Sherlock Holmes Fanfiction
The original consulting detective of Conan Doyle's stories, whose Victorian canon has been continuously fanficced for over a century — the Sherlockian 'Great Game' is arguably fandom's oldest tradition. ACD-canon fic on AO3 is distinct from the BBC fandom: gaslit Baker Street casefic in Watson's narrative voice, post-Reichenbach grief and reunion, retirement beekeeping in Sussex, and Holmes/Watson romance written against period constraint. Pastiche craftsmanship is prized here; many fics are indistinguishable from Strand Magazine originals until the kissing.
Start Reading Sherlock Holmes Fanfiction
Explore 15,000 Sherlock Holmes stories on Archive of Our Own, sorted by popularity. Then enjoy the best reading experience with Fanfict Reader.
📱 Download Fanfict Reader for offline reading, custom themes, and seamless sync across devices.
What is Sherlock Holmes fanfiction?
Sherlock Holmes fanfiction is fan-created stories set in the Sherlock Holmes - Arthur Conan Doyle universe. With over 15,000 works on Archive of Our Own, Sherlock Holmes is one of the most popular fandoms in the fanfiction community.
These stories explore beloved characters like Sherlock Holmes, John Watson, Mrs. Hudson, Mycroft Holmes, and many more. Writers create everything from short one-shots to epic novel-length adventures, exploring relationships, alternate universes, and "what if" scenarios.
Most Popular Sherlock Holmes Fanfics
These are the highest-rated Sherlock Holmes stories on AO3, ranked by kudos from readers.
Whispers in Corners
by esama
Everything started with a stumble - his new life in a new world as well as his surprisingly successful career as a medium.
echoes through time
by chellefic
Mummy sends a trunk from the Holmes cottage in Sussex to 221B. Its contents alter the way John and Sherlock see themselves and one another.
Let Me
by Violsva
Sherlock Holmes has suffered from insomnia all his life. When Watson realizes the extent of it, he searches for a way to comfort Holmes, and in the process confronts things neither of them have been saying.
Particular Peculiarity
by saavik13
“How high is your regard for me, Watson?” He asked abruptly, his eyes still trained on the fire. “If I were to confess my darkest secret would you leave? Would you abandon me here to my melancholy?”A case forces Holmes to reveal the truth to Watson and risks both their reputations and their liberty
Sentiment to Paper
by mistyzeo
No fewer than three times by the winter of 1883 had I heard Sherlock Holmes disparage the ways of lovers and their irrational tendencies toward writing letters. With this often and loudly-expressed opinion in mind, I was very surprised indeed to find a stack of unsent, unsealed letters in a drawer
Notes On A Love Story
by A_Candle_For_Sherlock
Watson finds a copy of The Picture of Dorian Gray in Holmes' room. Or: what happens when a queer novel upends Baker Street.
The Adventure of the Doctor's Heart
by mistyzeo
Holmes has observed much of Watson's habits and tastes over time, which is why it surprises him when his friend objects strangely to a folk song sung at the conclusion of a case. Disturbed by the Doctor's unexpected display of emotion, Holmes becomes determined to lift his spirits by any means neces
By Any Other Name
by esama
There were many times John Watson came to Death's Door - only to be pulled back.
Lending a Hand
by mistyzeo
Chemical experiments go awry at Baker Street, leaving Holmes incapacitated and Watson charged with being his hands. Against Watson's advice Holmes takes on a case of burglary and murder, all the while totally dependent on his companion. This new level of intimacy brings with it a slew of suppresse
Witness and Testimony
by Violsva
Men of certain dispositions should not take up residence with consulting detectives. Having done so anyway, Watson is finally forced to face the consequences. Not quite the consequences he expected, however.
Courting Sherlock Holmes
by A_Candle_For_Sherlock
It was, in all probability, the fault of the flowers.
The Truth of the Musgrave Ritual
by mydwynter
It is my custom, you may have noticed, to save those little cases which we have solved until such time as danger to those involved has passed, or until Holmes otherwise suggests I may write about them. The happenings at Hurlstone Hall, however, received a very different treatment indeed.
Cinder Breadcrumbs
by esama
Over the decades, he went by several different names before going back to John Watson.
Say My Name
by mistyzeo
John Watson, my dear partner, faithful friend, eternal confidante, and enthusiastic lover, is the quietest man in bed I have ever known.
My Private Affairs
by A_Candle_For_Sherlock
"I was breathless with nerves and divided in my own mind. At one moment I was sure we could not continue as we had been. I must speak, or lose Holmes' trust by my silence. The next moment I felt I could never speak unless Holmes himself invited me to. Surely he must have recognized my affection; if
Grit
by earlybloomingparentheses
John Watson, still bruised and damaged from the Afghan War, decides to hide his inversion so Sherlock Holmes will remain his friend and flatmate. He thinks the trade-off won't be difficult, but in a moment of weakness he goes to an underground club with an erstwhile lover. What he discovers there is
Game
by Itsallfine
Holmes and Watson pass notes at crime scenes. It’s totally innocuous. Until it isn’t.
Tumble Homeward
by mistyzeo
Sherlock Holmes sets out to educate John "Experience of Women" Watson.
Cameo
by what_alchemy
Holmes and Watson become embroiled in a case Scotland Yard refuses to acknowledge. A soulmate AU.
Advances
by mistyzeo
“That man—“ I say, jabbing a finger over Watson’s shoulder in the direction we have come, “was making advances.”“I beg your pardon?”“Advances,” I hiss, aware that my voice will carry if I’m not careful. “On you.”
Sherlock Holmes Fanfics by Length
Pick a reading commitment — from one-sitting one-shots to 100k+ epics:
Common Sherlock Holmes Tropes
Popular Characters
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Sherlock Holmes fanfics are on AO3?
There are over 15,000 Sherlock Holmes fanfiction works on Archive of Our Own, making it one of the platform's largest fandoms.
What are the best Sherlock Holmes ships?
Popular Sherlock Holmes pairings include Holmes/Watson. Each ship has thousands of dedicated stories exploring their relationship.
How can I read Sherlock Holmes fanfiction on my phone?
Download Fanfict Reader for iOS to browse and read Sherlock Holmes fanfiction with a beautiful mobile interface, offline reading, and custom themes.
Read Sherlock Holmes on the go
Fanfict Reader is the best way to browse, search, and read AO3 fanfiction on your iPhone. Download for free and start reading your favorite Sherlock Holmes fics today.