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Sherlock Holmes and John Watson: The Night They Met
Some things belong together, the one with the other, natural pairs.
Sherlock Holmes and John Watson. Holmes and Watson. Sherlock and John. Whether it’s in an empty house during the Blitz, a West London strip club in the 70s, or deep in the heart of a Hong Kong computer lab, the meeting of these two legendary men is inevitable.
Spanning one hundred and twenty-eight years, here are the stories of that destiny. Of how a detective meets a doctor, of how they change each other in heart and mind.
Of how they fall in love.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 4, 2016
This is a collection of stories looking at the world's greatest literary friendship through the eye of romance.
What if, not just content with being friends, Holmes and Watson were also a romantic pairing? Atlin Merrick answers this question wonderfully with a number of excellent stories spanning three centuries.
There are crimes. Oh yes, there are definitely crimes. This is NOT Mills & Boon territory by any stretch of the imagination.
All of the stories are readable, not just by Johnlock shippers, but by Sherlock Holmes fans in general.
Atlin Merrick's delightfully twisted sense of humour comes out to play with gorgeous lines like "...I think he clenched his arse cheeks so hard he did his prostate a mischief."
"Sherlock Holmes and John Watson: The Night They Met" is the first publication from Improbable Press", the new specialist publisher of Holmesian romance and erotica. Do not be afraid, though, whilst the stories in this volume are on the romantic side, they are not erotica. You could happily give this book to your maiden aunty to read without fear of reprisals.
Highly recommended.
What if, not just content with being friends, Holmes and Watson were also a romantic pairing? Atlin Merrick answers this question wonderfully with a number of excellent stories spanning three centuries.
There are crimes. Oh yes, there are definitely crimes. This is NOT Mills & Boon territory by any stretch of the imagination.
All of the stories are readable, not just by Johnlock shippers, but by Sherlock Holmes fans in general.
Atlin Merrick's delightfully twisted sense of humour comes out to play with gorgeous lines like "...I think he clenched his arse cheeks so hard he did his prostate a mischief."
"Sherlock Holmes and John Watson: The Night They Met" is the first publication from Improbable Press", the new specialist publisher of Holmesian romance and erotica. Do not be afraid, though, whilst the stories in this volume are on the romantic side, they are not erotica. You could happily give this book to your maiden aunty to read without fear of reprisals.
Highly recommended.
March 26, 2016
It was like reading fanfiction. Really good fanfiction. Loved it.
April 3, 2017
Merrick is such a charismatic writer. Her words are magical, as are the short stories in this collection. Each one sweet and unique in its own way, she made me swoon again and again. Highly recommended for all fans of Johnlock.
August 12, 2018
Sherlock Holmes and John Watson: The Night They Met is a collection of short stories detailing different ways in which the two famous characters might have met and fallen in love in different places and time periods. Overall a very enjoyable read that is right up my alley, since I am a huge fan of a romantic reading of the relationship between Holmes and Watson, some of the short stories do follow much the same formula and are a bit difficult to tell apart.
The book has a great number of positive qualities. The characterization is spot on 99% of the time and there are many lovely interactions between the two main characters. it is obvious that a great amount of love and care for these characters has gone into writing these short stories and that is vital. The writing style is also very good, reminiscent of the better written fanfictions out there, which I suppose is also more or less what this book is. Additionally, the author understands how to create an intense atmosphere, whether it is humorous, lighthearted, depressing or downright heartbreaking, and each atmosphere is respected, such that each short story has its own consistent feel.
On the downside, quite a few of the short stories are built around the same basic formula. John Watson has returned injured from one war or another and is now in a bad place, whether he is working a job he dislikes or simply has a depression, and along comes Sherlock Holmes who just happens to be solving a case in the general vicinity, whereby the two bump into one another and get talking. It works, no doubt about it, but it also means that quite a lot of the short stories are very similar even though they take place in different places at different times. Unsurprisingly, my favorite stories were those that manage to break free from this formula, such as Time Immemorial, Dear John Letter, Passing Strange, Flipping the Switch and Inevitable. Additionally, I very much enjoyed how the two The Art of Gay Whooing-stories details the difficulties faced by LGBT people in different eras, although I am not 100% sure that the author was thinking of this when they were written.
Another problem I have is that very few, if any, of the short stories explain why John Watson and Sherlock Holmes are a great pairing. A lot of the time, the explanation is a simple "because they're meant to be" and, while I fully agree with that, it is not a fully satisfying explanation. I would have loved to see some more exploration of how the two compliment each other. I realize it might be hard to do when most of the short stories detail the night they met and little else, but since some of the stories do give some details about their future lives together, I think it is a pity that there's not more exploration of why they fit together so well.
All in all, I found the book very enjoyable even though it does have its shortcomings. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who are fans of the Sherlock Holmes and John Watson romantic pairing and prefer reading the two men as being in love. As long as the stories are read simply as a tribute to the characters and their love for each other, Sherlock Holmes and John Watson: The Night They Met is a highly entertaining read that really delivers emotionally.
The book has a great number of positive qualities. The characterization is spot on 99% of the time and there are many lovely interactions between the two main characters. it is obvious that a great amount of love and care for these characters has gone into writing these short stories and that is vital. The writing style is also very good, reminiscent of the better written fanfictions out there, which I suppose is also more or less what this book is. Additionally, the author understands how to create an intense atmosphere, whether it is humorous, lighthearted, depressing or downright heartbreaking, and each atmosphere is respected, such that each short story has its own consistent feel.
On the downside, quite a few of the short stories are built around the same basic formula. John Watson has returned injured from one war or another and is now in a bad place, whether he is working a job he dislikes or simply has a depression, and along comes Sherlock Holmes who just happens to be solving a case in the general vicinity, whereby the two bump into one another and get talking. It works, no doubt about it, but it also means that quite a lot of the short stories are very similar even though they take place in different places at different times. Unsurprisingly, my favorite stories were those that manage to break free from this formula, such as Time Immemorial, Dear John Letter, Passing Strange, Flipping the Switch and Inevitable. Additionally, I very much enjoyed how the two The Art of Gay Whooing-stories details the difficulties faced by LGBT people in different eras, although I am not 100% sure that the author was thinking of this when they were written.
Another problem I have is that very few, if any, of the short stories explain why John Watson and Sherlock Holmes are a great pairing. A lot of the time, the explanation is a simple "because they're meant to be" and, while I fully agree with that, it is not a fully satisfying explanation. I would have loved to see some more exploration of how the two compliment each other. I realize it might be hard to do when most of the short stories detail the night they met and little else, but since some of the stories do give some details about their future lives together, I think it is a pity that there's not more exploration of why they fit together so well.
All in all, I found the book very enjoyable even though it does have its shortcomings. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who are fans of the Sherlock Holmes and John Watson romantic pairing and prefer reading the two men as being in love. As long as the stories are read simply as a tribute to the characters and their love for each other, Sherlock Holmes and John Watson: The Night They Met is a highly entertaining read that really delivers emotionally.
February 2, 2016
Well crafted fiction about Our favorite Detective and His Boswell
Atlin Merrick is a master craftsman and each story she writes is a finely crafted jewel of depth and emotion. If Sherlock Holmes and Dr.John Watson being romantically involved isn't your thing than I highly recommend her other book, The Day They Met.
Atlin Merrick is a master craftsman and each story she writes is a finely crafted jewel of depth and emotion. If Sherlock Holmes and Dr.John Watson being romantically involved isn't your thing than I highly recommend her other book, The Day They Met.
February 25, 2019
Stories of Sherlock Holmes & John Watson abound on the Internet, in audio format, and in books. You can read about their adventures together, crimes they solve, and life in London. What sets this particular set of short stories apart from others is that we get to see a series of 'what ifs' on how they could have met. Set in various times, and situations, Atlin shows little snippets of could have been's, and gives the reader an emotional connection to these already beloved characters.
I found it interesting to read straight through the book, and jump from story to story. Since these were all 'beginnings', it felt like a brainstorming session... we know what the end result is (Sherlock & John together), but there are so many possibilities on how they get to that point. It's fun to see one person's multiple takes on how that can happen.
If you're looking to read something a bit different, and don't mind 'finishing' the stories in your head, you'll love how Atlin brings these beloved characters together, time & again. It's like a matchmaker, who knows what people want & delivers... for both the readers & the characters. Enjoy!
Sherlock Holmes and John Watson: The Night They Met
I found it interesting to read straight through the book, and jump from story to story. Since these were all 'beginnings', it felt like a brainstorming session... we know what the end result is (Sherlock & John together), but there are so many possibilities on how they get to that point. It's fun to see one person's multiple takes on how that can happen.
If you're looking to read something a bit different, and don't mind 'finishing' the stories in your head, you'll love how Atlin brings these beloved characters together, time & again. It's like a matchmaker, who knows what people want & delivers... for both the readers & the characters. Enjoy!
Sherlock Holmes and John Watson: The Night They Met
March 1, 2019
I got this e-book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The Night they met deals, as the title says, with the first meeting of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson. All together there are 19 stories, taking place all across different time periods and different first meetings. The stories do vary, but some things do remain a bit constant, which is noticeable if you read them all at once. They are cute, funny, often full of strange moments (it's Sherlock after all,an ordinary first meeting would be boring). I can definitely recommend this book, if you are in the mood for short, sweet stories, and since all profits go to the It gets better charity organization, I can definitely recommend buying it. All in all, I really enjoyed the stories.
