Fandom:Raffles, the Amateur Cracksman
Pairing: A.J. Raffles/Bunny Manders
Length:Fewer than 100 words
Author on LJ: anima_mecanique (Jack of None)
Why this must be read: In just a few words, we find out that Raffles and Bunny lead a dangerous life, but through it all, they take care of each other.

Old Wounds

Fandom: RAFFLES
Pairing: A.J. Raffles/Bunny Manders
Length: 1,174 words
Author on LJ: constantmuse
Why this must be read:

What do Raffles and Bunny do with their spoils? Sure, Bunny tells us that Raffles goes out to sell the jewels to his fence, but we all know something else goes on behind closed doors.

Pearls by Candlelight

Fandom: RAFFLES
Pairing: A.J. Raffles/Bunny Manders
Length: 792 words
Author on LJ: athousandwinds
Author Website: geiriadur (for original fiction)
Why this must be read:

Raffles tends to be a favourite for fic challenges. This one was a response for Porn Battle VII. Raffles proves to Bunny that taking is the only way to get what you want. Bunny proves that when it comes to serving Raffles, he just can't help himself.

Right is Might

Fandom: Raffles, the Amateur Cracksman
Pairing: A.J. Raffles/Bunny Manders
Length: About 2,800
Author on LJ: thirstyrobot and on A03 (story is linked to A03)
Why this story must be read: The story is a missing scene that takes place directly after "Willful Murder." Bunny has been waiting for two days for some word from Raffles. The longer he waits, the more annoyed and hurt he gets, and when Raffles does finally show up, the two of them have a showdown. The story must be read for its remarkable insight into the relationship between the cracksman and his faithful accomplice and companion.

An excerpt:

"The hand came down again and would not be shrugged off without a much greater fight. My back was up; I struggled. Raffles locked an arm across my chest, laughing in my ear, too warm and too close, and even in anger I was not immune. I would have given anything to be out of that hold, and anything to stay within it. Even my elbow connecting sharply with his ribs did not free me. I got only a grunt for my trouble and another arm vice-like round my waist."

The Due Reward of Our Deeds

Fandom: RAFFLES / SHERLOCK HOLMES
Pairing: John Watson/Bunny Manders, Sherlock Holmes/A.J. Raffles
Length: over 10,000 words in 2 parts
Author on LJ: lawnnun
Why this must be read:

This is the most daring story in the Raffles's arsenal. Not only is it a crossover, it is also a frankly smuty story with very serious BDSM. There is a loose plot involving stealing the Junior Ganymede club book (a slight nod to P.G. Wodehouse's Jeeves and Wooster series), but I dare say you'll forget all about it by the time you get into part 2.

The author mixes up the pairings, putting Bunny and Raffles in a rather uncomfortable position in more ways than one, but we learn a great deal more about what makes them tick that way.

WARNING: Contains BDSM

For God and Country, part 1
For God and Country, part 2

Fandom: RAFFLES
Pairing: A.J. Raffles/Bunny Manders
Length: 1,153 words
Author on LJ: jj_minerva
Author Website: AO3
Why this must be read:

This story is part of "The Secret Memoirs of Bunny Manders" and serves as the sequel to Brave Little Rabbit, but both stories can stand alone on their own.

In the original tales, Bunny frequently describes Raffles's love of his favourite cigarette brand, the Sullivan, which is also called "an Egyptian" by other writers of the Victorian era. Naturally as his elder, Raffles takes it upon himself to teach Bunny how to properly smoke such a fine cigarette. And naturally smoking rather equates itself to other pastimes.

Smoking

Fandom: RAFFLES / AMELIA PEABODY / LORD PETER WIMSEY
Pairing: none
Length: 1,412 words
Author on LJ: traboule
Author Website: FanFiction.net
Why this must be read:

I actually have never read a word of the Amelia Peabody series by Elizabeth Peters or Lord Peter Wimsey by Dorothy L. Sayers. However, what could be better than two precocious kids and England's most famous gentleman cricketer?

Gentlemen and Players

Fandom: Raffles, the Amateur Cracksman
Pairing: A.J. Raffles/Bunny Manders
Length About 1,000 words
Author on LJ: mcicioni
Why this fic must be read: This is a missing scene from "Chest of Silver," the Yorkshire television version of the story. This scene begged for a fanfic writer to take things just a bit further; fortunately mcicioni did just that. I'm also including a Youtube link so you can see just what I mean. For mid-70s British television, the scene is incredibly slashy. And quite frankly, nobody has been able to explain to me why Raffles has a dressing gown stashed at Bunny's place!

A clip from Chest of Silver in which Bunny is adorably in his cups and Raffles looks at him oh, so tenderly …


Proof

Fandom: RAFFLES
Pairing: A.J. Raffles/Bunny Manders
Length: 4,648 words
Author on LJ: storyfan
Why this must be read:

It's a good old-fashioned caper, replete with Raffles snubbing his nose at society, crooked gambling, a daring escape, and a splash of romance. It is absolutely the perfect fic to curl up on Christmas and warm up to.

The Holiday Heist

Fandom: RAFFLES
Pairing: A.J. Raffles/Bunny Manders
Length: 2,250 words
Author on LJ: constantmuse
Why this must be read:

I think this may be the only fanfic that features Inspector Mackenzie, the police detective determined to catch Raffles red-handed. Although Mackenzie is featured prominently in professional productions such as plays, television, and radio, he rarely shows up in fan fiction. Here, Mackenzie not only is determined to catch Raffles's thievery, he also has a reason as to why. It adds a whole new dimension to the character that might never have been seen before.

It also features Raffles dancing with Bunny. Honestly, how can you pass up that?

Champagne on Ice

Fandom: Raffles, the Amateur Cracksman
Pairing: A.J. Raffles/Bunny Manders
Length: 286 words
Author on LJ: ajs_bunny
Why this story must be read: For Raffles and Bunny, cricket is a diversion in more ways than one. And while Bunny is far from adept at the game, there is another sport at which he excels.

Bunny's Innings

Fandom: RAFFLES
Pairing: A.J. Raffles/Bunny Manders
Length: 2,005 words
Author on LJ: jj_minerva
Author Website: AO3
Why this must be read:

jj_minerva was likely the first Raffles fan to share her fanfic online, complete with a very informative fansite. Originally housed on GeoCities, The Secret Memoirs of Bunny Manders now exists only through the WayBack Machine.

Each of the stand-alone chapters of "The Secret Memoirs" revealed the true nature of the relationship between Bunny and the gentleman thief which was, naturally, slashy in nature. In this one, Bunny remembers a childhood adventure, coming to Raffles's "rescue" on one of his nightly vigils as Raffles's fag.

Brave Little Rabbit

Fandom: Raffles, the Amateur Cracksman
Pairing: A.J. Raffles/Bunny Manders
Length: 1958
Author madlovescience
Fic's location: Archive of Our Own
Why this story must be read: Victorian sensibilities being what they were, I understand why E.W. Hornung felt compelled to end his series as he did. But that doesn't mean we have to like it. Fortunately, madlovescience wrote a better ending, one that makes absolute sense as well as offers a believable redemption for our hero.


At Last, at Archive of Our Own

Fandom: RAFFLES / SHERLOCK HOLMES
Pairing: none
Length: 2,856 words
Author on LJ: belmanoir
Author Website: belmanoir's fanfiction
Why this must be read:

Considering that Arthur Conan Doyle was E.W. Hornung's brother-in-law, and considering that Raffles was written thanks to Conan Doyle's suggestion, it's surprising that there aren't more crossovers involving Sherlock Holmes and A.J. Raffles. This one gives the crossover a funny twist in more than one way. It turns out Bunny is a fan of Dr Watson's writing. And Raffles discovers a shared interest that insures the great detective won't likely be unmasking any gentleman thieves or their rabbits any time soon.

The Red, Red Rose and the Briar

Fandom: RAFFLES
Pairing: A.J. Raffles/Bunny Manders, although technically gen
Length: approximately 6,300 words
Author on LJ: storyfan
Why this must be read:

Of the numerous stories storyfan has contributed to the fandom, this one tops as my favourite. She tackles the first meeting between the two young thieves-to-be in both a realistic and inventive way. I happen to know the amount of research she put into learning how British public schools worked back in the day, and what sort of things went on in them. It pays in spades, giving you a rather raw look that even Tom Brown's schooldays could not have admitted to.

Throughout their association, Raffles, despite his cold-heartedness, has a very protective streak. He treats Bunny as his equal, not his lessor. This story captures those traits perfectly. Also, I always thought Raffles likely had a hand in nicknaming Bunny. storyfan gives Raffles a very tender-hearted reason for the name, and it explains quite nicely why Bunny becomes wobbly in the knees every time Raffles uses his old school nickname.

Raffles Rescues a Rabbit

Fandom: Raffles, the Amateur Cracksman
Pairing: A.J. Raffles/Bunny Manders
Length: 1356
Author on LJ: ajs_bunny
Why this must be read: I am a sucker for "lost scenes" or "lost pages" stories, especially in Victorian and Edwardian fandoms. This story takes place directly after "The Wrong House," a particularly wonderful original tale. With their adrenaline flowing, Bunny takes an amorous lead in the proceedings, clearly telling Raffles to "shut up" and do as he's told. Despite his forceful words, Bunny's love for Raffles is never in doubt; in fact, ajs_bunny makes it perfectly clear that Bunny would do anything for his dearest friend. The author's ease with Victorian language is apparent, doubling the pleasure of the sexy little story.

An excerpt:

"His Sullivan smoldered between his fingers as he moved them to caress the side of my face. I have spoken often of Raffles's incredible dexterity, his undeniable coolness of control, and delicacy of touch upon any lock known to man. What I have not said was his inexplicable knowledge how to use his tactile gifts to illicit the most passionate responses from deep inside me. The most tender of touches across my brow would send me into convulsions. Only Raffles knew how to brush his fingertips over my jaw and neck until I was breathless with desire."

Apotheosis of the Bunny

Fandom: RAFFLES
Pairing: A.J. Raffles/Bunny Manders
Length: 4,757 words
Author on LJ: calliope85
Author Website: Avernus
Why this must be read:

The Raffles series is full of firsts. The first time we meet Raffles, it is in conjunction with Bunny's first heist. There is the first time they nearly get caught. Then there's the first time Raffles breaks his pledge never to steal from a host, eventually cumulating into the first time they are arrested, and the first time Raffles escapes.

In this story, it is Bunny's and Raffles's first kiss. Along the way, we learn what good turn it was that Bunny did for Raffles during those schoolboy days. A nice childhood adventure, filled with capers, daring-do, and narrow squeaks, we learn that even rabbits are resourceful. This story has become part of my personal headcanon.

First Sight

Fandom Raffles, the Amateur Cracksman
Pairing A.J. Raffles/Bunny Manders, slash
Length 2100 words
Author on LJ constantmuse
Why this must be read: This title is taken from "The Ides of March," the first tale in the original series by E.W. Hornung. One of Bunny's best attributes is his air of sweet innocence, according to Raffles, who never hesitates to use that innocence to his advantage. And it is this innocence that Bunny risks in order to get what he really wants from his dearest friend. constantmuse places the story perfectly in context with book canon and employs an excellent command of Victorian style. Her writing flows with a natural assurance that makes every one of her stories a pleasure to read.

The Ides of April

Fandom: RAFFLES
Pairing: A.J. Raffles/Bunny Manders
Length: one-shot, approx. 500 words
Author on LJ: anima_mecanique
Author Website: Clockwork Harlequin, alternative site, AO3, FanFiction.net and adsentatiuncula
Why this must be read:

When it comes to Raffles fandom on LiveJournal, you can thank anima_mecanique. Her love of turn-of-the-century pulp fiction helped spread the news far and wide about the Victorian era's slashiest couple. She is also the originator of crimeandcricket. When I discovered Raffles, there were barely a handful of stories out on the web. This was one of them.

Untitled (Stolen)

Dashing gentleman? Check. Clever heists? Adventure? Victorian intrigue? Check, check, and check.

...Slash without the squinting? Done and done!

As part of small fandom month, storyfan and I, ajs_bunny will be taking you on a hansom cab ride through the end of Victorian London into Edwardian England with the man who has been hailed as "a dangerous bat, a brilliant field, and perhaps the very finest slow bowler of his decade."

Sherlock Holmes?

Think again!


Bunny and Raffles as played by Christopher Strauli and Anthony Valentine
( A Thief in the Night )

( The Stories )

( The Author )

( The Pastiches )

( The Fandom )

For more fannish gushing about why you should be seriously running, not walking, to your local library to pick up these classics, I point you to this fandom pitch by anima_mecanique.