BBC Sherlock Fan Forum - Serving Sherlockians since February 2012 » Johnlock Fic Recs *warning

ancientsgate · August 7, 2012 10:44 am

I'd like to start a thread where members who are Johnlockers can come to recommend good Sherlock/John stories when they find them. The internet can be a hard place to negotiate our way around, when we're looking for something specific. Plus there are so many Sherlock/Johnlock fan fics out there now, it can be hard to find good ones.

It would be helpful if forum members could post each rec with with a short synopsis, a rough idea of its rating (mature, teen, general), and an idea of its length ("this took me hours to read," or "this is very short," that kind of thing.)

I'll start off with a short story I found just this morning. I was impressed by the author's ability with Sherlock's voice, mannerisms, and inner mental workings (none of which are easy!) and found this believable to the max-- this is how season 3 should begin! A mature-rated post-Reichenbach story, a first time, as Sherlock first takes care of Moriarty's goons and then he takes care of John and John takes care of him; all is as it should be.

http://archiveofourown.org/works/412047?view_adult=true

ancientsgate · August 7, 2012 10:56 am

This one is novel-length. Took me many hours to read, but it was worth every minute. The only thing wrong with this story is that it ended-- I could have gone on and on with this pairing-- one of those books you don't want to end-- you readers out there know what I mean, right?

Warning: this is extremely explicit. The author calls it pornographic [I prefer the term homoerotic], but I have no idea why-- Sherlock and John's relationship is loving to the max, caring, monogamous, and forever. I mean, f-o-r-e-v-e-r, over the top, "we were meant to be, it was written in the stars" type of f-o-r-e-v-e-r, so how can all that sex be anything but one of many meaningful ways for them to express that love they have for each other? But this particular John and Sherlock are all guy, so if anyone is reading this rec who is squeamish about what two shit-in-love-with-each-other guys get up to when they get horizontal, give this one a pass.

This story is sooo much more than the sex. I absolutely loved it. It's actually a prequel to ASiP.

The author's own synopsis:
A novel-length, pornographic case-fiction set seven months before and three and a half thousand miles east of A Study in Pink. Captain John Watson of 40 Commando, the Royal Marines, is assigned to protect and assist Sherlock Holmes as he investigates what appears to be a simple war atrocity in Afghanistan. An intense attraction ignites between the two men as they uncover a conspiracy that threatens everything they’ve ever known, but Sherlock’s as much hunted as hunter, and everyone close to him is in deadly danger. Can he solve the case in time to save himself and John?

http://archiveofourown.org/works/180121/chapters/264839

ancientsgate · August 7, 2012 11:01 am

http://archiveofourown.org/works/478662

The author's synopsis:
Ever since he was born, John has been able to perceive people's auras. So he can see straight away that there's something special about Sherlock Holmes.

I'd rate this one PG-13ish. Unique to the max-- I've read 100s (maybe 1000s) of slash fan fics in my day, and this was was a first for me.

ancientsgate · August 7, 2012 11:11 am

This one's kind of fluffy. I found it very sweet and really enjoyed it. John is challenged, sharing a living space with Sherlock in the best of times-- but this John is in love with the man, and lord, can he be exasperating! And wonderful. *g*
I would rate it PG-13ish.
The author's synopsis:
John decides to come out. More or less. Not that he's gay or anything. He's just bumming his flatmate.

http://archiveofourown.org/works/394956

ancientsgate · August 7, 2012 11:18 am

In this one, John is married. A couple of times. He and Sherlock are what they always are to each other-- friends, colleagues, but not in love. Well.... not in love that they've talked about, anyway. I thought this story was so unusual, so forever, so very heart-warming and angsty and just terrific. Wherever his life led him, and whatever happened to John Watson, there was always Sherlock Holmes. This one is PG-13ish as well, not too long.

