A candy box of new Johnlock fics, pt 1: December 2025
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The notifications are flying in so fast I can't keep up. My MFL list has ballooned to the point that it’s no longer helpful, just bewildering! But the stories coming out at the end of this year are tantalizing, so here's a confectioner's dozen listed by length. A part 2, with stories still in progress, is guaranteed, and a part 3 is likely too. (Add your stories please!)
<1K words:
The Whosie Wotsit of the Atmospheric Pressure (272 words) by AlwaysJohn. Gently comes the season of love.
'Twas the Night Before Christmas and All Through the Flat ... (370 words) by hisfavouritejumper (helloliriels). … a voice could be heard, "Oh yes! Just like that!"
Inspirational (614 words) by NovaNara. After watching telly, John can't help himself. He has to ask.
1K–2.5K words:
News From Nowhere (1319 words) by mydogwatson. A meeting on a park bench changes two lives.
A Quiet Night In (1355 words) by saintscully. New Year’s Eve doesn’t go according to plan.
Epiphany in the A&E (1597 words) by Enterthetadpole. When Rosie ends up ill and has to go to the A&E, John finds out more than he realises about himself, and the detective he has chosen to share his home life.
2.5K–5K words:
It Will Fall (4195 words) by stopthat. They’ve slipped into a life that feels more right than any he’s lived before. When the apple is ripe, it will fall.
5K-10K words:
Flattened By Your Interest (6675 words) by J_Baillier. A Christmas story of male escorts, rotting corpses, drunken sisters and hopeless romance. What else would we expect from John Watson and Sherlock Holmes?
Miracle at Appledore (7898 words) by amaruuk. Sherlock was wrong about everything. There are no vaults. Magnussen has won. And John has a gun.
Meanwhile The World Goes On (8075 words) by Raina_at . It's just past midnight in December 25th, 2009. John is in the middle of a staring contest with the abyss when he meets a mysterious stranger who proves to him that life is far from done with John Watson.
10K–20K words:
Hide and Seek (2/6 ch., 6745 words so far) by thegildedbee. Four entrances and exits that move two London boys, neither with a fixed permanent address, ever closer to 221B Baker Street.
Three Christmases (17,369 words) by Calais_Reno. Summary:
What if John had received a clue that Sherlock wasn't dead?
What if he had people who helped him through his grief?
And what if Sherlock had a wish of his own?
Is it possible to preserve a moment in time?
Reprise: Variation 2 (4/? ch., 8 K so far) by elwinglyre. After the fall and funeral, John despairs, but also embraces a glimmer of hope—that Sherlock is alive. Sometimes wishes do come true. This AU follows John as he helps Sherlock dismantle Moriarty's network to save all that they love. In the process they may even save each other.
Bonus icing on the chocolates: if there's a happier surprise than learning that J_Baillier's Drift United (264,556 words so far) has upped its chapter count to 52, I can't think just now of what that might be.
GO FORTH AND REBLOG TO LIGHTEN THE 12 LONGEST NIGHTS OF THE YEAR!
Love at First Pride by topsyturvy_turtely (T)
John just recently discovered he is bi. So this is his first Pride Parade. And then this tall, attractive man catches his eye and he promptly falls in love.
The Riots by CarmillaCarmine (G)
A glimpse into the lives of John and Sherlock living in 1969 NYC the night the Stonewall Riots broke out.
John & Sherlock Go to Pride by KingHippiedude (missreader) (G)
John and Sherlock participate in the London Pride Parade.
Rosie and the pride month by Eva_23 (T)
Little Rosie celebrating the pride month with her Dads!
Dying (In a good way) by Strangehamstergirl (G)
John rolled his eyes and glared at the pink dye he was holding.
*The boys decide to change things up a bit for pride*
Pride (In the Name of Love) by ChrisCalledMeSweetie (G)
Sherlock and John celebrate Pride.
In early 2024, I got back into reading Johnlock fanfiction for the first time in several years. I soon came across this list of “Fifty Favorite Johnlock Fics,” and it turned out to be a really fun starting point for me. So I wanted to make a list of my own!
Below the cut, you’ll find fifty recommended fics and series, with notes about what I appreciated about each. There are fics on here from 2010 to 2025! I hope new Johnlock readers might find this a fun place to start their explorations, and that seasoned readers might find something new. The fics in bold are my personal favorites. <3
I’m so grateful to all the writers who have dedicated their time and creativity to Sherlock and John, and who have shared their wonderful writing with the rest of us. Thank you. I've tagged the authors whose tumblrs I could find—any corrections or additions, just let me know.
Note that you’ll need to be logged in on AO3 to see some of these.
Organized by when they start, with fics that span series and AUs at the end.
Series 1 and Series 2
Left, by lifeonmars (@marsdaydream). M, 45,153 words. An alternate telling of S1. John’s perspective. / This fic uses clever world-building to situate Sherlock and John in an alternate universe with magical realism. The magical elements served to emphasize both that Sherlock and John will always see what’s special about each other, and that the things that make them each unique are also the things that make them fit together perfectly.
Seventeen Letters, by out_there (@out-there-tmblr). G, 2,357 words. Set in the world of S1. John’s perspective. / I really like the dynamic between Sherlock and John in this author’s S1-era fics. out_there’s version of John is patient and calm and loves Sherlock in a very sure, steady kind of way. Meanwhile, their Sherlock is tentative towards John and often misunderstands things, but he’s also completely devoted to John and has a heart of gold. I think there’s something wonderful about the way this author writes Sherlock and John’s early friendship and the two of them sliding into a romantic relationship as if it’s simply inevitable. There’s a blurriness between friendship and love in these stories that’s very satisfying to sit with.
Alone On the Water, by Mad_Lori (@madlori). G, 7,725 words. Set in the world of S1. John’s perspective, first person. / A fic of legendary status within the fandom. My best friend and I first read this around the same time, now more than ten years ago, and I remember talking with her about how heartbreaking it is. She’s not really in the fandom now, but I referenced it to her recently and she instantly knew what I was talking about. A story that will stay with you.
A Waste of Breath, by Chryse. E, 95,452 words. Starts with the pool scene and diverges from canon from there. Alternates between Sherlock’s and John’s perspectives, with more of John’s. / This is a very compelling, very dark case fic. Chryse captures the S1/S2 dynamic between Sherlock and John really well and gives us a very caring version of John.
Vessel, by Rhuia. E, 15,695 words. Set a few months after the pool scene. Alternates between John’s and Sherlock’s perspectives. / An excellent story that shows Sherlock’s complete commitment to John after John receives a cancer diagnosis. This fic explores the many ways that John and Sherlock rely on each other and their unique way of loving each other. I really enjoyed the resolution, too.
The Vapor Variant, by 88thParallel (CanadaHolm) (@88thparallel). M, 72,684 words. Starts right at the end of THOB. Alternates between Sherlock’s and John’s perspectives. / A story focused on plot and emotions in ways that kept me on the edge of my seat. One of the best things about this was getting to see how much Sherlock and John cared about each other and how desperate they were to keep each other safe.
Bent, by lifeonmars (@marsdaydream). M, 12,101 words. Set in the world of S2. John’s perspective. / A clever and fun modern update of “The Adventure of the Speckled Band” that’s laugh-out-loud hilarious. I love what the author did with both the case and the dynamic between Sherlock and John.
The Last Drop, by Phyona (@phyona). M, 20,185 words. Set in the world of S2. John’s perspective. / This fic has a sort of heady intensity to it that is just delightful. Pre-Johnlock, with lots of witty banter and unresolved tension.
London Orbital, by merripestin (@merripestin). G, 13,642 words. Set in the world of S2. Lestrade’s perspective. / A canon-compliant case fic based on “The Adventure of the Solitary Cyclist.” Funny and with snappy dialogue and descriptions that capture some of that S1/S2 feel.
walk through ghosts, by augustbird (@augustbird). M, 6,125 words. Set in the world of S2. Sherlock’s perspective. / Few things have ever destroyed me as thoroughly as this fic did. It’s so beautifully written, and the author captures S2 Sherlock’s character so very well. The fact that this story feels so real is what makes it so devastating. The day after I first read this, I couldn’t stop thinking about it and walked around with my heart physically aching in my chest.
An Empty Station, by ivywatcher. T, 17,151 words. Set after Sherlock’s fall. Lestrade’s perspective. / A beautifully written exploration of what might have happened after Sherlock’s fake suicide. This fic is filled with thoughtful insights into the characters and their relationships with one another, all illustrated through scenes that work wonderfully.
Nature and Nurture, by earlgreytea68 (@earlgreytea68). M, 203,273 words. Set after S2 and after Sherlock returns. Alternates between John’s and Sherlock’s perspectives, with more of John’s. / A true fandom classic—the one where Sherlock and John raise a baby clone of Sherlock. The premise sounds super cracky, but somehow it actually works. Although it’s surprisingly serious at times, overall this is probably one of the cutest and funniest things I’ve ever read, basically 200,000+ words of Sherlock and John being adorable gay fathers together. If you like this, then the five accompanying ficlets that the author wrote as short follow-ups are also worth checking out.
You Might Just as Well Be Blind, by ArwaMachine (@arwamachine). E, 56,625 words. Set a few years after S2, but in an alternate timeline where Sherlock never fell. John’s perspective. / This is a super funny, in some ways kind of silly but in other ways quite touching fake-it-for-a-case fic. I really liked how the author handled Sherlock’s side of things through the pieces of his past and his feelings that he revealed to John bit by bit as the case went on. And the resolution of the central mystery was just…great.
Series 3
Inscrutable to the Last, by DiscordantWords (@discordantwords). M, 48,842 words. An alternate telling of S3. John’s perspective. / This is a post-Reichenbach fic that cleverly works in plot points and details from S3. It features a pining John who slowly comes to realize exactly what he lost when Sherlock died and a Sherlock who is so in love and so desperate to keep John safe. They’re awful at communicating with each other, but they get there in the end. Especially in the first half or so, there were a few lines about what it was like for John to dream of a different life from the one he found himself living after Sherlock that I found really moving. Also, this fic references “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” by James Thurber, which you can read here if you’re interested.
The Burning Heart, by May_Shepard (@may-shepard). M, 119,150 words. An alternate telling of S3. John’s perspective. / This fic starts from a fascinating premise—what if when Sherlock returned, John was seeing a man instead of a woman?—and then absolutely does it justice. I loved what the author did with John’s perspective (he’s such a romantic on the inside in this fic, even if he sometimes has trouble expressing it out loud), how they showed John coming to terms with his sexuality and his love for Sherlock, and the way that John being with a man immediately shifted things between Sherlock and John. The author’s use of the secret assassin plotline was also fantastic; coupled with the tension between Sherlock and John, it made this fic a real page-turner. To top it all off, this fic even has an awesome version of Harry Watson.
A Glimpse, by amaruuk (@naefelldaurk). T, 13,992 words. Starts with the Landmark and diverges from canon from there. John’s perspective. / A thoughtful and reflective post-Reichenbach reunion story that features a John who’s more self-aware than the John of S3 canon and matches him with a Sherlock who’s not as overconfident as the Sherlock of TEH canon. This fic has some truly wonderful touches.
The Nothing Gold Series, by Raina_at (@raina-at). E, 100,015 words across seven works, so far. Set after TEH. Each fic told from either John’s perspective or Sherlock’s. / This series tracks a developing relationship between Sherlock and John and explores what it would take for them to achieve complete trust and honesty with each other. I really like how these fics show Sherlock and John working through it all. They’re not perfect, and it’s difficult, and they make mistakes, but they’re also motivated by a sincere commitment to embracing their love for each other and they’ve finally realized that their love makes them stronger together.
Speak Now, by Raina_at (@raina-at). T, 2,854 words. Set during TSOT. Sherlock’s perspective. / What would happen if Sherlock realized that he needed to say something before John got married? This fic is so smart and funny, and so very in-character for both Sherlock and John.
Points, by lifeonmars (@marsdaydream). E, 53,791 words. Set after TSOT. Alternates between Sherlock’s and John’s perspectives, with perhaps slightly more of John’s. / This breathtaking fic weaves together two stories: a poignant, fully convincing portrait of two people falling out of love, and the slow, careful story of two people realizing that they were meant for each other all along. The prose was often understated and beautiful, with several passages and metaphors that I want to hold on to. What happened to the characters in this fic felt so much more realistic and so much more like how people would act in real life than what happened on the show. This is wonderful, wonderful writing about love and family.
Waiting for Godot, by Raina_at (@raina-at). E, 26,173 words. Starts with Magnussen’s office and diverges from canon from there. Sherlock’s perspective. / John comes home. I really appreciated that in this story, Sherlock and John don’t just get together immediately after Mary is gone. Instead, this fic shows us a Sherlock who is patient and who struggles through his commitment to learning from his mistakes and being better for John. Sherlock and John slowly rebuild their friendship and move closer and closer to something more. And Molly has a great moment in this fic, too.
The Ground Beneath Your Feet, by Chryse. E, 68,803 words. Set after S3, but as if the last two minutes of HLV never happened. “The plane went on to Eastern Europe, and this is what came after.” John’s perspective. / The author describes this as “a PTSD story in which John was wholly devoted to Sherlock.” Brilliantly written and conceived, with several memorable moments between Sherlock and John and one particularly nail-biting scene. It was wonderful to see such a kind and caring version of John emerge out of S3. I also really liked seeing John and Mycroft become friends as they bonded over their shared concern for Sherlock.
The Adventures of a Single Girl in London (Plus a Consulting Detective), by earlgreytea68 (@earlgreytea68). M, 32,913 words. Set soon after S3. Switches between the perspectives of multiple characters. / This is a S3 fix-it fic that features an absolutely lovely friendship between Sherlock and Janine, with the best version of Janine that I’ve come across in a fic. Sherlock is vulnerable and sweet, John is an absolute idiot, Janine is perfect, and the last two chapters just make me scream.
A River Without Banks, by Chryse. E, 203,286 words. Starts right after S3. Switches between the perspectives of multiple characters, but definitely Sherlock-focused for the first half. / This is my absolute favorite fic ever. The author’s characterization of Sherlock is amazingly accurate, and Sherlock’s character development over the course of the story is breathtakingly executed and incredibly moving. The plot is fantastic and takes you on a page-turning emotional roller coaster, especially for about the first half of the story. I was also continually impressed by how many details from the show, adaptations of ACD canon stories, and references to earlier parts of the fic the author was able to weave in throughout while still keeping the story creative and original. Most importantly, though, I love this fic for the message that it sends about Sherlock and John’s love for each other, and I think it beautifully fulfills the original themes and intended message of the show. I’m so grateful that we have this version of Sherlock and John’s love story.
Another Country, by Chryse. E, 67,414 words. Starts right after the end of TAB. Sherlock’s perspective. / Sherlock spends one month and three days under house arrest in 221B, trying to get clean from the drugs, track down the new Moriarty, and figure out what the hell is going on between him and John. Another absolutely fantastic work by Chryse. This author really gets Sherlock’s character, and once again the characterization of Sherlock is spot-on and completely convincing. I can perfectly picture him acting exactly as he does in every scene. There are a few other elements that also make this a really compelling story, including smart uses of minor characters, a solid central mystery, and a complicated relationship between Sherlock and John that includes a very convincing post-S3 version of John.
for all that bitter delights will sour, by darcylindbergh (@darcylindbergh). E, 9,585 words. Set after S3. Sherlock’s perspective. / John initiates a sexually and emotionally abusive relationship with Sherlock. I honestly think this is one of the best pieces of fiction that I’ve ever read. As a piece of writing, it’s a gem, perfectly paced and structured and full of absolutely gorgeous and deeply moving passages. It depicts difficult themes very deftly, in lines and paragraphs that I sometimes stopped to read over and over. The first time I read this, my heart absolutely broke for Sherlock. But on a later reread, I realized that it’s written in such a way that I could actually understand John’s perspective, and my heart broke a little for him, too. I think it’s incredibly impressive that the author managed to pull that off. Overall, this is an emotionally powerful and very thought-provoking work.
Your Perfect Offering, by CaitlinFairchild. E, 44,609 words. Set after S3. John’s perspective. / A rape recovery story. Sherlock and John get together fairly early on in this fic, and together they must navigate the trauma that Sherlock carries with him from having been raped in Serbia. I really appreciated the slow pacing of this story and the immense gentleness and trust between Sherlock and John.
and your very flesh shall be a great poem, by CaitlinFairchild. E, 151,894 words. Set after S3. John’s perspective. / This is a novel-length, case/action/adventure fic where Sherlock and John follow Mary (who is definitely a villain here) to New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania to determine what has become of John’s daughter. Under stressful and dangerous circumstances, Sherlock and John find their way to each other and begin to open up about the things that matter. This was a really exciting read, and it was fascinating to see Sherlock and John working together in such a different setting. I also really loved some of their discussions about forgiveness and about how they could be better for each other.
Whatever Remains, However Improbable, by ivyblossom (@ivyblossom) and Loudest_Subtext_in_Television (@loudest-subtext-in-tv). T, 12,838 words. Set after S3. Told from the perspectives of two unnamed narrators. / A fascinating concept for a fic. Two unnamed characters sit down with John and Sherlock each in turn and spin out for them just a few of the possibilities for what’s inevitable: that Sherlock and John will finally figure things out together and will truly become a couple. The heart of this story is an intense, thoughtfully conceived, and well-written conversation between Sherlock and John.
Engaged, by lifeonmars (@marsdaydream). Not rated (I’d rate it T), 3,146 words. Set a few years after S3, but could be set at any time with an established relationship. Sherlock’s perspective. / A short and sweet piece of romance that shows Sherlock puzzling through the fact that he doesn’t believe in marriage as an institution but wants to be married to John. Sherlock and John felt very in-character to me.
Coming of Age and Public, Private, Secret, by 221b_careful_what_you_wish_for (@221b-carefulwhatyouwishfor). E, 27,605 words across two works. Set a few years after S3. One fic from the perspective of John’s daughter and one that alternates between Sherlock’s and John’s perspectives. / Sherlock and John get together, but they decide to keep their relationship secret. I think it’s really interesting to think about this as one version of a modern retelling of the Holmes/Watson relationship. Sherlock and John love each other and they are together, but they hide it from the world even as John writes about their adventures—and this time for reasons that differ from those of Holmes and Watson in ACD canon.
Series 4
The Hour Goes By, by philalethia. T, 5,943 words. Set after TST. Sherlock’s perspective. / A short, in-character and well-written piece that probes what might have happened after TST if John had accepted Sherlock’s help. Sherlock is pining and convincingly gentle, and John is exhausted and struggling. Pre-Johnlock, so it feels like it could be a snippet of the show that still leaves us hanging.
Borrowed Ghosts, by DiscordantWords (@discordantwords). M, 57,216 words. Picks up right before the hug scene in TLD and diverges from canon from there. Alternates between John’s and Sherlock’s perspectives, with more of John’s. / This fic focuses on John after he reaches a very dark place and finds it nearly impossible to continue his friendship with Sherlock. Incredibly slow burn with some very tense moments. The last two chapters really got me.
What It Can Be, by amaruuk (@naefelldaurk). T, 18,310 words. Set after TLD. Sherlock’s perspective. / This is a well-written and thoughtful TLD fix-it fic that addresses John’s abuse of Sherlock while still giving Sherlock and John a path forward. It has great characterization and does a very nice job of portraying Sherlock’s friendships with several of the show’s other characters.
To a Friend Who Sent Me Roses, by AlgySwinburne (@algyswinburne). E, 16,147 words. Set after S4, but ignores TFP and pretty much ignores TLD, too. Sherlock’s perspective. / “Five times Sherlock is mistaken for John’s partner and Rosie’s father, and one time it isn’t a mistake.” Is this the perfect fic? This might be the perfect fic. It’s sad, sweet, and hot by turns, absolutely lovely to read, and full of so many great details and lines. I love how the author wrote Sherlock’s perspective in this fic, and their characterization of John is just so spot-on. This and A River Without Banks are my favorite alternate endings to the show.
(Never) Turn Your Back to the Sea, by DiscordantWords (@discordantwords). M, 39,968 words. Set after S4. Sherlock’s perspective. / This is a very sad and slow, but ultimately very gentle fic, sort of in the same mood as Points. Sherlock’s and John’s characters are drawn in ways that really fit for a post-S4 setting, and the writing from Sherlock’s perspective is very beautiful. I love the way John gradually comes back to Sherlock in this story.
The Paternity Series, by amaruuk (@naefelldaurk). M, 20,365 words across two works. Set after S4. Sherlock’s perspective. / John learns that he is not Rosie’s biological father, but he and Sherlock commit to raising Rosie together anyway. I really liked the way the author wrote John in this series, as well as Sherlock and John’s repaired dynamic. John’s complicated feelings about fatherhood, longstanding love for Sherlock, and efforts to control his anger after S4 were all very nicely handled.
Swift, Fierce & Obscene, by J_Baillier (@jbaillier). M, 7,182 words. Set after S4. Sherlock’s perspective, first person. / Sherlock tests positive for HIV, and this fic is about him finding out and what comes after. This was such an empathetic story. It offers a thoughtful treatment of this topic, a pining Sherlock whose sadness is so very palpable, a wonderfully caring John, and a beautiful ending.
There’s Always Three of Us, by Itsallfine (@librarylock). T, 1,765 words. Set after S4. Sherlock’s perspective. / A sweet one-shot in honor of January 29/30.
A Second to Midnight, by AlgySwinburne (@algyswinburne). T, 4,636 words. Set after S4. Sherlock’s perspective. / A lovely story of misunderstandings and romance on the anniversary of that fateful January day.
Indefinite Lines, by ArwaMachine (@arwamachine). E, 298,346 words in the main story and 32,836 more words of bonus material, which you should also definitely read. Set seven years after the events of S4 (but there’s more to it than that). Switches between the perspectives of multiple characters. / This fic drew me in within the first chapter and had me on the edge of my seat all the way through. It offers a fantastic combination of great writing, a compelling plot, original case fic, clever adaptations of ACD stories, funny and beautiful family dynamics between Sherlock, John, and Rosie, and a lot of emotional tension (the author was not kidding when they put angst in the tags). All in all, this fic succeeded in creating its own world for the characters in a way that I really enjoyed.
Across Series
The Emergency Contact Series, by blueink3 (@blueink3). M, 11,763 words across two works. Set across S1-S3 and after. One fic from John’s perspective and one from Sherlock’s. / A series of vignettes that illustrate just how important Sherlock and John are to each other while tracking the tumultuous evolution of their relationship over the course of several years. Canon-compliant until the parts after S3.
Damn, I’m Good, by atthebarricade. T, 8,219 words. Set across S1-S3 and after. Mike Stamford’s perspective. / After trying to set Sherlock and John up as boyfriends in ASIP, Mike suffers through several years of crying from frustration as he watches the two of them fail to work it out—until they finally do. I love Mike. Canon-compliant until the parts after S3.
Conversations after Midnight, by Raina_at (@raina-at). T, 26,023 words. Set across S1-TST and after. Alternates between Sherlock’s and John’s perspectives, with slightly more of Sherlock’s. / This is a lovely read with wonderful characterization. Through various late-night and early-morning conversations, the chapters track the development of Sherlock’s and John’s feelings for each other and their deep longing to be together over the course of nine years. It’s a story about love, but the author is often able to show that without quite putting the word on it, which makes you feel it more keenly and brilliantly illustrates what Sherlock and John’s love for each other is really about. I’m very impressed by how well-drawn these scenes are, and also by how well the author captures the dynamic between John and Mary after S3. Canon-compliant until the parts after TST.
AUs
The Detective I Can’t Forget, by amalnahurriyeh. M, 8,761 words. John’s perspective. / A fun alternate-first-meeting fic where Sherlock and John meet on Grindr—for a case. Actually! I felt like this story nailed several of the reasons why John and Sherlock are initially so drawn to each other.
Performance In a Leading Role, by Mad_Lori (@madlori). E, 156,714 words. Switches between the perspectives of multiple characters, with the most of John’s. / You know this one: the fic where Sherlock and John are Hollywood actors. In April 2025 I reread it for the first time in eleven years (!) and I was honestly shocked by how many details I remembered. I suppose this fic made an even more significant impression on me than I’d realized! I think what I like about it most, though, is how good Sherlock is to John. The author handled Sherlock’s character in a way that’s very impressive, especially given that this was written back when only S1 had aired. I also really like this fic’s version of Irene Adler.
The Grating Roar, by Engazed (@engazed). M, 261,313 words. Switches between the perspectives of multiple characters. / Holy shit. If you think you can handle the tags, then you have to read this fic. This is a dystopian AU set in a version of modern London where the state of New Britain practices a new form of human bondage. This story offers fantastic plotting and pacing—it was absolutely riveting and I never wanted to put it down—and very nuanced explorations of what it means to live and form relationships with other people in an unfree society. I especially appreciated the way that the author deftly made use of so many characters from the show to interrogate how various people might behave in this dystopian world (there’s an absolutely stellar version of Sally Donovan in here). I also really, really loved Sherlock in this fic, and John’s character was fascinating. This is incredible writing and it gave me so much to think about.
The Ancillus’s Tale, by Chryse. E, 128,341 words. Switches between Sherlock’s and John’s perspectives, but mostly told from Sherlock’s. / A dystopian AU that meshes omegaverse with The Handmaid’s Tale. Look. I never thought I would ever read an omegaverse fic, but this was written by Chryse so eventually I gave it a shot, and I am so incredibly grateful that I did because I was absolutely gripped by this. I don’t know how Chryse does it—manages to craft such intricate narratives, capture emotional complexity so well, and write sentences that just punch the air out of me. This story has incredible plotting and writing, and it’s definitely one of the most terrifying things I’ve ever read. Sherlock’s tremendous bravery and the force of his will to survive were deeply moving and are going to be unforgettable for me. Meanwhile, John was so wonderful in this fic, and so much of the romance between John and Sherlock was incredibly gentle and sweet. In the end, I think the major themes of this story are very hopeful. It’s another very intense read that’s given me a lot to think about.
Spare Parts, by Raina_at (@raina-at). E, 63,497 words. John’s perspective. / A post-Reichenbach fic, but one where Sherlock and John were together before Sherlock’s fall—and also, they live on 24th-century Titan. This is a beautifully written exploration of grief, love, forgiveness, and trust, told from John’s perspective as he struggles to determine whether he can, or even should, repair his relationship with Sherlock. Case fic, intense conversations, and an incredibly clever and captivating setting. Once you’ve read this, finish Realigning Gravity by reading the short sequel: The Stars Walk Backward, E, 5,662 words, Sherlock’s perspective.
Stars May Collide, by Raina_at (@raina-at). E, 13,640 words. Sherlock’s perspective, first person. / “We meet in every lifetime. I never recognise you, but I always know.” A series of short historical AUs where Sherlock and John always meet and always fall in love. These were brilliant, gorgeously written, and did an amazing job of showing the great variety of experiences that Sherlock and John may have had together throughout history. I was crying desperately by the last chapter, as I fully expected to be. Really beautiful work.
Guess Who’s Coming for Christmas Dinner, by Raina_at (@raina-at). E, 35,040 words. Sherlock’s perspective. / A delightful fake-relationship fic where Sherlock and John met at uni and Sherlock brings John to his parents’ house for Christmas just to drive them crazy. I laughed so many times while reading this; it’s full of humor and excellent banter between Sherlock and John. This fic puts a somewhat different spin on their dynamic from what we see in canon, and I think it offers a believable portrayal of what they might have been like together if they’d met when they were younger. This fic captures so much of why they’re perfect for each other and why they fit together so well.
That’s it! If you’re looking for even more, I will humbly note that I have three fics of my own up on AO3, which you can find here (must be logged in).
Got a favorite fic that isn’t on here, or a favorite author? Leave a reply or reblog with your recs! Self-recs are very welcome!!
Here are some fics that I love! They’re all Johnlock, and all completed (I am too impatient for WiPs). I’ve mostly grouped fics from the same author together under “Other recs from the same author” except in cases where it’s physically painful for me to pick a single favorite fic. I tagged every author whose tumblr I could find but please let me know if I’ve missed anyone and I can add them.
Okay! Enough prefacing! More recommending!
Case Fic
The Same River Twice by @plaidadder: This series of fics has everything - intriguing central cases inspired by ACD canon, spot on characterization, understated angst, hilarious dialogue and, to top it all off, the best Harry Watson I have ever come across. 151,255 words spread across two stories, “Empty Houses” and its sequel “Young Men Carbuncular”. Other recs for this author: Law Like Love, a post-HLV fix-it-fic told in reverse chronological order; Prior Engagements, plot-heavy parentlock sequel to Law Like Love.
Safe Distance by @merripestin: So much post-TRF fic is an attempt to grapple with the impossible emotions John must be feeling after Sherlock’s return from the dead. Merripestin’s John is dealing with a change in sexual identity as well. He’s angry, loving, broken, healing, confused, determined, numb, raw and, eventually, at peace. Beautifully done. 114,956 words. Other recs for this author: London Orbital, in which John, Sherlock, Lestrade, and Sally Donovan spend all night driving round the M25 looking for a killer.
The Norwood Love Builders by flawedamythyst: I’m not usually a fan of the “going undercover as lovers” trope but the author quickly won me over with clever dialogue and a solid central mystery. It’s a unique blend of undercover romantic comedy-style shenanigans and the subtle, painful work of dealing with John’s emotional turmoil post-Fall. 47,798 words.
The Edinburgh Problem by @snorklepie: This fic has Sherlock, John, and a whole suite of well-drawn original characters, including Violet Vernet, one of the best original characters I’ve come across in Sherlock fandom. Not to mention sparkling dialogue and a cracking good murder. There’s a sequel currently in progress, but the fic stands alone if you’re like me and too impatient for WiPs. 152,095 words.
Infiltrate by @ladyflowdi and MirrorSkippy: This fic drops you in media res and never quite lets you catch your breath. The creeping menace of Moriarty, the complicated family relationships and of course, a Sherlock and John who are struggling to figure out both each other and themselves. Gorgeous. 117,422 words across three stories.
Midnight Blue Serenity by @the-pen-pot: John and Sherlock go undercover at a club. This is a masterful work of tension - between the club setting, the slow burn romance, the totally in character but agonizing miscommunication, and an excellent murder mystery, this fic will have your heart pounding from start to finish. 151,907 words. Other recs for this author: To Light Another’s Path, which is a delightful combination of case fic and hurt/comfort fic both; Electric Pink Hand Grenade, in which Sherlock gets migraines.
Thirst by @holmesianpose: Set after the Great Game, John struggles to accept his attraction to Sherlock. This story features multiple cases, both gruesome and thrilling, as well as a particularly unsettling Moriarty (the author captures his disturbing sense of humor perfectly) and a slow-burn romance that turns scorching halfway through. Unmissable. 122,257 words.
On the Ice by @berlynn-wohl: John and Sherlock have a case in Antarctica! Happy nerdy fun with a solid mystery, excellent characterization, and the scenes of Sherlock Holmes playing D&D you never knew you wanted. 35,437 words. Other recs for this author: Mycobacterium Marinum, which has mysteries and sex scenes and just dozens of lines that will make you giggle; ROT-13, which is not a fic about basic encryption, but rather an adorable Sherlock-is-an-alien-and-John-has-crashlanded-on-his-planet AU.
If You Can’t Move Heaven, Raise Hell by @splix71: So this is Name of the Rose-inspired case fic, which is delightful, because The Name of the Rose is Sherlock Holmes-inspired case fic of a sort. I would recommend it for that fact alone, but the plot, setting, and characterization are also well done, and Splix has an intriguing take on a gender-swapped “Ian” Adler. 83,084 words.
Given In Evidence by @verity-burns: This fic has one of my very favorite John characterizations. Post-Fall, John has developed a tendency to patch up homeless kids and to recklessly intervene in fights. Sherlock returns just in time to keep the latter from getting John killed, and to investigate a mystery with the former. Other recs for this author: First Night Out, in which John and Sherlock dance at the Yard’s Christmas party.
Our Enthusiasms Which Cannot Always Be Explained by @withoutawish: This is case fic, but also and perhaps more importantly, it’s a Christmas wish list fic. The author’s John voice is unique - poetic and long-suffering - and the denouement is one of my very favorites. 32,961 words.
Parallel by @brbsoulnomming: Sherlock and John try to solve a series of murders on a local university campus, with help/interference from two girls who just happen to share a lot of similarities. It’s essentially unilock/femlock AU as case fic and it’s completely adorable. 77,397 words.
26 Pieces by Lanning: Mycroft gives Sherlock a puzzle box to solve, and it makes for one hell of a story. This is a breathtakingly good piece of fiction. Plot, pacing, characterization, dialogue, all incredible. Every line serves its purpose and so many of them will stick with you long after you finish. 28,236 words.
AUs
A River Without Banks by Chryse: This story uses a simple scifi premise to spool out some of the best character work that fandom has to offer. Brilliant plotting, magnificent writing and a Sherlock that will make your heart ache. If you have somehow missed this fandom classic, which is devastating and comforting by turns, but always beautiful, please go read it now. 203,286 words.
The Frost is All Over by Chryse: More AU brilliance from Chryse. They describe it as “John and Sherlock in a Dickensian orphanage (with sex!)“ which is really only a third of the story but regardless, it’s one of those AUs that manages to capture everything of importance about John and Sherlock while also taking you on a strange and wild ride. 148,518 words. Other recs for this author: Everything. Seriously, though, zie’s got 13 fics on AO3 and you won’t regret any of them.
The Bang and the Clatter by @earlgreytea68: I have no idea how enjoyable this fic is for someone who hasn’t loved baseball since they were a small child, but for me it was magical. Bless you, earlgreytea. It’s Bull Durham meets, well, Sherlock Holmes. 137,048 words. Other recs for this author: Keep the Car Running a brilliant and nail-biting Inception cross-over; Saving Sherlock Holmes, a teenagelock AU with one of the best Mycroft characterizations I’ve ever read. See also under “Everything Else”.
The Next Great Adventure by @frightfullytreeish: I am just astonished by how seamlessly this author slides Sherlock and John into the wizarding world. John as a weary veteran of the second wizarding war is perfect, and Sherlock is utterly believable as a squib who returns the condescension of magical folk tenfold. Simply excellent. 38,982 words.
The World on His Wrist and Elsewhere Come Morning by @bendingsignpost: In which John Watson changes realities every time he goes to sleep. The author does a spectacular job of grounding a fantastical premise with humor, tense plotting, and perfect characterization. 66,905 words total. Other recs for this author: Bel Canto, an atmospheric and plotty Phantom of the Opera fusion; Cooperative Principle, a character-driven realistic-AU re-imagining of Sherlock’s meeting with John “Trust Issues” Watson; Stranger at the Gate, a vampire fantasy AU and I don’t even like vampire fic but damn it I love this one; and No Fixed Point which is an AU of several of the authors’ AUs and you have to read the other stuff first but it’s worth it. Oh, is it worth it. Basically do yourself a favor and go read everything @bendingsignpost has ever written.
Names for the Galaxy by @firesdone: John teaches Sherlock how to be human - literally. This story is brilliant on so many levels: as creative, fascinating sci-fi, as intriguing case fic, as a character study, as an exploration of identity, as a thriller. I wish I’d never read it, just so I could have the delight of reading it again for the first time. 191,101 words.
A Vintage Exceptionally To Your Liking by @emmyangua: Another multiple universes fic, but with an entirely different and equally brilliant premise. (How are the writers in this fandom so damn creative? It’s obscene.) This fic tears your heart out multiple times but it’s just so interesting – and well-written, and well-characterized – that you want to keep going. 95,334 words. Other recs for this author: see also under “Everything Else”.
Mary by @kinklock: A fusion with Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca, which I’ve actually never read. A well-written psychological thriller which twists all of the characters in very interesting ways. 136,145 words. Other recs for this author: The Red Dianthus, aka gloriously fluffy case fic; Just Transport, a cute little AU with one line that I still crack up thinking about; Living Sculptures, a TAB continuation.
The Queen’s Guard by @lavvyan: A combination of two of my favorite Sherlock Holmes interpretations - BBC Sherlock, of course, and Neil Gaiman’s Study in Emerald. Everything about this fic is perfect, from the prose to plotting to the characterization. How is the characterization so good when Sherlock is half-human and John has a ghastly alien heart beating too steadily in his chest? Other recs for this author: Traffic Lights for the Colour Blind, in which John has a death wish, and its sequel The Sky for the Reaching; Some of Your Time, a short but beautiful piece of magical realism; From the Voicemail of the British Government, a humorous ficlet with the delightful premise of “the agents Mycroft has on John and Sherlock reporting in.”
Lucidity by @almostvirginia: Sherlock’s jump off the roof in TRF goes wrong, and he ends up in a coma. John must enter his subconscious to get him out. This is a premise that just begs for melodrama but the author delivers a pragmatic John and a fascinating but limited view into Sherlock’s psyche. Quietly riveting. 65,460 words.
The Best Picture of the Human Soul and Sustained by the Strength of the Colours to Come by SwissMiss: “The stories of our lives are written on our skin.” An AU in two short, sweet, sad, elegant installments. 9,914 words.
Embers series by @what-alchemy: Sherlock is made of maple, willow and spruce. Strange and exquisite. 31,228 words across five stories. Other recs for this author: Hitting the Water at Sixty Miles an Hour, in which John goes on a road trip with the Holmses for Mummy’s birthday; The Syntax of Things, “When John looked at him, Sherlock felt whole.”
Everything Else
The Paradox Series by wordstrings: This fic is just gorgeous, some of the best writing, line by line, in any kind of fiction I’ve read. The author’s characterization of Sherlock is devastating and unique and impossible to look away from. 98,863 words across 8 works.
This Cycle of Revenge is Not Going the Way I Planned It by @azriona: I feel like half the fun of crack fics is just jumping in and going along for the ride? So I won’t say much, except that I giggled like a madman at this one. 5,007 words. Other recs for this author: 3:07 am, a Mary PoV follow-up to earlygreytea’s Operation Baby Girl Watson.
Renegades by @augustbird: What if Sherlock took John with him when he went after Moriarty? It’s a rather dark story in places, and yet oddly light when you consider the alternative we got in canon. My favorite part is the brilliant denouement. 39,405 words. Other recs for this author: walk through ghosts, pre-S3, Sherlock watches John and Mary get together and it’s all so beautifully unhappy.
Grownups by @emmyangua: Did you know you wanted an Archie PoV coming of age story? I didn’t! It’s hilarious and bittersweet and perfect. 18,571 words.
Nature and Nurture by @earlgreytea68: Okay so the premise of this one is “John and Sherlock raise Sherlock’s clone” and I thought it was going to be a very long crackfic and almost skipped it. “But Toby, it’s earlygreytea,” I told myself and I’m glad I did. This fic is nuanced and genuine and sweet as hell. Well-characterized, well-plotted, and just all around well-done parentlock. Give it a go. 203,273 words. Other recs for this author: The Adventures of a Single Girl in London (Plus a Consulting Detective), another ridiculous premise, another ridiculously good story.
Empty Houses by theumbrellaseller: A short and fascinating exploration of the different ways Sherlock and John approach dead bodies. 7,003 words.
Up or Artistic Lush by @cesperanza: I’m not sure how the author managed to fit so many interesting plot ideas and perfect lines of dialogue into such a short fic but damn. If this doesn’t make you giggle, you may be a high-functioning sociopath. 8,223 words.
I wake up and I wake up and you’re still dead by @thisprettywren: Exquisite Memento-inspired post-Fall John PoV fic. That’s all I can tell you, it’s too painful to talk about. 24,226 words and each one of them hurts.
Modus Operandi by @joolabee: Not demolished yet? Try this equally painful post-Fall John PoV fic. Completely different but also gorgeous in a way that leaves you empty inside. 22,428 words. Other recs for this author: Ease Your Way Into Occupied Spaces, which is practically fluff compared to Modus Operandi but, you know, still hell.
Home by Resonant: This author has several short fics in the same style, and what a style they are - sharply written, erotic, first-time stories with a brilliant, self-protective Sherlock and a brave and steady John. 3,397 words. Other recs for this author: Amenable is another favorite of mine.
Leave the Signs and the Sirens by out_there: After John nearly dies at the pool, Sherlock works through PTSD. A measured, lovely fic with perhaps the kindest John I’ve ever read. 24,574 words. Other recs for this author: The Whore of Babylon Was a Perfectly Nice Girl, in which John tries to navigate his new relationship with Sherlock.
Vital Organs by @firstdrafted: John and Sherlock celebrate Valentine’s Day with arguing, miscommunication, and serious injury. Beautifully written and characterized, and sweet without being sappy. 8,128 words.
Needs Must by @jenthesweetie: A S3 “missing scenes” fic that extends past canon about halfway through. A solid, thoughtful plot, with a Sherlock voice that tends towards the hilarious, but the focus is on characterization. There are a few scenes in here that just knocked me over. 10,624 words.
HOT DOLPHIN SEX by @conversationswithbenedict: This fic is neither as cracky nor as smutty as the title makes it sound, but it’s not exactly serious or PG either. It has an enjoyable plot which nevertheless takes back seat to feelings, orgasms, and some hilarious texting. Save this for an evening when you need cheering up. 47,487 words across two fics. Other recs for this author: The Very Unlikely Existence of a Flightless Bird in a Tuxedo, which may have the most adorable Sherlock to be found on ao3.
A Serious Mistake by Waldo: A short post-Hounds fic in which Sherlock deals with the consequences of drugging and terrifying John. Understated and totally compelling. I particularly love the author’s characterization of John here. 5,238 words. Other recs for this author: A Serious Mistake is actually the final installment of a series of short fics, A Series of Mistakes. They’re all very good, A Serious Mistake is just my favorite of them.
the sensation of falling as you just hit sleep by @fizzygins: This densely plotted novel-length fic alternates between John and Sherlock’s PoV, immediately after TRF. It alternates between funny and hot and devastatingly sad, but in the end it revolves around a central question: just what kind of fucked up person fake-suicides in front of their best friend, and how do you move past that? 83,290 words. Other recs for this author: Immortal Beloved which is - I don’t even know if I can describe this one, it is bewildering, unsettling, mesmerizing.
Common Tongues by jinglebell: This is a quasi-AU where John is a polyglot and Sherlock finds that rather hot. Well written, with a straightforward but unusual premise, this was a pleasure to read. 41,174 words.
The Halloween Party by @xistentialangst: John and Sherlock track a vampire to a costume party, and try to prevent him from killing again. Thrilling fights! Erotic costumes! Bad puns! It’s really the best of all possible worlds. Other recs for this author: if you like well-characterized, hilarious smut, then you should just go ahead and read everything of theirs.
Loosed Reins by AggressiveWhenStartled: If you like inappropriate sarcasm, deeply awkward situations, and lots and lots of startlingly funny yelling, then oh boy do I have a fic for you. 35,095 words.
The Moonlight and the Frost by @consultingcaitlin: John is a wreck after the end of His Last Vow. This is a story about how John pieces himself, and his relationship with Sherlock, back together. Beautifully characterized and utterly compelling. 77,273 words. Other recs for this author: In a Bulletproof Vest With The Windows All Closed, a short, understated Doctor Who crossover; Lines Written In Kensington Gardens, the author’s summary puts it best: “This is the story of how Sherlock Holmes lived long enough to grow old.”
if nobody speaks of remarkable things by @watsonshoneybee: John’s daughter is stillborn. Arresting, heartbreaking prose that makes you ache and ache and ache. 34,328 words. Other recs for this author: the dead-end case of the kilted kirkyard killer, an alternate first meeting, in Scotland!; for all that bitter delights will sour, in which John and Sherlock get together, but they get together wrong; the lingering taste of orange juice, gorgeously written fluff.
What is the ultimate expression of your love for your Blorbo?
Writing whump and hurt/comfort fics about them
Writing fix-it fics and/or fluff fics about them
Insulting them
Defending them against people who mischaracterize them
Making fan art and/or video edits about them
Screaming about them
Fantasizing about biting them and/or putting them in a jar and shaking the jar
Shipping myself with them
Consuming everything about them (source material, fanfics, fan art, hcs, etc)
Promoting their source material to people
Gatekeeping them
Vibrating in bed at night just thinking about them
Voting ended onJun 30
Every poll on this blog is about fictional characters only. This request was sent to us and we made a poll in response to it. Send any Blorbo-related question you want to our inbox and we’ll make a poll on which people can vote with their own Blorbos in minds
turnnoffyourmind
jacobvanloon
vaporwave
theartofmadeline
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dededos
kianamaiart
baratheonpilled
