with Kitty Winters and Violet de Merville as the entrepreneurs of a uniquely Victorian business venture. Although they were antagonists in The Illustrious Client, they have now joined forces to make their own way in the world. However, their business has become the target of a strange and disturbing series of attacks, and Holmes and Watson's investigation raises questions that skirt close to some of their own long-hidden secrets and desires.

With a strong case fic as its backbone, this story gives us pining of the very finest vintage. Holmes's delicate yearning throughout the ins and outs of his work and his daily life is beautifully expressed. The language is confident and balances lyricism and metaphor with great doses of humor and practicality. An engrossing and moving treat for the heart as well as the head, with a sublime and romantic ending.

Sample this masterful writing -- I think you will be glad that you did!

pipmer1

Title: Restoration
Author: Chryse
Pairing: Sherlock/John, Sherlock/OMCs
Length: 50,000 words
Rating: Explicit
Verse: Sherlock BBC

Author's summary: “It won’t ever be the same as it was.”
“Of course it won’t be the same. But it might be even better.”

Reccer's comments: This is a fantastic Series 4 fix-it. Anyone who is familiar with Chryse knows to expect quality storytelling and emotional resonance. This is no exception.

The story picks up right after the events of Sherrinford, but before the ending montage. Sherlock, of course, has just lost his home and has learned that his childhood memories are false. On top of struggling to deal with all of his recent (and decades-long) losses, Sherlock also finds himself adrift and unmoored from his sense of self. He no longer knows what is true or false, or what he can trust to be real. So he embarks on a journey of self-discovery. After going through painful therapy to recover lost memories, he then begins the process of letting go of the past and finding a way forward. And he does this by going on a global walkabout.

He doesn't stay away for long, but he makes good use of his time. Discovering who he is, what he likes, and what he wants, including an awareness and exploration of his nascent sexuality. A delightful OC is introduced who helps him on this quest, and who asks for help of a different nature in return.

And never fear. John is a stalwart and supportive presence throughout. He isn't always physically present (he doesn't accompany Sherlock on his walkabout), but he's always on the edge of Sherlock's awareness, and ours. This is the John that comes through for Sherlock in the end, because he never really left. So be aware that, even though the pairing tag includes Sherlock with several OC's, it's only in the service of letting Sherlock find his way - and that way is back to John.

venusinthenight

Title: The Tracing of Footsteps
Author:

tweedisgood
Pairing: Holmes & Watson
Length: 3282 words
Rating: Gen
Warnings: None apply
Verse: ACD Canon
Author's summary: There are many explanations for the phenomenon known as a "ghost". Here are some, or perhaps none, of them.

Contains some coarse language, if such bothers you.

Reccer's Comments: A bit of a ghost story intertwined with a case. Said intertwining is very well done.

dogandmonkeyshow

Title: Green Grow the Rushes, O!
Author: AJHall
Length: 11,901 words
Rating: T and up
Relationship(s): John Watson/Sarah Sawyer
CharactersAuthor's summary: "The people asserting loudest that a marriage must be about to happen are the ones who’d be personally devastated if it did."

John and Sarah travel to North Yorkshire to attend Sarah’s nephew’s christening, and discover Sarah’s family seem to think this family celebration is only the precursor to another one. It’s not only Sarah’s family who may be harbouring strange ideas; Sherlock has gone incommunicado in Oxford, a city with which he has had a love/hate relationship since he was sent down from the University in his second year.

Universe: BBC Sherlock

( Reccer's comments below the cut )

tripleransom

Title: Totus Mundus Agit Histrionem
Author: Mistyzeo
Pairing: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Length: 42715
Rating: Explicit
Warnings: None
Verse: ACD books
Author's summary:
The stage lost a fine actor, even as science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in crime.

January, 1881: a despondent army doctor is offered a ticket to a Shakespeare play, and is instantly captivated by the fellow playing the Danish prince himself. Then there is a murder. Then they fall in love.

Reccer's Comments: As of now, this fic has something over 300 comments on it on the AO3. I don't know why it hasn't been recc'd before, but I aim to remedy that now.

