mysterythecat

[mysterythecat]

"A Thrill Failed To Deliver" is complete: chapter 32/32 has been posted to AO3.

Link to the final chapter

Link to the entire story

Consulting Detective Sherlock Holmes is back in business. No, it wasn’t a wig before and no, he’s most decidedly not single.

The 32nd and final chapter tracks time from January to September — from the end of treatment to when a little over a year has passed from diagnosis.

This 24-page conclusion to the story took a week to finish, including eight hours for a final edit (and a bit of help and arse-kicking from @elldotsee). Just like the entire story, it was a harrowing, beautiful and monstrous process where I felt I had to put to task all the experience and skills I've gained writing my previous medical h&c fics. In a way, though I have loved constructing it, I am as happy as Sherlock and John to see this journey coming to an end — to be able to give them the happy end they deserve.

Thank you all who have taken part in this journey. Would love to hear your thoughts especially now that it's concluded.

[mysterythecat]

In case anyone is having a bad night

(The best of this post and its reblogs, but with links that work)

Here is a website where you can scroll down to all the different levels of the ocean 

Here is a website where you can see the future of the universe

Here is a website where you can press a ‘make everything okay’ button, over and over, until things really are okay

Here is a website that you can read if you feel like a burden

Here is a website where you can look at strobe illusions (TW strobe/flashing)

Here is a website where you can cut stuff up (TW blood/sh)

Here and here are websites where you can play with sand

Here is a website where you can draw with macaroni and other fun foods

Here is a website where you can paint someone’s nails

Here is a website where you can grow a garden with emojis

Here is a website with hundreds of videos of people hugging you (rightfully dubbed ‘the nicest place on the internet’ because it really is, y’all, it made me cry)

Here is a website that will take you to other useless websites

Here is a website where you can make a tiny cat play bongo drums (and other instruments!)

Here is a website to help give you gentle reminders <3

Here is a website where you can grow a tiny farm

Here is a website where you can take a bunch of scientific personality tests

Here is a website of calm rain noise

Take a breath. It’s going to be okay, I promise.

[mysterythecat]

How did I miss this one?! Just lovely.

(Words: 4,825Chapters: 1/1, E) Sherlock discovers a grey hair on his head. John convinces him to keep it that way.

The summary doesn't do justice to this lovely story. Thank you @vitruvianwatson.

[mysterythecat]

With so many of the greatest writers leaving the writing in our fandom, I was wondering if you could recommend some newer or even older fic authors that are of the same level? I don't want to stop reading Johnlock, it's basically all I read anymore! I know I'm spoiled with having read fics by @chryse @breath4soul @arwamachine @7-percent @therealsaintscully @ohlooktheresabee @runnfromtheak @meetinginsamarra and @jbaillier

I understand that not everyone wants to dedicate their lives to writing fanfic, or have outgrown the fandom, or real life has become overwhelming. By no way am I demanding more fic from these amazing writers. I'd really just like to know of any other wonderful writers that are just as good. I need to feed my addiction hahaha! Thank you for your advice and suggestions, I love you!

Hey Nonny!

Ah, I get what you mean :) Our authors are people too, who have lives that keep them busy, AND they still provide us with amazing fics for free!! <3

That said, because I ALWAYS feel like I'm going to miss some great authors, I'm gonna once again default to: you can always be guaranteed "newer" fics in the fandom by checking out my weekly #FiveFicsFriday posts!! It's a weekly collection of new fics suggested to me, often brand new stories in the fandom! Here are over 1000 fics for you to check out on these lists:

YEAR ONE MASTERPOST (Sept 29/19 to Sept 25/20)

YEAR TWO MASTERPOST (Sept 25/20 to Sept 24/21)

YEAR THREE MASTERPOST (Oct 1/21 to Sept 23/22)

YEAR FOUR MASTERPOST (Sept 30/22 to Sept 22/23)

But honestly, I think every author is amazing here!!! Without them we wouldn't have the amazing content we have! Always support our authors and artists <3

If anyone wants Nonny to check them or their faves out, please don't hesitate to add themselves to the notes!!

(and if you don't think you "deserve" to be listed among these authors, STOP BEING SILLY!! We love you!! <3)

[mysterythecat]

Well, look who appears to be aging quite beautifully.

CHRIS PINE 2023 | Mark Seliger ph. for Esquire US

[mysterythecat]

Inferno (with @7-percent)

Drawn to Stars sequel:

John and Sherlock work with Roberto Zanardi on a massive case in Italy, while Roberto's mother Elena keeps Rosie busy. Elena Zanardi didn't remember Sherlock kindly, but is warming to him for Rosie's sake. (In this series, dialogue in italics is (appropriately) in Italian.)

*

Watson comes back with her treasures: pinecones of the palest pale grey, pieces of flintrock almost the color of cinnabar, a few gorgeous feathers from an unlucky magpie. Sherlock, tormented by the horseflies, can barely muster the appropriate enthusiasm for her finds.

Impatient, Elena exclaims, “For pity’s sake, Sherlock. Use. The. Spray. Forgive me, but you’re more stubborn than my five sons put together.”

He can bear it no more and yields, spraying the vile product over every exposed centimetre of skin. The relief is immediate and intense.

“You have no idea. Ask John about that, he’s got a detailed list.”

Elena laughs, and Watson obligingly chimes in with “What is drama queen in Italian?”

Sherlock puts on the indignant stare that always makes Watson laugh. “No one’s called me that since—breakfast. It was supposed to be our secret.”

The giggling complicity of his daughter never fails to warm him. Her sense of humour is shifting from childlike to ironic, and that too is a leap of maturity he’s not certain he will like. He's loved being her omniscient Ba, and will have to learn to be her Ba with feet of clay, as have all other fathers before him.

Elena, curse the woman, only smiles and says, “Then it’s a secret you’re rubbish at keeping.” And Watson understands the sense, if not every word, and laughs again.

*

I’ll be back every Wednesday with an excerpt. Thanks if you reblog!

@starrla89 @helloliriels @annecumberbatch @loveismyrevolution @derpandabar @topsyturvy-turtely @lisbeth-kk @sabsi221b @jobooksncoffee @keirgreeneyes @calaisreno @t-dalo @fluffbyday-smutbynight @naefelldaurk @imnova @kettykika78 @anindoorkitty @jbaillier @thegildedbee @anyawen

[mysterythecat]

BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH Birthday Week 2023: ➥ Day 7: Happy 47th Birthday, Benedict! ♡ | July 19, 1976.

(insp)

[mysterythecat]

no te hagas ilusiones

[mysterythecat]

What do you think is your most underrated story / the one story that doesn't get as much readers as you'd like?

Good question, and I was surprised how easily the answer came to me.

It's "Morphogenesis", the final part in the "You Go To My Head" series. I don't feel entitled to any kinds of reader/comment numbers, but considering the popularity of so many of the earlier stories in that series, I have to admit it disappointed and surprised me how few readers seemed to want to find out what came of our doctors and how their story ended (well, not quite ended since I like to imagine Mr Holmes doing some emergency surgery at any given moment or lounging around at home in a dressing gown listening to some classical music).

"Morphogenesis" centres around Sherlock's perhaps most triumphant life moment both professionally and personally, and I am very pleased with how it turned out after all the pressure of concluding the series in a big way. Granted, it's a hell of a long fic series, so sticking out with it is a monumental task I cannot expect anyone to commit to. It's just that, after working on that final part for years alongside writing many of the earlier ones to make sure it was perfect enough to deliver a proper, satisfying ending, I really wanted to share it with everyone who had enjoyed their time with Drs Holmes and Watson.

[mysterythecat]

please help!

I have been out of work for five months, and in that time have had to pay out of pocket for a mountain of medical expenses, house bills, and more.

Please check out my shop that contains my neurodivergent-forward organizational tools and journals, and consider a little shopping for yourself or someone else. I’ve made three sales since opening it last year.

Share the shop link with friends, too.

I’m still waiting for surgery, and I’m still applying to jobs every day. I’m trying.

But I need help.

Check out my linktree for other ways to support.

You know me— you know how hard the last months have been on me and my little family. You know my work, you read my stories, you share my designs. You know me. Please help me.

Reblogs appreciated, likes don’t do anything.

Thank you.

Love you.

————————————————————————————

tagging for exposure: @sarahthecoat @edwardallenpoe @john-smiths-jawline @totallysilvergirl @escaroles @ella-doe @queerholmcs @jobooksncoffee @inevitably-johnlocked @loki-lock @calaisreno @undefined-lines @lovelenivy @mxster-jocale @jameshavinganxiety @missdeliadili @sabrinash221b @cheekbonesofbenny @safedistancefrombeingsmart @helloliriels @beesholmes

[mysterythecat]

[mysterythecat]

twitter  @academymckirk

[mysterythecat]

Raise glasses and be up standing ...

And the Award goes to ...

@inevitably-johnlocked

The fandom’s librarian, archivist extraordinaire, fic reccie wrangler (and all-around great person!) 😭 this lifetime achievement award, for saving us all many a tear and heartache over a lost fic! We couldn't love you more, Steph!

Nominated for award honours by @7-percent

Check out the blog critics are calling: "LEGENDARY!", "A light in the fandom", "THE source!", "A safe space", "always so kind and helpful!", "the first blog I made SURE to follow!", "in awe of how well maintained ... the playlists ... plus your art ... and the meta!", "I always come here when I need something GOOD", "A johnlock beacon", "thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU!!!!"

sharing the love @johnlocky @chinike @fluffbyday-smutbynight @rhasima @arabbitjohn @whatnext2020 @safedistancefrombeingsmart @chriscalledmesweetie @sarahthecoat @totallysilvergirl @loki-lock @myriath @mutedsilence @gaylilsherlock @topsyturvy-turtely @justanobsessedpan @john-smiths-jawline @cyn2k @missdeliadili @peanitbear @peageetibbs @iwlyanmw @impalaparkedat221b @lovelenivy @eplapourdissant @khorazir @kettykika78 @kaursblog11 @br00klynn2428 @mrb488 @scrub456 @teamkidman @the-reading-lemon @a-different-equation @dinner--starving @derpandabar @geekinator @anyawen @egregiously-chuffed @belles-magnetic-violin @glows-n-the-dark @neverlet @221b-alovestory @aquilea-of-the-lonely-mountain @zira-and-crowley @pocketwatchofmycroft @raina-at @discordantwords

[mysterythecat]

aquarium outfit inspo

[mysterythecat]

@aprettyspy is correct!

Cover reveal: The She-Wolf of Baker Street

It’s my delight to share with you the fabulous cover of my upcoming novel, The She Wolf of Baker Street, a queer, modern, paranormal take on ACD’s classic characters. The cover design is by Jill Harris, who also recently created covers for my Vampires of Melbourne series.

Audrey Hudson is she-wolf in question, taking the lead in this contemporary, paranormal take on the residents of Baker Street.

After Sherlock Holmes “rescues” Audrey Hudson from a kidnapper, she offers him her upstairs flat in exchange for solving the unsolved murder of her family in Edinburgh. Sherlock’s being forced to theorise without data, however – he doesn’t know his new landlady and her late family are werewolves.

There’s a lot he doesn’t know about his attractive new flatmate, John Watson, too.

Momentum is added to the case as Sherlock’s investigations suggest a much bigger mystery is at play, involving Dartmoor, a Greek interpreter, Sherlock’s agoraphobic sister, Myca; Audrey’s long-dead love, Ruby Stockton; and the fate of Great Britain’s mystic heart.

Will Holmes be able to unravel the mysteries that have haunted Audrey’s life? And can Audrey protect her new pack, or is she about to lose those she loves once again to unknown enemies?

The She-Wolf of Baker Street is due out in the second half of 2023, around September, but you can pre-order it now in paperback or ebook!

[mysterythecat]

In the year 1187, I began as a journeyman to the village apothecary. When the call came to follow the noble King Richard the Lionheart, like many young men, I eagerly went. The Crusades brought honours and penitence to many, but for me it had nothing but misfortune and disaster. After months of delirious fever, I was fortunate to return to my native England with little worse than a limp and a lame shoulder.

I had neither kith nor kin in England, and was therefore free as air—or as free as a man with neither health nor livelihood can be. Under such circumstances, I found myself wandering the countryside, where all the loungers and idlers live by their wits and the fleeting generosity of strangers. It was a meaningless, comfortless existence, spending what little health I had far more freely than I ought.

I knew I could not last like this for much longer; I had no choice but to make some drastic alteration in my style of living. The day I had come to this conclusion was in late spring, graced with the charming weather of my native isle; a heavy blanket of grey hanging above the tree tops and a chill in the air, which made my shoulder ache and my legs stiff, and I feared a turn for rain.

I hoped it was not far to the next village. It had already been some days since the kindly innkeeper, who had traded some food and a place to rest for the night for a poultice for his ailing daughter, had pointed me in this direction. These woods were dangerous, he had said, but there was a man in these parts who might be able to help a poor wanderer such as myself. It seemed an unlikely solution, but even a brief respite would be a relief to me.

The deeper I went into these woods, the thicker the growth became; the trees gathered tighter together and it became increasingly laborious to pick my way through the dense undergrowth. Only a dim light filtered through the canopy of clouds and leaves above, leaving the whole forest in twilight, with who knew what manner of men or creatures lurking within—I thought I spied the glint of a Sacaren spear, but it was only a shiny drop of dew upon a thorny bramble.

However, the whiz of an arrow through the air was unmistakable. I had no sword—I was no knight, merely a village apothecary who had gone to tend the brave souls who followed the King into battle, but when the battle began, all men became soldiers—but still I tensed for a fight, glancing around me in search of my assailant. But I saw nothing, only the deep dense woods and an arrow embedded in the tree behind me, mere inches from where my head had been.

“You had better be careful, an old campaigner travelling through these woods alone.”

I started at the voice which sounded just into my ear and turned to find myself face-to-face with a long, thin man who appeared to have materialised from the woods themselves. He was dressed all in green, with aquiline features, and rough bow in hand, another arrow already knocked into place.

“You were at Acre, I perceive,” the man said.

“Y-yes,” I said, too startled to protest at the pronouncement, “did you also follow King Richard the Lionheart?”

He shakes his head, a laughing curl to his thin lips, though there’s a darker irony lurking in his keen eyes. “I have only heard tales of the destruction.”

I can only bow my head in acknowledgement; the evidence of my hardships is unconcealable.