Rec List: The Deducing Doctor
Under the cut is a diverse range of deducing!John fics, which I recommend for well-thought-out deductions, insightful characterisations and quality writing. Many of them are also cleverly plotted.
The list includes a few stories wherein John becomes a genius after the application of unexpected external stimuli (you know; things like radioactive spider bites); others in which he makes rather more singular clever deductions; and a number in which he has learnt to deduce systematically.
(Mostly John/Sherlock, some John/Mycroft, and some gen)
[Rec List: The Deducing Doctor]
My favourite radioactive-spider-deducing-John fics are:
Equilibrium by augustbird : On LJ | On AO3
John/Sherlock | R | ~12,200 words
At Baskerville, John is infected by a virus that turns him into a genius. But when the infection progresses into neurodegeneration, it’s a race against time to save himself. Flowers for Algernon fusion
-
This author's passion for science and the scientific community is evident (and never boring), her investigation of the changing dynamic between John and Sherlock is wonderful, her fusion is a wonderfully fresh re-invention, and her pacing is impeccable. Go and read it now!
In His Image by daasgrrl : On LJ | On AO3
John/Benedict, John/Sherlock | ~27,000 words
In which a rather different John Watson returns to London, runs into an old friend, and meets someone new. As usual.
-
This fic presents as RPF, but is really very much richer than that might sound to you if you are not usually the sort to read RPF (like me). Fabulous resonance with canon, clever imagery, symbolism and meta.
Specialties by one_windiga : On LJ | On AO3
John/Sherlock | ~2,800 words
John develops genius deductive skills after a chemical accident.
-
Cleverly conceived deductions aside, John is a joy to read herein on account of his successful reassurances when Sherlock becomes insecure and introspective.
For John demonstrating odd moments of deducing brilliance, there are the following:
Lab Book by copperbadge : On Dreamwidth | On AO3
Sherlock/John | NC-17 | ~5,400 words
"The likelihood of finding a cab on Christmas Eve is fast approaching nil." "So was the likelihood of you kissing me in the middle of the pavement, and yet."
-
Contains high quality banter, well-thought out deductions, and a surprisingly satisfying second kiss.
Greatness in Small Things by blue_eyed_1987 : On LJ | On AO3
John/Mycroft | R | ~4,800 words
Teashop!AU
-
A quiet and lovely story. Although John is insufficiently recovered to practice medicine, his intelligence shines through even as he works in a tea shop to make ends meet.
Wherein There Is a Case, Several Mysteries, John Coming to the Rescue, and an Old Folk Saying by parsnips : On LJ | On AO3
Sherlock/John | PG-13 | ~5,600 words
There are three mysteries to living with Sherlock Holmes.
-
Stylish writing, intelligent plotting, melodromatic geniuses, and kick-arse John. What’s not to love?
Seeds by thesardine : On LJ | On AO3
Sherlock, John | PG-13 | ~5,500 words
In a fit of boredom Sherlock plants some seeds, may or may not eat one cracker, and definitely waxes dramatic on the sofa for a while.
-
A lyrical, funny and semantically clever expression of Sherlock's intensity, John's compassionate wisdom and Mycroft's inscrutibility. This is a truly beautiful piece of writing, and one of my all-time favourites.
And finally, here are some fics in which John deduces systematically as a matter of course:
Brave by chappysmom : On AO3 | On ff.net
John, Greg, Mycroft | G | ~29,500 words
Post-Reichenbach, all John really wants to do is clear his friend's name, but in the face of the press and all the skeptics, what can one, lone blogger do? Be Brave, of course.
(I'm sharing the author's AO3 tags as well as her summary, since they are very nicely put and wonderfully enticing):
Post-Reichenbach, Brave, John being Brave, Did I mention John was being brave? And smart, Really smart
-
I was so excited to see this story being written, as chappysmom is exactly the sort of writer that belongs on this list: she always writes a fantastically competent John, and yet somehow before now I couldn't quite figure out which of her pieces to recommend. This is absolutely it. No one who loves a competent and clever (and brave!) John should pass over it.
Small Steps to Belonging by donutsweeper : On AO3 | On ff.net
John, Sally, maybe John/Sherlock pre-slash | R | ~7,400 words
Sherlock's leaving leads to changes John could not have foreseen-an unexpected flatmate, and an equally unexpected sense of belonging.
-
This is a fantastic exploration of John's capability to figure things out in his own way, and a delightful extrapolation of how he might develop more personal relationships with Greg, Sally and the rest of the Yarders. The Sherlock sub-plot is minor, but I like how that played out too.
Because It's Any Day Now by lindsey_grissom : On LJ | On AO3
Mycroft/Spoiler Male Pairing, Mycroft/John pre-slash | R | ~6,000 words
Because John isn't an idiot he sees things, hears things and sometimes cautiously deduces things.
