Compiled by the Espresso Addict

Espresso Recommendations

Innovative and stylish fanfiction, showcasing the very best across multiple sf, fantasy & literature fandoms. Good writing in all its forms can be found here, including gen, het, slash, OCs, AUs, crossovers, future fics, humour & pastiche

Contents: 1010 recs in 235 fandoms; 65 links

Sherlock

Mycroft Holmes

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Double cross purposes by Mary Sutherland

'Unfortunately, the Minister was neither an adulterer, nor corrupt, which eliminated some possible moves. Since he was simply a sanctimonious prick, it was time to fall back to plan B.' Mycroft's point of view is hard to pull off but this complex portrait of him in action during 'A Study in Pink' balances Machiavellian machine & human softie. The novelette is fleshed out with a diverse cast of overlooked canon characters & OCs

[Added 04/03/2014; Drama; 6000-20,000; Sherlock; Characters: Mycroft Holmes, Greg Lestrade, Sally Donovan, Anthea, Sherlock Holmes, OCs]

The Four Paw Problem by AJ Hall

'Fond as he was of cats, he couldn't help feeling the niche in the Baker Street ecosystem for a predatory, self-absorbed, semi-nocturnal creature who classified every living being in its vicinity as 'prey', 'minion' or 'total irrelevance' had already been filled.' This delightful short takes the inspired idea of introducing Saki's talking cat to 221b, and manages to fix the original's unfortunate ending

[Added 05/03/2014; Humour; 2500-6000; Sherlock; Characters: John Watson, Tobermory (Saki), Sherlock Holmes, Mycroft Holmes, Jilly Cooper; Crossover]

I Used to Live Alone Before I Knew You by Etothepii

'The best thing humans have ever done on their own was trick themselves into thinking that science and religion were mutually exclusive.' This well-executed fusion with Good Omens forms a satisfying casefile, with a few delicious little details

[Added 31/08/2011; Drama; 6000-20,000; Sherlock; Characters: John Watson, Sherlock Holmes, Mycroft Holmes, Jim Moriarty, DI Lestrade, OCs; Crossover]

Whispers in Corners by Esama

'"Relax, Mr. Potter," the man says, amused and, yes indeed, smarmy in the way he pronounces the words, the way he smiles. "You are not the first person with… supernatural abilities I have encountered. Granted, your ability is something new, genuine and powerful as far as my research can tell, but not exactly unheard of."' This meandering crossover novel, in which Harry Potter works as a consulting medium for both Mycroft & Lestrade while Sherlock is 'dead', is at its best in the series of cases & the gradual reveal of how Harry ended up in the Sherlockverse. There's a bonus cameo from ACD Holmes. It's a bit shippier than my usual recs, but it's one I return to again & again

[Added 26/10/2017; Drama; >50,000; Sherlock; Characters: Harry Potter (HP), Mycroft Holmes, John Watson, Greg Lestrade, Molly Hooper, Sherlock Holmes, Sherlock Holmes (ACD), 'Anthea', Ronald Adair, Sally Donovan, OCs; Crossover]