The author's synopsis:
Twenty plus years, three weddings, some funerals, elephants, rats, a wet cat, a very lumpy cake and criminals. Or, John Watson, a life well-lived.
http://archiveofourown.org/works/383095?view_adult=true

There is no partner betrayal here, BTW. Not to worry.

ancientsgate · August 7, 2012 11:34 am

OK, last one from me this morning, lol.

This one is written in the POV of two homes-- 221B Baker Street, and that of a country home S/J buy when they move from Baker Street in their later years. Now I ask you, have you ever read a story written by four walls and a roof? I never had. But here ya go--

http://archiveofourown.org/works/410037
PG rated.

The country house calls this older Sherlock "the badger", but John Watson? He must be "the badger whisperer."

Enjoy.

Sherli Bakerst · August 7, 2012 3:30 pm

Thank you very much for these recommendations. I look forward to reading all these stories.

ancientsgate wrote:
Now I ask you, have you ever read a story written by four walls and a roof?

Actually, yes. In my Old West fandom, there's a story told from the POV of a jail cell. It's very good.

KeepersPrice · August 11, 2012 2:25 am

Oh Ancientsgate! You are just killing me tonight! I had so many things I wanted to get done this evening and now I'm just sitting here reading all the stories I haven't read already. Just finished the aura one - so poetic and descriptive - and now I'm embarking on the house one. So much for watching the Olympics and going to bed at a decent hour.

You are a master at finding these stories - the good, well-written ones I mean. If I had the time I would try to find some for you but just don't know where to start. You are the one who can do this! Even if no one responds, it doesn't mean we don't appreciate these recommendations.

How about the first one you sent me which I still love and have reread a hundred times. It's touching and funny, with a really good grasp of the character 'voices':

http://lifeonmars.livejournal.com/859.html

ancientsgate · August 11, 2012 2:56 am

KeepersPrice wrote:
Oh Ancientsgate! You are just killing me tonight! I had so many things I wanted to get done this evening and now I'm just sitting here reading all the stories I haven't read already. Just finished the aura one - so poetic and descriptive - and now I'm embarking on the house one. So much for watching the Olympics and going to bed at a decent hour.

You are a master at finding these stories - the good, well-written ones I mean. If I had the time I would try to find some for you but just don't know where to start. You are the one who can do this! Even if no one responds, it doesn't mean we don't appreciate these recommendations.

How about the first one you sent me which I still love and have reread a hundred times. It's touching and funny, with a really good grasp of the character 'voices':

http://lifeonmars.livejournal.com/859.html

I'm glad you're having fun, discovering the wonderful world of Johnlock fan fic. The authors out there are handling them so respectfully, so lovingly, I'm amazed. Thanks for the rec-- I just reread it just now, had forgotten all about this one! John's POV, and Sherlock is a hoot. I sat here and giggled at both of them. So sweet. You're right-- the author has their voices down pat. I really admire those who have such a good ear and can then translate what they hear into the written word. It's a delight to read.

This story is rated PG, by the way. If BBC's Sherlock ever went to the dark side and started showing us a relationship between these two beautiful men, this story would do just fine for that episode.

ancientsgate · August 14, 2012 11:37 am

I don't know if anyone cares about this thread or about Johnlock fic, since only a couple of people have left comments, but I'll continue to put up my recs just because I can, I guess. Meanwhile, if any of you have Johnlock stories you've enjoyed that you can rec, I for one would love to hear about it.

This one took me two days to read. I found it highly repetitive, but interesting. It went on and on and on and on, but somehow I stuck with it and plugged away and was glad I did. Written in John first person, it included detailed accounts of a lot of his dreams, for some reason; I guess the author must be fascinated by dreams-- she certainly writes colorful ones. This poor John went *three years* thinking Sherlock was dead. Three long years... angsty to the max this was. But both her John and her Sherlock were lovely-- true to the BBC canon, except with the added bonus of their love for one another.

The Quiet Man by ivyblossom, she has rated this explicit, but I thought it was more R rated.
http://archiveofourown.org/works/322978/chapters/520106

Long. Did I say this one was long? Yup. 58 chapters, nearly 160,000 words. Long.

tobeornot221b · August 14, 2012 5:14 pm

ancientsgate wrote:
I don't know if anyone cares about this thread or about Johnlock fic, since only a couple of people have left comments, but I'll continue to put up my recs just because I can, I guess. Meanwhile, if any of you have Johnlock stories you've enjoyed that you can rec, I for one would love to hear about it.

This one took me two days to read. I found it highly repetitive, but interesting. It went on and on and on and on, but somehow I stuck with it and plugged away and was glad I did. Written in John first person, it included detailed accounts of a lot of his dreams, for some reason; I guess the author must be fascinated by dreams-- she certainly writes colorful ones. This poor John went *three years* thinking Sherlock was dead. Three long years... angsty to the max this was. But both her John and her Sherlock were lovely-- true to the BBC canon, except with the added bonus of their love for one another.

The Quiet Man by ivyblossom, she has rated this explicit, but I thought it was more R rated.
http://archiveofourown.org/works/322978/chapters/520106

Long. Did I say this one was long? Yup. 58 chapters, nearly 160,000 words. Long.

Oh yes, "The Quiet Man"! I found myself reading and reading and reading this fic during the past few weeks (instead of sleeping ) as I was absolutely fascinated by this story.
Thanks, ancientsgate, for posting your recs here. I've just started to read some of the stories. Quite enjoyable stuff...

ancientsgate · August 14, 2012 5:28 pm

tobeornot221b wrote:
Thanks, ancientsgate, for posting your recs here. I've just started to read some of the stories. Quite enjoyable stuff...

Oh, good! Glad you're enjoying. I'd love to hear about any your discover that you'd like to rec as well.

tobeornot221b · August 14, 2012 8:41 pm

I've very much enjoyed reading "Given In Evidence" by verityburns over the last months.
http://archiveofourown.org/works/348259?view_full_work=true

Here's the author's summary:
"Coming back from the dead can be a complicated business. With a new case on the horizon, rebuilding a life is one thing... rebuilding a friendship quite another. For Sherlock and John, things may never be just the same..."

It's quite long (82,329 words, 16/17 chapters) and rated M.

Sammy · August 14, 2012 11:13 pm

All the Sherlock fanfics I read are Johnlock. Wait, what?

I have started reading The Quiet Man and I thought it was amazing up to the point when *SPOILER* John and Sherlock meet again. That kinda... took away the whole purpose of this for me. Is it still good afterwards? Should I carry on reading?

Oooh, this one:
http://madlorific.livejournal.com/30177.html
Performance In A Leading Role
Rating: PG for now, may go up to NC-17 later
Summary: 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?

Oh, it's long but it's totally awesome. Normally I don't like AUs but this one... I just read the first lines and then I couldn't stop because it was so epic!

ancientsgate · August 14, 2012 11:14 pm

tobeornot221b wrote:
I've very much enjoyed reading "Given In Evidence" by verityburns over the last months.
http://archiveofourown.org/works/348259?view_full_work=true

Here's the author's summary:
"Coming back from the dead can be a complicated business. With a new case on the horizon, rebuilding a life is one thing... rebuilding a friendship quite another. For Sherlock and John, things may never be just the same..."

It's quite long (82,329 words, 16/17 chapters) and rated M.

Ooo, thanks for the rec, I'll check this one out. That one is long but not terribly so. Shouldn't take me days to get through like that ivyblossom one did. *g*

ancientsgate · August 14, 2012 11:22 pm

Sammy wrote:
All the Sherlock fanfics I read are Johnlock. Wait, what?
I have started reading The Quiet Man and I thought it was amazing up to the point when *SPOILER* John and Sherlock meet again. That kinda... took away the whole purpose of this for me. Is it still good afterwards? Should I carry on reading?

Oh, to me, that's when it started getting interesting. Away from the damned dreams she couldn't seem to stop writing about (mostly-- there is some dream stuff later) and back to what passes for reality for those two. *SPOILER* I thought John's reaction to seeing Sherlock again was pretty believable-- and I loved that the initial reaction took him a couple of days to work through. And poor clueless Sherlock, who literally held John up at one point and mumbled something about how he'd never realized it would have been so hard for John-- poor idiot.

Oooh, this one:
http://madlorific.livejournal.com/30177.html
Performance In A Leading Role
Rating: PG for now, may go up to NC-17 later totally awesome. Normally I don't like AUs but this one... I just read the first lines and then I couldn't stop because it was so epic!

This is probably the best-known and most-read Johnlock fic in the fandom. I followed madlori over from the Brokeback Mountain fandom, where she was the #1 author over there, too-- the woman has a prodigious talent. She was well-known in the HP fandom as well, but had never written slash before BBM-- hard to believe, she's so good at it! In fact, I believe it was reading PIALR that got me watching the BBC show--- until then, I'd never seen or read one thing about Sherlock. That is a really powerful story.

PIALR is no longer a WIP-- it's been complete for quite a while. I would read it on Archive Of Our Own, where her author name is mad_lori. Yes, it's an explicit (NC-17) story. But not porny at all. Lots and lots and lots of love and lots of forever. One of the best slash stories I've ever read, and I've read 1000 or more in several fandoms.

hepzibah · August 15, 2012 2:52 am

OH, AG (can we call you something else?) I love Johnlock, so I'm glad to discover others who do as well. I read your fist rec, Stages of Grief, and left a comment for the author (which I think is the polite thing to do) and I quite enjoyed it. I really prefer the longer stories because I hate to get to the end of a good story, one of the reasons I don'tt read short stories in RL.

I read the Two two One Bravo Baker series in one hit, took me 12 hours, I had a sleep then went back to re-read the last chapter just to check that it had ended how I thought it had. I love, love, love that series. Especially the scene under the Jeep.

I have downloaded Performance in a Leading Role to my Kindle (did I mention that I have a kindle) so I can re-read it whenever I want. It is definitely in my top 4 fics, I just adore it, the characters are so accurate even in a totally different life. And I love Alone on the Water, but it makes me cry.

Can I recommend A Study in Winning
http://archiveofourown.org/works/366788/chapters/596177
It had the boys as champion tennis players. i don't give a rat's arse about tennis but the story is BRILLIANT. It is a complete work, but the follow-up, A Study in Doubles, is still a work in progress, and it is agony to wait for updates, but well worth it.

Another rec is Composing Hallelujah
http://archiveofourown.org/series/16315
in which the boys are in rehab for various substance abuses, another WIP, well worth reading

and finally, the Long Ago and Far Away series, set before and during World War II, I love this one to pieces, another WIP
http://archiveofourown.org/series/12656

Be warned, though, that they are all adult stories with the boys doing unspeakable things to each other
Ridiculously excited about recommending these, please let me know what you think. I must get back to reading your recs!

ancientsgate · August 15, 2012 7:03 am

hepzibah wrote:
OH, AG (can we call you something else?)

Ancient, AG, ancientsgate, whatever. I don't mind. Long as you call me.

I love Johnlock, so I'm glad to discover others who do as well.

I remember that from the first time you said hello to me, you mentioned that you were a confirmed Sherlock/John slasher, just like me. Heeee!

I read the Two two One Bravo Baker series in one hit, took me 12 hours, I had a sleep then went back to re-read the last chapter just to check that it had ended how I thought it had. I love, love, love that series.

Definitely my favorite that I've found, except besides Performance in a Leading Role, that is.