Yet another take on that fateful first meeting. This one from the inestimable Mistyzeo. She hurls us right into the middle of the action as we see Watson attending a performance of Hamlet, where the Prince is played by one S. Scott Holmes. Their attraction for one another is immediate, a murder soon follows, and the game is well and truly afoot.
There is femslash, a compelling mystery for Holmes to solve, a nod to The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes, and not a word of the entire thing reads false. The period details are perfect as always, the characters are, well, perfectly in character. There are disguises, and picklocks, and even 221B complete with an aspidistra and a very knowing Mrs Hudson. And let's not neglect to mention some of the best written love scenes in the fandom.
There is a large cast of supporting characters, but they are all well-drawn enough that it's not confusing. A competent Lestrade makes his appearance as well, as in the end, the mystery is solved, the killer is caught and Holmes is launched on his true career.
Of course, like all detective fiction, it's a formula, but the genius of the thing is in its execution - and the execution is very, very well done.

tripleransom

Title: The Emerald Band
Author: Firerose
Pairing: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson (as Rache/The Limping Doctor)
Length: 27882
Rating: Explicit
Warnings: None
Verse: ACD books/A Study in Emerald - Neil Gaiman/HP Lovecraft Cthulu Mythos
Author's summary:
How can I describe the sight that so unmanned my imperturbable friend? That caused the giant of a baronet to faint dead away? I could say Drago’s green-soaked body would no longer haunt my dreams—or if it did, it would be but a pleasant respite from the horror of that thing.

Rache & his faithful doctor investigate the murder of Julia Stoner in the 'Study in Emerald' universe, but the deeper they delve into the Roylott family history, the darker things become

Reccer's comments:
This is a fic set in the Emerald-verse, which is itself an inspired fusion of the Doyle Canon and HP Lovecraft's Cthulu Mythos, which is then crossed back over with The Speckled Band. You don't really need to have read any of them to get the gist of what's going on in this suspenseful story, but you should anyway. (ahem)
Rache and his loyal sidekick, the Limping Doctor, set out to solve the murder of Miss Julia Stonor, while trying to elude capture by Moriarty as chief agent for the Great Old Ones, who rule Albion. From there on, the familiar events of the Speckled Band play out against a background of Lovecraftian horror.
In order not to spoil the intricate plot - which is a good one - I won't summarise more, except to say that there's a secret passage, a classic locked-room mystery with a distinct supernatural twist, a crew of sinister Indian fakirs, and lurking beneath it all, an awful sense of primordial, unspeakable evil.
Firerose manages to juggle all these elements into a coherent whole and produce a corker of a casefic that's hard to put down But you may not want to read it late at night when you are alone in the house.

swissmarg

Title: The Vampires of London
Author: consultingdetective
Pairing: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Length: 72K
Rating: Explicit
Warnings: Major character death
Verse: BBC
Author's summary: Over one hundred years after the first battle, a series of murders have caught the attention of London's police force and Sherlock Holmes. While most of the city has forgotten the vampire that once walked its streets, the descendants of the Van Helsing, Harker, and Seward families have not.

Reccer's comments: Perfectly timed to coincide with the recent announcement that Steven Moffat, Mark Gatiss, and Sue Vertue will be teaming up again to bring Dracula to the BBC, this unites Sherlock Holmes and Bram Stoker’s Dracula in a casefic full of classic Gothic horror, secrets, ancient magic, and the past coming back – sometimes quite literally – to bite. The fic delights with twist after earth-shattering twist, simmering Johnlock UST, and John Watson as the baddest BAMF to hit the streets of London since 1897. The OCs are deliciously wicked, and in true ensemble style, secondary characters such as Mycroft, Molly, Moran, Lestrade, and even Sally Donovan all have crucial and prominent parts to play. There is a modicum of gore and major character death, but it’s not a sad ending and I mean, without spoiling… vampires. ;)

swissmarg

Title: On the Rack
Author: 7PercentSolution, J_Baillier
Pairing: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Length: 286,966 words
Rating: Explicit
Warnings: None
Verse: BBC
Author's summary: The sequel to The Breaking Wheel, in which Sherlock goes to rehab (of the other sort), starts scraping his life back together, attempts to solve a case, and tries to make sense of what it actually means to be in a relationship.