-
This fic fills me with admiration for both John's and Mycroft's strength of character. In addition to the main story, the author also effectively and understatedly explores the influences that Sherlock, John and Mycroft have on each other, even though Sherlock’s barely there. This fic deserves a lot more appreciation than it’s been shown so far.
Keeping the Doctor Away by mesmiranda : On Dreamwidth
Girl!John | PG | ~1,700 words
Joanna solves an unexpected case using unexpected means while hanging out with army mates at the bar. Fantastic group dynamics, and cute Sherlock & Mrs H cameos.
M-D-W by polariscope : On AO3 | On LJ
John/Sherlock | PG-13 | ~5,900 words
He sits on a chair across from his bed, tapping an unknown violin melody out on the handle of his cane, and waits for the bell to sound the arrival of the removers. (Post-Reichenbach reveal fic. John discovers a note left in 221B.)
-
Brainy is the new sexy: Sherlock leaves a very clever series of clues for John so that he can find him. John very cleverly finds him. A satisfying reunion!
Becoming Sherlock Holmes by Regency : On AO3
Sherlock and John | PG-13 | ~4,600 words
John Watson has spent the last three years living as Sherlock Holmes, it’s unsurprising he’s forgotten how to be himself anymore.
-
This fic is wonderfully satisfying on a number of levels, but what stood out to me was the deft characterisation of three very different, very clever people: John, Sherlock and Mycroft. There's still one chapter left to be written of the story; I hope that doesn't put you off!
Very Good Indeed by stillwaters01 : On AO3 | On ff.net
John, Sherlock and Lestrade | PG-13 | ~4,100 words
John Watson was a doctor, trained to observe details; a fact Sherlock had never been more aware of than when a drugged John's lifesaving instructions were based on an unlabeled syringe and an unconscious murder suspect's body.
-
As per the Author’s Summary: a first-rate celebration of John’s canon-established competence.
The Doctor by stupidmuse_hatesme : On AO3
Sherlock/John | PG-13 | ~13,700 words
I went to war to save people, and learned how to kill. I left the war because of an accident, but the war didn't leave me.
-
In which John's army service was more secret-agenty than we are generally led to believe. An account of how he came to be shot, of how he crossed paths with Sherlock after returning to London (in a different scenario from canon) and of how the two of them eventually came to accept each other as friends and possible intellectual equals. Fascinating and suspenseful.
Switching Places by WuHaoNi : On ff.net
John and Sherlock | G | ~3,200 words
Sherlock is an army doctor. John is a consulting detective.
-
An interesting study in how John and Sherlock might play inverted roles while still being very much themselves in character and capabilities. Unfortunately incomplete.
The list includes a few stories wherein John becomes a genius after the application of unexpected external stimuli (you know; things like radioactive spider bites); others in which he makes rather more singular clever deductions; and a number in which he has learnt to deduce systematically.
(Mostly John/Sherlock, some John/Mycroft, and some gen)
[Rec List: The Deducing Doctor]
My favourite radioactive-spider-deducing-John fics are:
Equilibrium by augustbird : On LJ | On AO3
John/Sherlock | R | ~12,200 words
At Baskerville, John is infected by a virus that turns him into a genius. But when the infection progresses into neurodegeneration, it’s a race against time to save himself. Flowers for Algernon fusion
-
This author's passion for science and the scientific community is evident (and never boring), her investigation of the changing dynamic between John and Sherlock is wonderful, her fusion is a wonderfully fresh re-invention, and her pacing is impeccable. Go and read it now!
In His Image by daasgrrl : On LJ | On AO3
John/Benedict, John/Sherlock | ~27,000 words
In which a rather different John Watson returns to London, runs into an old friend, and meets someone new. As usual.
-
This fic presents as RPF, but is really very much richer than that might sound to you if you are not usually the sort to read RPF (like me). Fabulous resonance with canon, clever imagery, symbolism and meta.
Specialties by one_windiga : On LJ | On AO3
John/Sherlock | ~2,800 words
John develops genius deductive skills after a chemical accident.
-
Cleverly conceived deductions aside, John is a joy to read herein on account of his successful reassurances when Sherlock becomes insecure and introspective.
For John demonstrating odd moments of deducing brilliance, there are the following:
Lab Book by copperbadge : On Dreamwidth | On AO3
Sherlock/John | NC-17 | ~5,400 words
"The likelihood of finding a cab on Christmas Eve is fast approaching nil." "So was the likelihood of you kissing me in the middle of the pavement, and yet."
-
Contains high quality banter, well-thought out deductions, and a surprisingly satisfying second kiss.
Greatness in Small Things by blue_eyed_1987 : On LJ | On AO3
John/Mycroft | R | ~4,800 words
Teashop!AU
-
A quiet and lovely story. Although John is insufficiently recovered to practice medicine, his intelligence shines through even as he works in a tea shop to make ends meet.
Wherein There Is a Case, Several Mysteries, John Coming to the Rescue, and an Old Folk Saying by parsnips : On LJ | On AO3
Sherlock/John | PG-13 | ~5,600 words
There are three mysteries to living with Sherlock Holmes.
-
Stylish writing, intelligent plotting, melodromatic geniuses, and kick-arse John. What’s not to love?
Seeds by thesardine : On LJ | On AO3
Sherlock, John | PG-13 | ~5,500 words
In a fit of boredom Sherlock plants some seeds, may or may not eat one cracker, and definitely waxes dramatic on the sofa for a while.
-
A lyrical, funny and semantically clever expression of Sherlock's intensity, John's compassionate wisdom and Mycroft's inscrutibility. This is a truly beautiful piece of writing, and one of my all-time favourites.
And finally, here are some fics in which John deduces systematically as a matter of course:
Brave by chappysmom : On AO3 | On ff.net
John, Greg, Mycroft | G | ~29,500 words
Post-Reichenbach, all John really wants to do is clear his friend's name, but in the face of the press and all the skeptics, what can one, lone blogger do? Be Brave, of course.
(I'm sharing the author's AO3 tags as well as her summary, since they are very nicely put and wonderfully enticing):
Post-Reichenbach, Brave, John being Brave, Did I mention John was being brave? And smart, Really smart
-
I was so excited to see this story being written, as chappysmom is exactly the sort of writer that belongs on this list: she always writes a fantastically competent John, and yet somehow before now I couldn't quite figure out which of her pieces to recommend. This is absolutely it. No one who loves a competent and clever (and brave!) John should pass over it.
Small Steps to Belonging by donutsweeper : On AO3 | On ff.net
John, Sally, maybe John/Sherlock pre-slash | R | ~7,400 words
Sherlock's leaving leads to changes John could not have foreseen-an unexpected flatmate, and an equally unexpected sense of belonging.
-
This is a fantastic exploration of John's capability to figure things out in his own way, and a delightful extrapolation of how he might develop more personal relationships with Greg, Sally and the rest of the Yarders. The Sherlock sub-plot is minor, but I like how that played out too.
Because It's Any Day Now by lindsey_grissom : On LJ | On AO3
Mycroft/Spoiler Male Pairing, Mycroft/John pre-slash | R | ~6,000 words
Because John isn't an idiot he sees things, hears things and sometimes cautiously deduces things.
-
This fic fills me with admiration for both John's and Mycroft's strength of character. In addition to the main story, the author also effectively and understatedly explores the influences that Sherlock, John and Mycroft have on each other, even though Sherlock’s barely there. This fic deserves a lot more appreciation than it’s been shown so far.
Keeping the Doctor Away by mesmiranda : On Dreamwidth
Girl!John | PG | ~1,700 words
Joanna solves an unexpected case using unexpected means while hanging out with army mates at the bar. Fantastic group dynamics, and cute Sherlock & Mrs H cameos.
M-D-W by polariscope : On AO3 | On LJ
John/Sherlock | PG-13 | ~5,900 words
He sits on a chair across from his bed, tapping an unknown violin melody out on the handle of his cane, and waits for the bell to sound the arrival of the removers. (Post-Reichenbach reveal fic. John discovers a note left in 221B.)
-
Brainy is the new sexy: Sherlock leaves a very clever series of clues for John so that he can find him. John very cleverly finds him. A satisfying reunion!
Becoming Sherlock Holmes by Regency : On AO3
Sherlock and John | PG-13 | ~4,600 words
John Watson has spent the last three years living as Sherlock Holmes, it’s unsurprising he’s forgotten how to be himself anymore.
-
This fic is wonderfully satisfying on a number of levels, but what stood out to me was the deft characterisation of three very different, very clever people: John, Sherlock and Mycroft. There's still one chapter left to be written of the story; I hope that doesn't put you off!
Very Good Indeed by stillwaters01 : On AO3 | On ff.net
John, Sherlock and Lestrade | PG-13 | ~4,100 words
John Watson was a doctor, trained to observe details; a fact Sherlock had never been more aware of than when a drugged John's lifesaving instructions were based on an unlabeled syringe and an unconscious murder suspect's body.
-
As per the Author’s Summary: a first-rate celebration of John’s canon-established competence.
The Doctor by stupidmuse_hatesme : On AO3
Sherlock/John | PG-13 | ~13,700 words
I went to war to save people, and learned how to kill. I left the war because of an accident, but the war didn't leave me.
-
In which John's army service was more secret-agenty than we are generally led to believe. An account of how he came to be shot, of how he crossed paths with Sherlock after returning to London (in a different scenario from canon) and of how the two of them eventually came to accept each other as friends and possible intellectual equals. Fascinating and suspenseful.
Switching Places by WuHaoNi : On ff.net
John and Sherlock | G | ~3,200 words
Sherlock is an army doctor. John is a consulting detective.
-
An interesting study in how John and Sherlock might play inverted roles while still being very much themselves in character and capabilities. Unfortunately incomplete.