Can I recommend A Study in Winning
http://archiveofourown.org/works/366788/chapters/596177
It had the boys as champion tennis players. i don't give a rat's arse about tennis but the story is BRILLIANT. It is a complete work, but the follow-up, A Study in Doubles, is still a work in progress, and it is agony to wait for updates, but well worth it.

Oh! Great. I loves me a good AU. Nothing like it. I will definitely check that one out.

Another rec is Composing Hallelujah
http://archiveofourown.org/series/16315
in which the boys are in rehab for various substance abuses, another WIP, well worth reading

Intriguing title. I'll stick that on my list as well.

and finally, the Long Ago and Far Away series, set before and during World War II, I love this one to pieces, another WIP
http://archiveofourown.org/series/12656

You know, love is love. No matter the setting, the time in world history, how the guys find each other, or what keeps them together, love is love. If an author can sell it in a way I can buy, I will, happily--- buy, read, believe. Such fun, to visit different authors' universes. Will make a note of this one as well. This is why I wanted to start this thread, because I just knew there were at least a few people here who were enjoying stories I'd never find on my own and who'd be willing to rec what they like. Thanks so much!

Be warned, though, that they are all adult stories with the boys doing unspeakable things to each other

I don't care for porn-- I actually found something porny the other day, something that came highly recommended (not from here, somewhere else) called A Cure for Boredom, and although the author was selling, I could not buy. It was just plain too far-fetched (for me). I mean, a guy might be bored, but good lord, Sherlock and John aren't 12 anymore, and wouldn't that non-stop self-abuse cause chafing after a while? lololololololol I'm afraid I gave up on that one, three pages in.

But if a story is well-laced with love and lots of forever, I think their horizontal (or vertical, come to think of it) activities are no more unspeakable than those of any other set of mates (in this case, I mean romantic sexual mates, not the way the word is used by the Brits of the world).

KeepersPrice · August 15, 2012 11:36 am

Oh you guys! What am I gonna do! You're killing me! I was going to hop on the Forum last night around 9:00 PM for just a few minutes, maybe post something short and sweet, then hop off and do some chores - but Nooooooooooo! I followed the link to 'Performance in a Leading Role' and that was the end of everything. I finally signed off at 1:30 AM. There's no hope for me anymore. If I make it through work today it will be a miracle.

BTW, why would I ever make a stab at my own fan fic when madlori is in the world? Holy crap! There's no competing with someone of her talent. That story is just amazing!

I'm doomed.....I'm doomed........*runs off crying and laughing at the same time*

ancientsgate · August 15, 2012 7:26 pm

KeepersPrice wrote:
Oh you guys! What am I gonna do! You're killing me! I was going to hop on the Forum last night around 9:00 PM for just a few minutes, maybe post something short and sweet, then hop off and do some chores - but Nooooooooooo! I followed the link to 'Performance in a Leading Role' and that was the end of everything. I finally signed off at 1:30 AM. There's no hope for me anymore. If I make it through work today it will be a miracle. ... I'm doomed.....I'm doomed........*runs off crying and laughing at the same time*

*giggling, channeling Moriarty's crazed sing-song* I told you so....

madlori has a wonderful Tumblr account. She's in her late 30s, so no kid. She's a chemist by day (Bryn Mawr grad, Univ. of Ohio masters in applied chemistry), and just happens to have this little writing habit that she follows on her own time, along with being a docent at the Columbus Zoo and an avid hiker and kayaker. She's quite a person. Lots of Sherlock/Benny photos on her account, she posts fic recs, she chats about her own writing quite a lot. I visit her Tumblr acct daily, since I've been following her for about 6 or 7 years now. As I said, she had a couple of novel-length BBM stories that were *legendary* in that fandom, and she actually took one of them, an AU, changed Jack and Ennis' names, and published the story through dreamspinner press-- it's called Zero at the Bone, and you can find it on amazon under her author name, Jane Seville. But anyway, if you want to follow her Tumblr acct, go here:
http://madlori.tumblr.com/