Reccer's comments: This is the second part of a series, and although I would recommend reading the first part for best understanding (and because it’s an awesome fic), all of the most important points are explained within this installment so it could also be read as a standalone.

This is quite simply an incredible journey into the mind and body of Sherlock Holmes, charting the physical and emotional journey of the aftermath of Sherlock being stricken by Guillain-Barré syndrome, an autoimmune disorder of the nervous system. We really get a vivid picture of Sherlock’s frustration and fear over the weeks and months, not just at his physical and mental condition but also at his fledgling romantic relationship with John. To add to the angst-mix, Sherlock is depicted as neurodivergent, bringing a lifetime’s worth of baggage and mishandling that needs to be dealt with before any of the hated “Progress” can be made.

What I really liked is that this fic tackled the problem from several angles, involving athletics, music, chemistry, and a new case. I thought at first that the title referenced a torture rack (which it might also do) but there is also a beautiful metaphor that’s developed through the course of the story which I didn’t pick up on until quite near the end, adding another layer of brilliance to an already masterful piece of writing. Sherlock’s past, especially relating to his brother, is also given a particularly good exploration. With obscure poisons, flashback nightmares, a twice-murdered corpse, drug dealing, and fresh medical drama to twist the knife just a little more.

discordantwords

Title: The Illustrious Client
Author: Arabella Strange
Pairing: Sherlock/John
Length: 113,288
Rating: Explicit
Warnings: Violence, case-related references to human trafficking/sexual abuse
Verse: Sherlock BBC
Author's summary: ‘We’re a couple!' John burst out, bluntly. His face was nearly twitching with rage. He hadn’t even meant to say anything, to anybody, because he wanted what they had for himself just a bit longer, for a million reasons half-romantic and half-defensive, and yet here he was, gripping Chez Francine’s thick cream tablecloth with enough force to tear it in half, suddenly wanting nothing more than to tell everyone within earshot that Sherlock was absolutely infuriating, surprisingly good at blowjobs, and probably in love with him.

Reccer's comments: Where do I start? This incredible case fic is the third in a series (Ode to Broken Things.) It's not strictly necessary to read the first two stories in order to appreciate this one, although doing so provides a richer context and background for the state of John and Sherlock's relationship. Also, they're excellent, and well worth the read!

The universe this story is set in diverges from canon prior to the start of Series 3, though it remains very much informed by canon events—picking and choosing from the established storyline to weave an entirely different tale. Essentially: John broke things off with Mary prior to Sherlock's return, and he and Sherlock have subsequently fallen into a sexual relationship. John is in love with Sherlock, Sherlock is in love with John—should be simple, right? Instead, our heroes struggle under the weight of their own insecurities and worries, navigating a relationship fraught with miscommunications and misinterpreted intentions, with neither one quite willing to show his hand. This alone would make for a compelling read, but there's also a case that needs solving and a truly heinous villain to be vanquished.

And yet John had marched unevenly into a lab in Bart’s Hospital and Sherlock had, within seconds, begun devising the plan to rid of him that abhorrent cane. Not only because it was unseemly (though it did nothing to flatter the too-young man who had no sound need for it), but because John — clearly — hated it. And John had loved the run from Angelo’s after the cab, even the wrong cab; had laughed against the wall until Angelo himself had appeared and delivered the punchline to the night’s best joke.

In spite of all subsequent efforts of Sherlock’s to undo this one shining act of generosity, John stood here, on two healthy feet, breathing like a bull facing off against a red flag (and the moron who was waving it), hating to the depths of his being the person who had relished, even for a moment, the opportunity to take the wind out of Sherlock’s insensitive, selfish ego.

‘Many would disagree with you,’ Sherlock muttered.

‘Yeah, well, sod them, all right, because —’

‘I love you,’ said Sherlock.

Had he said it purely to watch the incredibly plasticity of John’s face change arrangements at the speed of lightning, he would not have been in the least disappointed; equally, had he blurted it out in order to test the fortitude of his still-recovering bowels, it would have been a compelling experiment.

John was still standing there, watching him, stranded amidst a sea of tile and sterilised furniture, but some of the warmth in his expression seemed to be receding.

‘Is that meant to be a joke?’ John began, stiffly, eyes scanning Sherlock’s face.

There was no clear grammatical way to refute what John said whilst reasserting Sherlock’s statement, but nor was there any plausibility to blaming the thudding in his chest on his recent cardiac history.

I could go on forever about how much I love this story. It's long, intricately plotted and well researched, sprinkled with loving references to canon events. The character voices are spot on, for John and Sherlock both. The dialogue is snappy, witty, and at times heartbreaking. And perhaps my favorite thing is that it has a wonderful happy ending that feels earned, true to the characters and their circumstances. I can't help but feel that it's tragically underappreciated (not even 200 kudos as of the time of this post!), and that it deserves mention right alongside many of the other beloved casefics in the fandom.

Do be sure to read the author's tags. The villain is, as I mentioned, heinous, and descriptions of his crimes could be potentially upsetting or triggering. Nothing is shown explicitly in the story itself.

swissmarg

Title: Oh, What A Night Series (AO3 / Tumblr)
Artist: penumbra/anotherwellkeptsecret
Pairing: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Length: 3 multi-panel comics
Rating: Mature to Explicit
Warnings: None
Verse: Sherlock BBC
Author's summary: Part 1 "Oh, What A Night": John and Sherlock go on a date. Hilarity, kissing, and egregious amounts of fluff ensue.
Part 2 "The Losing Side": Sherlock wants to marry John, but he's not sure of the best way to propose. Who better to run ideas by than, well...John?
Part 3: "Points of Interest": Sherlock and John's wedding night.
Reccer's comments: This is a set of 3 complete comics with over 100 panels telling the story of Sherlock and John’s courtship. Sweet, funny, awkward, cute, and a little bit sexy, and of course it wouldn’t be Johnlock without at least a smidgen of angst, a case, an interfering brother and well-meaning friends to spice things up. The judicious use of small amounts of animation add to the charm in part 1, and in part 3 things get very hot yet very tasteful with an intimate glimpse John and Sherlock’s lovey times as husbands. Seriously heart-melting adult fare.

rachelindeed

Title: The Camford Dares
Author: writerfan2013
Pairing: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson
Length: 17,000 words
Rating: T
Warnings: none
Verse: Sherlock BBC
Author's summary: Sherlock is being mysterious and secretive and John is being particularly stubborn and their annoying case in a well-known university town is not helping anything. Casefic! Mystery and infuriation but ultimately Johnlock.

Reccer's comments: This is a really well-done combination of casefic and relationship fic. Full of many beloved tropes: mutual pining, UST, working undercover, bed-sharing, and more, plus some midlife not-really-crises-but-definitely-annoyances as John is forced to run around a college campus after Sherlock and attempt to blend in with undergrads. The mystery is interesting and clever, and the writing is sharp enough to refresh familiar tropes and make them feel memorable and unique. Best of all, John and Sherlock's relationship is suffused with both infuriation and affection -- the author catches its difficulty and its sweetness at the same time, which is hard to do. I enjoy and admire this fic very much.

scfrankles.livejournal.com

Title: Promises
Author: language_escapes
Pairing: Gen (background Watson/Mrs. Hudson)
Length: 21,770 words
Rating: Mature
Warnings: None
Verse: Шерлок Холмс | Sherlock Holmes (TV 2013) [AKA New Russian Holmes]
Author's summary: Just weeks after they foil Moriarty’s plot against the queen, another case comes to Holmes and Watson, this time in the form of a dead girl found along the banks of the Thames. Case fic.

Reccer's comments: This was one of the stand-out fics from the Winter ‘16

holmestice exchange for me, but it didn’t seem to get the attention it deserved. It’s understandable in a way—it’s a rare ‘verse, and the content warnings may have put some people off too. To begin with the warnings—the author states: nonexplicit, background dubcon; PTSD flashbacks; adaptation-typical gore. If it helps, the gore refers to descriptions of bodies after death, and the dub-con is talked about as having happened but there are no specifics and no descriptions.

Regarding the ‘verse itself: I think as long as you’re prepared to just go with it and accept the differences from the ACD original, you won’t find anything confusing. (I myself had only seen a clip of the series before reading the fic.) The concept of this ‘verse is that these are the real people and the real world behind Watson’s stories. So it may seem bizarre at first that Watson has married Mrs. Hudson, but she isn’t the elderly, motherly Mrs. Hudson we traditionally think of. And Holmes is not an idealised hero. People don’t automatically defer to him simply because he’s Sherlock Holmes; he isn’t in charge of justice the way the ACD Holmes is. We are used on the whole to seeing the ACD Holmes handing criminals over to the police, or giving them a second chance and choosing to let them go. But this Holmes doesn’t have control over either of these situations.

The plot concerns Holmes and Watson trying to bring to justice a man who has been sexually abusing women and then going on to murder some of them. The case isn’t a mystery: the name of the criminal is given to Holmes fairly early on by one of the victims, Kitty Winter. And if it weren’t for all the damage he’s done to so many people, I would describe the murderer as an incidental character—he takes no active part in this fic. This is the point of the story I suppose: it isn’t something that glamorises murder and its perpetrator—the focus is on the victims, both living and dead.

Admittedly this is a bleak story. However, that is balanced by the sheer quality of the writing, how well-drawn the characters are, and how engaging the story is. I always think the hardest thing for a writer is to remove themself entirely from their work and leave the reader alone with the characters. And this writing is so unobtrusive. There is no barrier between the reader and the story—you’re right there in the middle of it.

And even though there is no happy ending, I don’t think the story is entirely without hope. Watson is more pessimistic than Holmes, but we come away knowing both men will always carry on doing the best they can in a highly imperfect world.

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rachelindeed - Fic Rec: Maintenance and Repair
pipmer1 - Fic Rec: Excultus
pipmer1 - Fic Rec: Signs Following
discordantwords - Fic Rec: Throw Cares Away
sanguinity - Fic Rec: The Case of the Black Arrow
rachelindeed - Fic Rec: Signs and Signals
pipmer1 - Fic Rec: The Last Companion
discordantwords - Fic Rec: Not English But Angels
rachelindeed - Fic Rec: Number 94
pipmer1 - Fic Rec: Restoration
venusinthenight - Fic Rec - The Tracing of Footsteps
dogandmonkeyshow - Fic rec: Green Grow the Rushes, O!, by AJHall
tripleransom - Fic Rec: Totus Mundus, Agit Histrionem
tripleransom - Fic Rec: The Emerald Band
swissmarg - Fic Rec: The Vampires of London
swissmarg - Fic Rec: On the Rack
discordantwords - Fic Rec: The Illustrious Client
swissmarg - Art Rec: Oh, What A Night
rachelindeed - Fic Rec: The Camford Dares
scfrankles.livejournal.com - Fic Rec: Promises

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A Sherlock Holmes Recs Community

Entries tagged with genre: case fic

Fic Rec: Maintenance and Repair

Fic Rec: Excultus

Fic Rec: Signs Following

Fic Rec: Throw Cares Away

Fic Rec: The Case of the Black Arrow

Fic Rec: Signs and Signals

Fic Rec: The Last Companion

Fic Rec: Not English But Angels

Fic Rec: Number 94

Fic Rec: Restoration

Fic Rec - The Tracing of Footsteps

Fic rec: Green Grow the Rushes, O!, by AJHall

Fic Rec: Totus Mundus, Agit Histrionem

Fic Rec: The Emerald Band

Fic Rec: The Vampires of London

Fic Rec: On the Rack

Fic Rec: The Illustrious Client

Art Rec: Oh, What A Night

Fic Rec: The Camford Dares

Fic Rec: Promises

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