The Night they met deals, as the title says, with the first meeting of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson. All together there are 19 stories, taking place all across different time periods and different first meetings. The stories do vary, but some things do remain a bit constant, which is noticeable if you read them all at once. They are cute, funny, often full of strange moments (it's Sherlock after all,an ordinary first meeting would be boring). I can definitely recommend this book, if you are in the mood for short, sweet stories, and since all profits go to the It gets better charity organization, I can definitely recommend buying it. All in all, I really enjoyed the stories.
May 21, 2020
Alles in allem ein nettes Buch für zwischendurch. Da die Geschichten alle sehr kurz sind, kann man gut mal eben eine Lesen, wenn man auf den Bus wartet.
Nicht alle Storys haben mich auf die gleiche Weise gefesselt, aber insgesamt habe ich mich gut unterhalten gefühlt. Am Besten hat mir tatsächlich die Geschichte mit John und Sherlock als Cumputer-Programme gefallen!
Nicht alle Storys haben mich auf die gleiche Weise gefesselt, aber insgesamt habe ich mich gut unterhalten gefühlt. Am Besten hat mir tatsächlich die Geschichte mit John und Sherlock als Cumputer-Programme gefallen!
November 17, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed this read. Lots of stories of different imaginings of them meeting for the first time. Just goes to show that they are meant to be together, whatever the circumstances, whatever the era. Imaginative and cleverly written. Great style.
September 24, 2024
I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!! If you love a love story this book is for you! If you love Holmes and Watson this book is for you!!!! Just read it okay?
June 18, 2025
Tristemente nessuna storia mi ha convita. Ci speravo davvero perché amo Sherlock e John.
November 22, 2017
I think I need more stars for this book. Five is clearly not enough.
February 9, 2016
When I reviewed THE DAY THEY MET, the companion to this book, one of the first things I said I wished for were more time periods - and Merrick delivered this time! From the Victorian era to the far future of cybertech Tokyo, this book follows how John Watson and Sherlock Holmes could have achieved the single most celebrated meeting of characters in the whole of Western literature save, perhaps, Lizzie and Darcy.
And like Lizzie and Darcy, this time romance, chemistry, and UST crackles between them in each of Merrick's delightful, snack-sized takes of inevitability, fate, and zany coincidence.
What I enjoyed best was the variety of tones of the story - some silly, some filled with laughter, some serious and filled with danger and concern. There is a different story for every incarnation of Holmes and Watson - romantic, sexy, dashing, daring, stroppy, selfish, silly, bleeding and healing, walking, jogging, working, and pouting.
Brava to Merrick for creating such a fun, thoughtful, and interesting book of shorts. I have no idea if there'll be a third book in this series, but I'll definitely snap up anything else Merrik and Improbably Press produce.
And like Lizzie and Darcy, this time romance, chemistry, and UST crackles between them in each of Merrick's delightful, snack-sized takes of inevitability, fate, and zany coincidence.
What I enjoyed best was the variety of tones of the story - some silly, some filled with laughter, some serious and filled with danger and concern. There is a different story for every incarnation of Holmes and Watson - romantic, sexy, dashing, daring, stroppy, selfish, silly, bleeding and healing, walking, jogging, working, and pouting.
Brava to Merrick for creating such a fun, thoughtful, and interesting book of shorts. I have no idea if there'll be a third book in this series, but I'll definitely snap up anything else Merrik and Improbably Press produce.
Currently reading
April 10, 2016I love this book. I love it to the point that I don't want to finish it. Ive got it bad! From the first story, 'Time Immemorial', about little Sherlock and little John meeting at Waterloo Station, I fell like a tonne of bricks. With John Watson's legs jutting 'out in front of him like pale little sticks', and Sherlock Holmes 'very suddenly trying not to cry' at the prospect of little John going away... Well, how can I not cry for little Sherlock? Rather mystifyingly, it gets better as one reads each additional short story. The emotional component is always there as each tale (re)tells the fateful meeting of Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson. Story after story leads one to realise that these two men, in combination, are more than the sum of their parts - that left as individuals who never meet each other they might just be... ordinary. What a horrifying idea. Thankfully there's never any danger of that happening. Fate, it seems, likes a partnership, and whether that's a romantic one or a platonic one (See the Author's companion book 'The Day They Met'), 'it's all fine', to quote John Watson.
July 18, 2016
This author, whose work I have adored for many years, and whose generous heart I have had the joy of brief interactions with, is a master of the short story form. Every one of these made me smile, and I hated to see this book end. Several of these stories made me think wistfully "Oh I wish this was a whole book!" But then, of course, it wouldn't have been so perfectly crafted in its poignant brevity. I will read everything that she ever writes about these two men meeting over and over again.
Oh! And the characterization! The same 2 men but at different places in their lives, just ever so slightly different, in each tale. This especially played out with John Watson and his sexuality. Sometimes he was confident and comfortable with his bisexual orientation, and other times we found him mid-way through figuring it out, but it was all fine and it was all still him.
I loved it. Pure joy to read.
Oh! And the characterization! The same 2 men but at different places in their lives, just ever so slightly different, in each tale. This especially played out with John Watson and his sexuality. Sometimes he was confident and comfortable with his bisexual orientation, and other times we found him mid-way through figuring it out, but it was all fine and it was all still him.
I loved it. Pure joy to read.
February 27, 2016
It doesn't matter which version of Holmes and Watson you encounter; whether it's the original canon by Arthur Conan Doyle, or Jeremy Brett's brilliant portrayal, right up to the modern day BBC Sherlock - who HASN'T seen these two in action and wondered... for the love shines through in every version. Atlin Merrick takes us down that path with a series of witty, entertaining vignettes, spaced through the centuries, showing just how that love began. Read, love. And if you love this book, or if you'd rather read about their incredible friendship, try "The Day They Met" by Wendy Fries, which explores the very beginnings of this remarkable partnership.
(And if you think the writing style is very similar between the books, why, you'd be right. :-) )
(And if you think the writing style is very similar between the books, why, you'd be right. :-) )
December 23, 2015
Atlin Merrick's last book, The Day They Met (as Wendy C Fries) told 50 perfect little stories about alternative ways fiction's great detective and his best friend and biographer may have met. This time, the interpretation is 19 alternatives ways they met and fell in love. Either way, they are a perfect partnership.
These stories are set across time, from the Victorian and Edwardian eras, the Great War and the Blitz, to the latter half of the 20th century and beyond.
Each story has its own take - some funny, some filled with delightful cases, some heart wrenching and every single one full of wit, heart and soul.
These stories are set across time, from the Victorian and Edwardian eras, the Great War and the Blitz, to the latter half of the 20th century and beyond.
Each story has its own take - some funny, some filled with delightful cases, some heart wrenching and every single one full of wit, heart and soul.
February 13, 2016
In the very vast panorama of Sherlock Holmes pastiches, whoever says we don't need any more of those is, in my opinion, a fool. And I am glad there are authors lIke Atlin Merrick around, to prove this time after time, like she has done with this beautiful book. Every single one of these stories is a little gem, an inventive and incandescent what-if brought to life, to shine and show us that, as one of her titles say, Sherlock Holmes and John Watson were, are and always will be Inevitable.
December 23, 2015
I pre-ordered the book and then I couldn't wait until January and bought the ebook, because the ebook was out earlier. Totally worth it. I wish I could name a favorite story, but I really can't decide which of the short stories I like best. I had to pace myself and put the book down, otherwise I'd have read them all in one sitting. Looking forward to reading the stories again once the print version arrives in my mailbox.
September 15, 2016
I truly love this book, but then, I love every single word that Atlin Merrick writes, so I might be a little biased...
In all honesty, this is such a marvelous read: sweet, fun, romantic. Every time I go back and read again one of the stories, I come back to reality with a soft smile (and sometimes with a startled laugh, that happen, too) and starry eyes.
If you believe that Sherlock Holms and John Watson belong together, this book is for you. Don't you dare to miss it
In all honesty, this is such a marvelous read: sweet, fun, romantic. Every time I go back and read again one of the stories, I come back to reality with a soft smile (and sometimes with a startled laugh, that happen, too) and starry eyes.
If you believe that Sherlock Holms and John Watson belong together, this book is for you. Don't you dare to miss it
February 7, 2017
It only took me a year to read this. I started it, put it down, and never picked it up again until a few days ago. Some of the stories were fun and enjoyable, others not as much. I think I would have preferred a smaller number of longer, more detailed stories as opposed to a lot of short-to-very-short works that didn't always seem enough in and of themselves. It wasn't an unpleasant read, by any means, but I was left a bit peckish in the end, wanting something a bit more filling.
January 4, 2016
Fun alternate universe scenarios for these classic characters. Some chapters in particular were very creative (the AI one!) or were just universes that I would have loved further explorations of.
April 12, 2016
This was a lovely collection of short stories that details the relationship between Sherlock Holmes and John Watson in a wide variety of situations. I only wish the stories were longer.
January 24, 2017
I made my chances with this and I wasn't let down. I can wholeheartedly recommend this! :)
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews