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The Fifth Postulate: A Sherlock Holmes story
“You are tinging this situation with romanticism which produces the same effect as working a love story into the fifth postulate of Euclid. Believe me, Sherlock, you will fail.”
Life seems to be going well for John Watson; he’s doing well at university, he’s made friends, has a social life. Except some idiot has gotten himself high in the bathroom and suddenly John is swept up in the whirlwind that is Sherlock Holmes’ life, the dangers of his addiction and the possibility that sometimes love might not be enough.
Life seems to be going well for John Watson; he’s doing well at university, he’s made friends, has a social life. Except some idiot has gotten himself high in the bathroom and suddenly John is swept up in the whirlwind that is Sherlock Holmes’ life, the dangers of his addiction and the possibility that sometimes love might not be enough.
345 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2017
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56 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 8, 2017
This read a little like fan fic, which I love. But, I did find I really wanted something major to happen and the book seemed to keep dragging on. I really wanted there to be a case too, not just relationship drama. I’ll be interested to see if there is a 2nd book.
January 26, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It reminds me of the Johnlock fanfictions I used to read, and that’s what drew me to the book.
I found the characterization fascinating. John is a med student when he and Sherlock meet. Their backgrounds are so different, but the chemistry between them is off the charts. Add to that all the relationship drama and a drug ring and I was completely engrossed.
Highly recommend!
I found the characterization fascinating. John is a med student when he and Sherlock meet. Their backgrounds are so different, but the chemistry between them is off the charts. Add to that all the relationship drama and a drug ring and I was completely engrossed.
Highly recommend!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2022
I remember reading this when I was younger and one of the things that really got me at the time was the angst. Like, I actually remember feeling heartache over this. Reading now was a bit different, but it was nice at same time.
January 3, 2018
I have a few thoughts in this, so here goes~
First up, great writing. This is my favourite style to read, I think. Particularly for an indie publication, it’s impressive. (There were typos but I overlook those generally).
The plot wrapped up very satisfyingly. The last third of the book is paced for a punch and when it comes it’s like letting out a breath you didn’t know you were holding. Sort of freeing.
A Mary who is related to John and therefore isn’t used as a device to divide my boys? THANK GOD
Andy and Gay Alf are great original characters.
I will admit I had some grievances, but I went into this book with the understanding that this would be the case. Because of the context and the age of the characters I knew it would take a while for me to warm to them, and the topic of drugs isn’t something I enjoy reading normally in anything, but particularly in Sherlock Holmes fanfiction and pastiche. That’s just me personally though, and I know there are many who appreciate such stories.
You will love my boy Sherlock by the end of this if you don’t at the start, I can tell you that anyway.
This is a good book. I’m glad I have it in my collection. It’s not personally a favourite, but it certainly could be for someone else. And well damn, the more Johnlock in the world, the better.
Thank you, LT Brady, for writing and sharing.
First up, great writing. This is my favourite style to read, I think. Particularly for an indie publication, it’s impressive. (There were typos but I overlook those generally).
The plot wrapped up very satisfyingly. The last third of the book is paced for a punch and when it comes it’s like letting out a breath you didn’t know you were holding. Sort of freeing.
A Mary who is related to John and therefore isn’t used as a device to divide my boys? THANK GOD
Andy and Gay Alf are great original characters.
I will admit I had some grievances, but I went into this book with the understanding that this would be the case. Because of the context and the age of the characters I knew it would take a while for me to warm to them, and the topic of drugs isn’t something I enjoy reading normally in anything, but particularly in Sherlock Holmes fanfiction and pastiche. That’s just me personally though, and I know there are many who appreciate such stories.
You will love my boy Sherlock by the end of this if you don’t at the start, I can tell you that anyway.
This is a good book. I’m glad I have it in my collection. It’s not personally a favourite, but it certainly could be for someone else. And well damn, the more Johnlock in the world, the better.
Thank you, LT Brady, for writing and sharing.
July 20, 2021
points off for unnecessary depictions of lesbiphobia and homophobia, racism (not depictions of racism, just racism) and a bunch of other shit that’s aged like milk. i will say i enjoyed the mystery element and felt it was well done as well as the plot progression. it could have done with another editor going over it as the beginning was particularly rough. it ended nicely, and even though it’s not my typical au preference, i found myself having a good time. i found the depictions of child abuse very relatable so i didn’t pull off any points for that. what did age very well was how super into consent sherlock was. it was surprising how well that psa about being drunk means you’re not consenting was worked in there. honestly the best published fic i’ve read yet.
April 20, 2022
To be perfectly honest, it's been a while since I read this book and I don't remember the plot in much detail. However, it's both nicely written, engaging, and manages to stay clear of the most fanfic-y of fanfiction tropes (which is a good thing when a book is pushing 400 pages). I found characterisations believable and the chemistry between the main characters infectious, but I do remember that I found the book a little over-long. I think knocking 50 or so pages off the total would have got rid of a few unnecessary sequences and kept the tension better towards the climax. Still, I found the book enjoyable and would recommend it to anyone looking for more published Sherlock Holmes/John Watson fiction to consume.
August 17, 2024
It's sherlock and john.... during university years.... falling in love. What more can I ask for?
I started this when it was on ao3, but never finished. Finally i have it in book form, forever mine. I'm happy
I started this when it was on ao3, but never finished. Finally i have it in book form, forever mine. I'm happy
October 4, 2020
It’s a young and very gay Sherlock Holmes story. That was once definitely originally fan fiction. What a journey to read
August 22, 2023
I don't care for gay fiction to have both parties so fetishized. John is overly "feminine" and Sherlock is overly toppish. I wish they author had allowed more switching to take place.
October 8, 2018
3.5 stars
September 3, 2017
I stumbled on this title quite accidentally. Sherlock Holmes in a mm romance. I was like: gimme, gimme!
The story hooked me immediately. The scene where John and Sherlock met each other for the first time is truly sherlockian. I don't think it would have worked for other characters, but for this it works perfectly. It manages to establish Sherlock as a quirky genius and John as good hearted guy totally unimpressed by him. Since they are both good in reading each other, immediate attraction springing up feels natural. Their relationship develops slowly. It's very carefully orchestrated. There is an overtone of power disbalance since Sherlock is older and more confident. He is also careless and morally ambiguous. He needs John as an anchor. John, on the other hand, regards Sherlock as the one thing he shouldn't want but is helpless to resist. Their friendship is a wild card for John. His world is otherwise safe and boring. Sherlock makes him feel alive. They flirt almost without intention. It's there each time they talk.
For good part of the book Sherlock is involved with someone else: it doesn't detract from their connection. Neither of them is perfect. They both have their vices and they are both damaged. John isn't trying to change his friend and lover: he is aware of his flaws. He is not so aware of his own, but he is still very much naïve. They both change as their relationship progresses. Sherlock does follow his better impulses when John is around and John learns more about the world.
The story follows up development of their relationship with all curves and detours it takes, allowing them to grow slowly into men they are meant to be. It's their chemistry which tugs and pulls the story forward. They put a lot of work in their connection. Even other's reactions to them feds into intricate rope connecting them. The story picks ruthlessly at their wounds and drags the baggage they have into light of the day. They don't get magically better but it is what makes this story solid. The suspense plot is mainly in the background but it fits relationship storyline neatly. I had so much fun with scenes hinting at what is to come: there is Mrs. Hudson cameo!
As far as I was concerned, the suspense part of the plot was lurking in the shadows for most of the book. The ending gathered all leads scattered through the book in a truly interesting way. I suspect I'm going to pick up on all of them only when I reread the book.
I enjoyed this one and I'm hoping author develops it into series.
Caution: This book contains substance abuse.
I received copy of this book in exchange for review.
The review is also posted on Gay Book Reviews
The story hooked me immediately. The scene where John and Sherlock met each other for the first time is truly sherlockian. I don't think it would have worked for other characters, but for this it works perfectly. It manages to establish Sherlock as a quirky genius and John as good hearted guy totally unimpressed by him. Since they are both good in reading each other, immediate attraction springing up feels natural. Their relationship develops slowly. It's very carefully orchestrated. There is an overtone of power disbalance since Sherlock is older and more confident. He is also careless and morally ambiguous. He needs John as an anchor. John, on the other hand, regards Sherlock as the one thing he shouldn't want but is helpless to resist. Their friendship is a wild card for John. His world is otherwise safe and boring. Sherlock makes him feel alive. They flirt almost without intention. It's there each time they talk.
For good part of the book Sherlock is involved with someone else: it doesn't detract from their connection. Neither of them is perfect. They both have their vices and they are both damaged. John isn't trying to change his friend and lover: he is aware of his flaws. He is not so aware of his own, but he is still very much naïve. They both change as their relationship progresses. Sherlock does follow his better impulses when John is around and John learns more about the world.
The story follows up development of their relationship with all curves and detours it takes, allowing them to grow slowly into men they are meant to be. It's their chemistry which tugs and pulls the story forward. They put a lot of work in their connection. Even other's reactions to them feds into intricate rope connecting them. The story picks ruthlessly at their wounds and drags the baggage they have into light of the day. They don't get magically better but it is what makes this story solid. The suspense plot is mainly in the background but it fits relationship storyline neatly. I had so much fun with scenes hinting at what is to come: there is Mrs. Hudson cameo!
As far as I was concerned, the suspense part of the plot was lurking in the shadows for most of the book. The ending gathered all leads scattered through the book in a truly interesting way. I suspect I'm going to pick up on all of them only when I reread the book.
I enjoyed this one and I'm hoping author develops it into series.
Caution: This book contains substance abuse.
I received copy of this book in exchange for review.
The review is also posted on Gay Book Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews