Lust Over Pendle and its sequel, Dissipation and Despair by A. J. Hall (R)

[onijade.livejournal.com]

Fandom: HARRY POTTER
Pairing: Draco Malfoy / Neville Longbottom
Author on LJ: (if applicable) ajhall
Author Website: Shoes for Industry
Why this must be read:

Because they're unique, which is a rare and precious thing in fan fiction. A characteristic which unfortunately makes them slightly hard to recommend, because I don't quite know where to start.

The basics first: they're both detective stories, in the Golden Age tradition. As such they feature an ancestral pile (with obligatory leaky roof); a fraudulent engagement; a damsel in distress; a variety of eccentric characters and other standard characteristics of the genre. As they're taking place in the wizarding world they also feature a werewolf, the odd bit of necromancy, and a magical doomsday device. All this and so much more: political satire; religious commentary; interesting legal detail about tomb desecration and general wit about the human condition.

The real attraction, however, is the way that these elements are weaved together. The magical world meshes perfectly with the non-magical, which is itself a glorious mix of the real England with that England that only exists in fiction. And while all this is going on the plot drives forward and the characterisation remains impeccable. As I said they're unique, and compelling – not to mention frequently hilarious.

And anyone who's taken one look at the pairing and rejected them is missing one of the best series in the fandom. Trust me, it works here.

Lust Over Pendle.

Dissipation and Despair

Comments

[thornsilver]

Excellent fiction and one of the best introductions to the HP fandom that can be imagined.

[3jane.livejournal.com]

A big "hear hear!" from this corner. I ignored the first ten recs I found for these stories, and the next two. And then one day I gave up and read. And read. And read them for about a week, and tracked down my mother to read her bits (you can actually do that, if you just don't explain too closely what you're reading), and then made everyone I knew read them.

I don't think it matters much what your home fandom is. It's a fun read and the blanks are filled in for the unfamiliar.

[sorchar.livejournal.com]

I have to agree - this series was recced to me by a friend and though the pairing kind of made me go "WTF?" I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[dine.livejournal.com]

*waves to 'friend'*

I didn't just rec it - I demanded you read it, and iirc, nagged you until you gave in. relentless I am in sharing the good stuff!

[sorchar.livejournal.com]

*giggles* Well, yes, you did. And I'm glad.

fyi

[raveninthewind.livejournal.com]

Story links have changed:

http://www.lop.shoesforindustry.net/index.html

http://www.dad.shoesforindustry.net/index.html