Word count: 44,197 Chapters: 17/17 Fandom: Sherlock (TV), Sherlock Holmes & Related Fandoms Rating: Mature Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, Mycroft Holmes & Sherlock Holmes, more to be revealed later Characters: Sherlock Holmes, John Watson, Mycroft Holmes, Filip Scarlatti, John's hapless footman Kenelm Additional Tags: Romance, Angst, Alternate Universe - Classical Music, Alternate Universe - Historical, Mystery, Social Issues, Family Loss, Travel, Vienna in the 1830s, Physical Disability, Depression, Don't copy to another site, Mourning, Loneliness, Career troubles Summary:

Lieutenant John Watson's days in London are painted in shades of grey after losing both his military career and his family. Could an unexpected request to travel to Vienna to track down the errant son of a wealthy family break the monotony?

======

Rec: Another fic slightly off the beaten path, this story is not so much a mystery (although there is an aspect of investigation as John tries to gather information to send back to Mycroft) as it is an exploration of the musician side of Holmes's character. Taking inspiration from the 1984 movie Amadeus, among other influences, it casts Sherlock Holmes in the role of a musical genius leading a bohemian lifestyle while carrying with him a mysterious obsession for a magnum opus he cannot finish.

The intricate details woven throughout the story bring the historical period to life in striking detail, the depiction of 1830s Vienna so vivid that it feels like you are traveling there in person. The author's obvious enthusiasm for the subject matter shines through in every scene, taking us on a deep dive into the world of music history while still remaining eminently accessible.

Additional familiar characters, in particular Molly and the elusive Victor, take on new dimensions, adding layers to the intricate narrative. There is also an undercurrent of romance and deepening affection between Sherlock and John, although it’s not the main focus and their relationship could never be called conventional. But then when was anything about them conventional?

Overall, this fanfiction is a wonderfully written, wholly engaging as well as educational story (castrati, anyone?) with a fresh perspective on the characters and their relationship that history fans will be sure to enjoy.

Word count: 22,302 Chapters: 10/10 Fandom: Sherlock (TV), Sherlock Holmes & Related Fandoms Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Sherlock Holmes & John Watson, Sherlock Holmes/John Watson Characters: Sherlock Holmes, John Watson Additional Tags: Natural Disasters, Volcanology, Geology, Adventure, Peril, Alternate Universe, Alternate Universe - Different First Meeting, Travel, Drama, Accidents and injuries, do not copy to another site, Sherlock spouts a lot of sexy science, John is competent, and bisexual and aroused by said science talk, Somewhat realistic volcanology but don't expect Sherlock's spoutings to be very accurate, bc I'm a doctor not a volcanologist damnit as McCoy would say, Accidental peril companions to something resembling a relationship kind of progression Summary:

Nature photographer John Watson is trying to do the same as the locals: getting the hell of the way when the killer queen of Indonesian's volcanoes starts a drumbeat towards eruption. Little does he know that soon, he'll be headed straight into the danger zone.

======

Rec: It never ceases to amaze me how Sherlock and John can be put into absolutely any ridiculous situation, and they just immediately, point-blank work together. In this high-stakes, thrill-seeking adventure set before the dramatic backdrop of an active volcano, the mutual excitement and fascination of the two is as palpable from the get-go as the ash in the air. I felt as if I were right there with them for the front-row view not only to an amazing natural spectacle, but also to the startling realizations they come to regarding their feelings and internal paradigm shifts.

As usual with works by this author, I came away edified, entertained, impressed, and buoyed on a cloud of happy-making chemicals.

Side note: No sexytimes (although they do get together), the rating is likely for language and semi-graphic injuries.

Word count: 10,035 Chapters: 3/3 Fandom: Sherlock (TV), Sherlock Holmes & Related Fandoms Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, Mycroft Holmes & Sherlock Holmes Characters: Sherlock Holmes, John Watson, Mycroft Holmes, Mrs. Hudson (Sherlock Holmes) Additional Tags: John Watson is a Good Doctor, and a bit of a socialist, Hurt/Comfort, Medical Conditions, Minor Injuries, Developing Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, Sherlock manipulates medical ethics like he manipulates witnesses, Refreshingly-at-peace-with-his-bisexuality-Watson, Sherlock's Violin, Sexual Tension, Mycroft being his usual tweedy twat self, Don't copy to another site Summary:

John Watson is a sports surgeon who thought he was at peace with his career choices but this morning, he's meeting a new patient who might just break the brittle life balance John has constructed.

======

Rec: A thoroughly enjoyable alternate meeting AU that shines with snappy dialogue, brotherly snark, and some very special bedside manners.

Word count: 114,111 Chapters: 26/26 Fandom: Sherlock (TV), Sherlock Holmes & Related Fandoms Rating: Mature Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, Mycroft Holmes & Sherlock Holmes, Mycroft Holmes & John Watson, Sherlock Holmes & Mummy, Sherlock Holmes & Greg Lestrade, Greg Lestrade & John Watson Characters: Sherlock Holmes, John Watson, Greg Lestrade, Violet Holmes, George Holmes, Mycroft Holmes, Natch the dog, Dr Joanna Pichler, various useful OCs, and various very much not helpful OCs, Edgar Kingsley III Additional Tags: Medical husbands, Drama, Romance, Marriage, Depression, Anxiety, Sherlock is a Mess, Established Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, Alternate Universe, neurosurgery, anaesthesiology, medical drama, Legal Drama, Don't copy to another site, Angst and Hurt/Comfort Series: Part 22 of You Go To My Head Summary:

When Sherlock's career and sanity are compromised by a case that ends up on the nation's front pages, he and John struggle to find a way forward. How can a surgeon reconcile being protected for a mistake they made but put on trial for one they didn't?

======

Rec: A magnificent climax to a landmark series. Although you know from the summary what is coming, the author plays with cards close to their chest, creating a crescendo of tension and anticipation until the seminal event which finally brings all of the blocks crashing down.

Amidst this perfect storm of personal and professional tragedies converging, an existential crisis emerges from an unexpected quarter that threatens to put an end to Sherlock’s career and the life he has fought so hard for. Luckily, Sherlock has unwittingly assembled just the team he needs over the course of the entire series, and it was wonderful to see just how far he has come and how everyone was able to play the part they were destined for.

This particular installment focuses less than previous stories on the more generally visible aspects of trauma, treatment, and recovery, and more on the providers’ internal perspective and the behind-the-scenes functioning - or failing - of the healthcare system. It was a real eye-opener, and one of the biggest things that I’ve enjoyed and admired about this entire series is how much I’m able to experience the story from the characters’ perspectives. Not just understanding what they are feeling and why, but actually feeling those things. It’s truly like being inside someone else’s mind, which I think is a pretty magical thing for a story to be able to do. As such, it was truly a fitting finale, leaving me with a sense of closure, peace, and satisfaction on all fronts.

Word count: 56,458 Chapters: 24/24 Fandom: Sherlock (TV), Sherlock Holmes & Related Fandoms Rating: Explicit Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, Sherlock Holmes/Victor Trevor, Mycroft Holmes & Sherlock Holmes Characters: Sherlock Holmes, John Watson, Victor Trevor, Mycroft Holmes, Angus Ardle, Edward The Abdicator Additional Tags: Angst, Romance, Tragedy, Alternate Universe - Different First Meeting, MI6, Family, Regret, Alcohol Abuse/Alcoholism, Pining, Unhealthy Relationships, Sexuality Crisis, Don't copy to another site, Sherlock Holmes and Drug Use, Sherlock Holmes Has Feelings, John is a Mess, Ram problems, John Watson is a Good Doctor, when he actually bothers to go to work, deep sea fishing, John is good with his hands, get your mind out of the gutter, or on second thought don't, Empty sad loveless sex, And also the opposite, Top shelf quality pining, Sherlock Holmes Being a Drama Queen Summary:

They say that people who settle in such isolated, wild places cradled and battered by the sea are exceptionally at peace with themselves or running away from something. Sherlock certainly knows which one applies to him, but what about his reclusive neighbour John Watson?

======

Rec: Sherlock finds himself quite out of his element when forced into temporary exile on a remote windswept island in the North Sea, but the adventure soon turns from a struggle for physical survival into a complex emotional rattling of cages when he makes the acquaintance of the enigmatic John Watson.

Since I went into this expecting something more AU, I just want to clarify that this is more an alternate meeting in the sense that both men are the same characters (although John’s back story has been shifted around somewhat), just that they become acquainted in a different place under different circumstances. But Sherlock is still the London-based consulting detective, and John the ex-army doctor whiling away his existence as an underchallenged GP.

Part of the great allure of this story for me was the delicate peeling back of both John and Sherlock’s armor layer by layer as we discover what has brought them to this place, both literally and figuratively, through recurring excursions into the past. The takes on Victor and Mary (both past relationships) went places I didn’t expect, creating new angles from which Sherlock and John now approach each other.

The other major point of interest for me was the integration of the exotic location into the story, both as a means to drive the plot and create ways for the characters to interact, as well as a reflection of the state of the characters’ minds and even their souls. The stark beauty and harshness of the land and water are unflinchingly yet lovingly brought to life, creating a richly detailed backdrop worthy of any cinematic experience.

I do feel it fair to mention as well that there is untagged Sherlock/OMC interaction. It’s not actually infidelity, but if it makes you unhappy to see either of them with someone else (not past), then just know it doesn’t interfere with the happy ending, rather facilitating it.

Word count: 75,878 Chapters: 17/17 Fandom: Sherlock (TV), Sherlock Holmes & Related Fandoms Rating: Explicit Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, Sherlock Holmes & Edgar Kingsley III Characters: Sherlock Holmes, John Watson, Marie the magical nurse who likes working with Mister Holmes, Mr Marius Collings, Billy Wiggins, Dr Joanna Pichler, Harry Watson, Edgar Kingsley III, Violet Holmes, George Holmes, Natch the dog Additional Tags: Medical husbands, Surgery, neurosurgery, medical AU, Otorhinolaryngology, RAMC, Angst, Depression, Sherlock Holmes and Drug Use, Gotta get those johnsils out, You can thank 88thparallel for that term, Sherlock Has a Military Kink, Emotional Support, Hurt/Comfort, Psychotherapy, Don't copy to another site, Relationship confidence, Neurodiversity, Nightmares, Addiction, Smoking, Family Dynamics, Autism Spectrum Series: Part 21 of You Go To My Head Summary:

When John gets a long overdue tonsillectomy, Sherlock is robbed of a chance to meet lots of handsome officers in uniform.

======

Rec: Right off, this doesn’t go into the military kink as much as perhaps the tags and summary might indicate. The main action of the story involves John’s surgery and recovery and Sherlock’s role in all that, heavily supported by sessions with his therapist.

As such, what I think this series, and this installment in particular, do so well for me is getting into Sherlock’s head. As I read the story, I could viscerally feel Sherlock’s pent-up frustration, confusion, and self-reproach as he tried to navigate the unexpected events and shifts in the dynamic of the various relationships in his life. Truly, the moments when he got to escape into the OP were oases of peace and tranquility where he could feel confident and at ease, shutting out the chaos and unpredictability of the real world... and of his own memories. For as he tries to work out why he’s having such a hard time with John’s illness -- after all, he’s not the one who’s sick, and it’s hardly a life-threatening condition -- things he’d thought long left in the past resurface. It’s a fascinating reframing of some troubling events from previous parts of the series -- in particular Scar Tissue -- showing that established relationship stories are far from staid, and that good things are worth putting in the effort for.

Word count: 54,330 Chapters: 15/15 Fandom: Sherlock (TV), Sherlock Holmes & Related Fandoms Rating: Mature Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, Mycroft Holmes & Sherlock Holmes Characters: Sherlock Holmes, John Watson, Mycroft Holmes, Greg Lestrade, Mike Stamford Additional Tags: Drama, Angst, Medical Procedures, Medical Trauma, Hurt/Comfort, Romance, Friends to Lovers, although they were sort of both right from the start even if nobody says it out loud, PTSD, Autism Spectrum, open heart surgery, Medical Realism, All the medical and angsty bells and whistles you should expect from a J. Baillier story, 2nd person POV, POV John Watson, Don't copy to another site, Mrs Hudson's herbal soothers, Acute stress disorder, Heart valve replacement Summary:

Maybe he thinks that you only enjoy his company because of the Work, because of the way his dazzling intellect shines when he's in his element, but the truth is this: it is when he is at his most human, most bare, that you feel closest to him.

======

Rec: Get ready for some major Sherlock whump in this highly engrossing medical drama. Both Sherlock and John are out of their depth and in for a bumpy ride when a medical emergency hits which is beyond John’s expertise. There is much butting of heads as Sherlock is the worst patient ever, questioning and blocking his care at every turn, and John has his work cut out for him to wrangle the man he loves into doing what’s best for him.

One of my favorite aspects was the absolute matter-of-factness with which John assumes the role of emotional supporter and de facto domestic partner. No fuss, no muss, everyone just assumes he is Sherlock’s significant other, and he easily slides into the role without any further discussion. The relationship never becomes physical despite the M rating -- which I assume is for references to illicit drug use and graphic medical interventions -- yet you won’t be left disappointed with some lovely bed-sharing and cuddles once Sherlock’s recovery is underway.

There is also a very nice turn for Mycroft, who really goes the extra mile for his brother without being overbearing.

The 2nd person POV took me a little while to get the hang of, but once I got into the groove it was quite fun.

Word count: 16,430 Chapters: 5/5 Fandom: Sherlock (TV), Sherlock Holmes & Related Fandoms Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence Relationships: Sherlock Holmes & John Watson, Sherlock Holmes & Greg Lestrade, Greg Lestrade & John Watson Characters: Sherlock Holmes, John Watson, Greg Lestrade, Molly Hooper, Various OCs required by the case Additional Tags: Suspense, Horror, Gallows Humor, Humor, Friendship, Sherlock being his typical sassy self, Murder, Halloween, casefic, London, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD, Psychological Torture, The sociology and psychology of horror as entertainment Summary:

A case takes Sherlock and John deep into the seedy underbelly of the haunted attractions industry. With audiences craving more and more intense experiences, is a real murder the next logical step?

======

Rec: This is a fantastically disturbing case fic, rife with morally gray characters and horror-film ambience that make this as entertaining as it is chilling. Sherlock is at his edgy best, delighting in the twisted mental paths that lead to others’ misfortune until he comes up against his own hard limits. Set in a timeless bubble unconnected to any of the broadcast episodes, this allows Sherlock, John, and Greg to get down to the proper business of sleuthing without any interpersonal emotional baggage to get in the way. It was nice to see them working smoothly together, with good-natured teasing and interlocking mindsets that spur on the course of the investigation.

For those wary of the horror or torture tags, there is some discussion of serious injury, dub-con practices, and suicide (not involving any of the main characters), but there’s nothing really creepy, gory or jump-scare.

Word count: 7,184 Chapters: 4/4 Fandom: Sherlock (TV), Sherlock Holmes & Related Fandoms Rating: Mature Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, Sherlock Holmes & John Watson, Mycroft Holmes & Sherlock Holmes Characters: Sherlock Holmes, John Watson, Mycroft Holmes, Rosamund Mary "Rosie" Watson Additional Tags: Angst, Illness, Hurt & Comfort, Romance, instead of friends-to-lovers these two are just gonna pull their heads out of their arses, Mycroft Being a Good Brother, Pining, Desperation, Post-Season 4, Sherlock Holmes and Drug Use, Sherlock Holmes and Feelings, Sherlock Is A Bit Not Good, And John ain't much better, but he's quite rational, Parentlock, Reichenbach Feels, Flashback to tarmac hell, Hell is your best friend's wedding, Takes place after Season 4, Fandom Trumps Hate 2020 Summary:

Every morning, he lets out a rattled breath of relief because John doesn't know yet; he can still pretend everything hasn't changed.

Sometimes it's the smallest things, rather than criminal master plans or elaborate family secrets, which ultimately destroy what a man has fought to preserve.

======

Rec: How can a fic this short be so good and make so many feels? From despair and helplessness to overwhelming joy and comfort, I suffered and celebrated right along with Sherlock as his life is turned upside-down, only to find his polar star where he both most and least expected. The author says the prompt this was written for was “fascinating, frightening and challenging,” which also perfectly describes the story itself, although I’d have to add “more satisfying and fulfilling than I ever would have expected.” So don’t worry about all the downer tags and get in there for a healing dose of loyalty and love from all quarters.

Word count: 6855 Chapters: 2/2 Fandom: Sherlock (TV), Sherlock Holmes & Related Fandoms Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, Mycroft Holmes & Sherlock Holmes, Sherlock Holmes & Mrs. Hudson Characters: Sherlock Holmes, John Watson, Rosamund Mary "Rosie" Watson, Mycroft Holmes, Mrs. Hudson (Sherlock Holmes) Additional Tags: Angst, Family Issues, Christmas sads, Sherlock tries very hard at things he's less bad at than he thinks, Like saving Christmas, Medical Conditions, Parental exhaustion, Loss, Depression, Mycroft Being a Good Brother, Godfather Sherlock, Christmas, Friends to Lovers, Sherlock Being Sherlock, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Post-Season/Series 04, Canon Compliant, Miscommunication, because it's them duh what else is new Summary:

Rosie's first Christmas without her mother is approaching fast, and John isn't coping well with the pressures of being a single parent. Can Sherlock scrape his new family back together?

======

Quickrec: This packs just about everything you could want for into an angsty Christmas treat with the best payoff of all: Johnlock!

Word count: 186,269 Chapters: 31/31 Fandom: Sherlock (TV), Sherlock Holmes & Related Fandoms Rating: Explicit Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, Mycroft Holmes & Sherlock Holmes, Sherlock Holmes & Natalia Mullan, Mycroft Holmes & John Watson, Sherlock Holmes & Greg Lestrade, Sherlock Holmes & Molly Hooper, Sherlock Holmes & Mrs. Hudson, Harry Watson & John Watson Characters: Sherlock Holmes, John Watson, Mycroft Holmes, Greg Lestrade, Molly Hooper, Natalia Mullan, Mrs. Hudson (Sherlock Holmes), Isobel Holmes, Sophie who actually really IS a housekeeper, Harry Watson, Leo Brinley, various case-related OCs Additional Tags: Angst, Romance, Depression, medical ethics, John is a smitten summer sausage, Insecure Sherlock, Serious Illness, Permanent Injury, POV John Watson, Sherlock Whump, bamf!Watson, John is a Very Good Doctor, But maybe an ex-surgeon, Injury Recovery, Physical rehabilitation, Medical Realism, Assisted Suicide, Sherlock's Violin, Awkward Sexual Situations, Alcoholism, sherlock holmes and drugs, Idiots in Love, Slow Burn, Body Image, Friends to Lovers, Hurt/Comfort, Pain, Mycroft being a good big brother, Intimacy, Caretaker burnout, Anxiety, PTSD, Sherlock Is A Bit Not Good, Family Issues, Psychological Trauma, With all the trimmings, Loneliness, casefic, Heavily inspired by the novel "Me Before You", sibling relationships, John Whump, holidays are for murder, Also Mycroft being an overbearing busybody, but mostly of the emotional variety, rage!turnip!bamf!captain!watson, Greece, not quite sex holidays, Don't copy to another site Series: Part 1 of Care And Companionship Summary:

Invalided home from Afghanistan, running out of funds and convinced that his surgical career is over, John Watson accepts a mysterious job offer to provide care and companionship for a disabled person. Little does he know how much hangs in the balance of his performance as he settles into his new life at Musgrave Court.

======

Rec: I was pretty much blown away by this alternate meeting AU in which Sherlock has lost permanent use of his legs - and partial use of his arms - due to a case gone awry. As you might imagine, he isn’t handling it well. John is also experiencing major problems adjusting to civilian life and his own career-ending injuries. Basically, both men start off their association in a much worse place than in the BBC series, and it takes a far longer time to build up through a slow gaining of trust. But that journey is absolutely glorious. Fraught with explosive emotion along with an undercurrent of wistful yearning for connection on both sides, they both must discover new purpose through each other on a looming deadline...

I learned so much reading this fic, about the stark and inescapable facts of living with the kind of injuries Sherlock has suffered, about patient rights and advocacy, about life in a wheelchair, about the mind and recovery from trauma. Yet amidst the health setbacks and minor warfare between the brothers Holmes, there’s still room for holding hands, laughter, cases, cuddling, seaside getaways, and even -- if you are very good -- some long-awaited, luxuriously indulgent nookie.

I spoiled myself somewhat by looking up the novel/movie this was inspired by; there is a fairly significant reveal that I think has a greater impact if you don’t know the book plot. Having said that, this fic does not follow the book in all points, so if you know the story and think you know what is coming, you may be (pleasantly) surprised. (Also see: No archive warnings apply.)

Word count: 79,663 Chapters: 14/14 Fandom: Sherlock (TV), Sherlock Holmes & Related Fandoms Rating: Mature Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, Sherlock Holmes & John Watson, Mycroft Holmes & Sherlock Holmes, Eurus Holmes & Mycroft Holmes & Sherlock Holmes, Sherlock Holmes & Rosamund Mary "Rosie" Watson Characters: Sherlock Holmes, John Watson, Mycroft Holmes, Rosamund Mary "Rosie" Watson, Alex Mandrake, Eurus Holmes Additional Tags: Angst, Family Drama, Guilt, casefic, John Watson Loves Sherlock Holmes, but everything is so damned complicated, sherrinford, mentalism, Hypnosis, Murder, Grieving John Watson, Sherlock Holmes is a Bit Not Good, Teamwork, Trust Issues, Post-Episode: s04e03 The Final Problem, BAMF John, Psychological Trauma, John is a battle onion of the obtuse infantry division, Protective John Watson Summary:

A genius traumatised by a past he's only beginning to recall. The psychopath sister that time forgot. A missing woman and a mentalist who may or may not be a murderer. And, in the middle of it all, stands John Watson.

======

Rec: A monumental fic! I’d almost forgotten how much fun a really juicy casefic is, especially one that uses the case to further John and Sherlock’s relationship. And even more, one that is so intricately plotted and meticulously planned, such that every detail from the beginning onward is laid out to both misdirect but ultimately lead to the solution. It’s simply terrific fun to get swept up in and settle in for the ride.

This fic runs on two parallel tracks, one being the case itself which sees John and Sherlock travelling to a weekend retreat at a secluded mansion replete with creepy characters of dubious morals and intentions, hidden rooms, mysterious disappearances, and of course a shared bedroom. The other track runs a month or so later as John visits Eurus at Sherrinford and relates to her what happened there. With both storylines, the actual motivation for Sherlock taking the case and John visiting Eurus are withheld until near the end, making this more like a triple mystery for the reader to try and figure out.

I’m waffling on how to tag the relationship aspect of this; there is no sexual element to Sherlock and John’s relationship, but it’s definitely not gen in the sense of not being shippy. The entire basis of the fic - trying not to spoil it - is how committed Sherlock and John are to each other, emotionally and in other ways as well. As was made clear in series 4, John is considered family, and it’s not in a fraternal capacity. (The rating is likely for mention of sexual abuse and suicide, neither of which involve any of the main characters.)