Paper Chase by copperbadge
Pairing: Gen: hints of Neal/Peter and John/Sherlock
Length: 9,200 words
Author on LJ: copperbadge
Author Website: Dreamwidth
Why this must be read: When I first read this, I left a truly ridiculous gushing comment about it, and tagged it as something like "possiblythegreateststoryeverwritten" on delicious. A month or so on, and three re-reads later, I've got to say that I'd still leave the embarrassing comment, and the tag is definitely right.

I think there's a tendency with crossovers to get kind of muddied. That's not a bad thing, most times, but what I appreciated about this is that the parts that focus on Neal, Peter, and the rest of the White Collar crew are told in the voice of that show. The parts that focus on Sherlock and John are just as undeniably Sherlock. Beyond the technical beauty of it though, this story is just fun. It's Sherlock and Neal locked in a battle of style and skill, using New York as their playground. I adored that Peter and John were not automatically brothers in arms, and the blend of antagonism, respect, and curious friendship that is struck up between the four of them.

There are two rather distinct parts to the story; the first dealing with a serial killer who moves in the art world, bringing together the White Collar boys and their unexpected consulting detective; the second a crazy bet between Neal and Sherlock, involving a chase across Neal's radius that's more giddily enjoyable to read than just about anything I've ever come across. Both are delightful, and they go together like peanut butter and chocolate, but without the risk of aniphylactic shock.

In summary: Read this fic. It's awesome. In fact, I'm going to go re-read it again right now.

(There is also a great co-read podbook available.

ETA: And a single-reader podfic here!)


Paper Chase

Fandom: BURN NOTICE
Pairing: Michael/Fiona, Madeline/Frank
Length: 1100
Author on LJ: rise_your_dead
Author Website: AO3

Why this must be read:
This is a cute story of Fiona and Madeline indulging themselves. It's a great look at these two women, and delivers well.

In Her Shoes

Fandom: BURN NOTICE/SUPERNATURAL
Pairing: Michael/Lucifer in various guises
Length: 4000
Author on LJ: peroxide_fic
Author Website: fanfiction.net

Why this must be read:
This rec is a day late mostly because I couldn't figure out what crossover to recommend. But I kept coming back to this one as it shall surely become a classic in both fandoms. Peroxide nails Michael's voiceovers, and Micheal's voice to a T, but also manages to capture both the paranoia and fear that accompanies Lucifer's siege on Michael. Watching the tale unfold is delicious, and I guarantee you'll go back and reread it after you finish it the first time.

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Excerpt: There are, on occasion, instances where you'd have to quit the business because it drives you crazy.

( Read more... )

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Working Around the Crazy

Fandom: STAR WARS: THE PHANTOM MENACE
Pairing: Qui-Gon Jinn/Obi-Wan Kenobi
Length: 58k
Author on LJ: Unknown
Author Website: Unknown, but her stories are archived at Jedi Masters and Apprentices
Why this must be read: Something alien has taken possession of Qui-Gon, and Obi-Wan must find a way to bring him back. This story is both frightening and heartbreakingly beautiful. It's a combination you don't expect, but it works, and makes this story memorable.



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