Must-read fanfic from 'Bones,' 'Castle,' 'Sherlock'
Television programming is the breeding ground of fan fiction. At least that's the hypothesis I am going with. This month the fan fiction recs are rooted in television shows where crime-solving is the backdrop for romance, love and friendship.
So let's dive in, but first a reminder: I will reveal the identity of the fan fiction author only with the author's written permission or if it's already public knowledge.
To give me a hand with the BBC's Sherlock fan fiction recommendations, I reached out to Young Adult fantasy author Skylar Dorset.
Denny: So, tell me about the BBC's Sherlock fandom.
Skylar: Sherlock is an enormous, sprawling fandom, and you can read tons of different pairings (or no pairings at all). I'm rec'ing all Johnlock (John Watson and Sherlock Holmes) because it's mainly what I read, but there are lots of other options to explore!
Denny: OK, Skylar, let loose with the recs!
Fandom: BBC's Sherlock
The Progress of Sherlock Holmes by ivyblossom
This fic is told from the first-person point of view of Sherlock Holmes himself, in all of his complicated genius. I love it because it provides a perspective that the television show, no matter how closely it tracks Sherlock, can never really give us: from right inside Sherlock's head. It's also a lovely complement to the original Arthur Conan Doyle canon where Conan Doyle gives Watson the first-person point of view most of the time.
Left by lifeonmars
This magical realism fic takes place in a world where all right-handed people have a special ability (like never getting lost, or always being able to locate a good party, or being an excellent matchmaker). Sherlock Holmes' special ability is deduction. John Watson, meanwhile, is left-handed, which means he has no special ability. Or does he? I'm rec'ing this one because it is an excellent example of one of the keenest pleasures of fan fiction: retelling canon events (in this case, the first season of the show) in a whole new light that makes you appreciate the canon even more.
Mise en Place by azriona
A fic in the genre of alternative universe, or AU, here Sherlock Holmes is a famous chef and John Watson is running a struggling family restaurant. Even in these entirely new circumstances, Sherlock and John are still recognizably Sherlock and John. And this particular AU stands out because of the strength of its secondary characters. Some of whom come from the show but some of whom are original but all are fully realized and could carry stories in their own right. (Warning: Do not read while hungry.)
Fandom: Bones
I became a fan of David Boreanaz during his days of portraying Angel on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel. But on the series Bones, he has been Special Agent Seeley Booth for 10 seasons and the character's One True Pairing (OTP), Dr. Temperance "Bones" Brennan has inspired some fabulous fan fiction. Here are a few recommendations (seasons one through six) as rec'd by another pal.
Letters from Home by bloodwrites
This is one of those fanfics that uses the trope "letters" (not e-mails) as the method of communication for our OTP — but this story is special. I enjoy the slow build and reveals. A great read. Even if you have never watched Bones — Seeley and Bones come to life in this fan fiction.
All the King's Horses by cardiogod
A fun part of fan fiction is the ability to retell a story using "what if?" as the premise for a fresh take on an episode or a season. This fanfic does that extremely well.
The Truth Between the Lies by Ayiana
This author has written quite a bit of Bones fan fiction. This story is short, but one of her last according to her LiveJournal page. I enjoyed this short read and will go back for more!
Fandom: Castle
Tumblr is a delightful source for fan fiction recs. As ABC's Castle ended its seventh season, I found quite a few fanfics popping up on my Tumblr dashboard, which led me to Fanfiction.net. But be warned, the Castle fan fiction I found was sexy and often AU. In other words, for mature audiences, and here are a few samples.
Stirred by bravevulnerability
A short, sexy, AU story with a punch.
Thankful by LadyLuck282
Another short read to get you into the Castle fan fiction mind-set. This one is sweet and fluff and fun.
Until next month, enjoy!
If you have recs, please let me know. I'm always on the lookout for fan fiction!
Denny S. Bryce won 2015 WRW Marlene Award in historical romance and the 2014 RWA Golden Heart in romantic suspense. Her website is www.dennysbryce.com. You can also follow her on Twitter (@dennysbryce) or connect with her on Facebook