I've spent the day reading your Holmes/Helen stories and have to say that they are absolutely marvelous. Your attention to characterization is spot on. As I read I could see Holmes acting exactly as you have written.

All in all, just perfect in every way...including the more than passing resemblance to Jeremy Brett's Holmes.

This is very well written! )

I just wanted to let you know that in this chapter- I was cheering Holmes on all the way!

FANTASTIC! Poor William, I really feel for him, none of this was his fault. I don't think it was anyone's fault - I can't even blame Helen because I'm sure she loved him too but she did the right thing in the end. Poor Sherlock as well - took him bloody long enough, didn't it? Lol! As ever, wonderfully characterised and the descriptions were so vivid, especially during Harlot Pts 1-3. And wow, that kiss was HOT! Probably because it was so illicit, because obviously, by fanfic standards, it was pretty tame.

Out of this series, this may very well be my favorite one so far. The mystery, the romance, the conflict... It's all just so fabulously done. More than once I found myself wringing my hands in happiness and relating certain passages to my friend just because I had to tell someone.

And as ecstatic as I am that Holmes and Helen are now courting, I have this awful feeling in the pit of my stomach that something awful is going to happen... D: I hope I am proven wrong.

Thank you for another amazing read! Off to the next one!

-Skella

I must say that this story was nail biting till the last absolute moment. It's very interesting how Holme's came about to realize his feelings for helen. Also, the kiss they shared was..intriguing to say the least I expect great things from you both.

Oh, man! That was the most beautiful thing I have ever read!

Ciao!

I love your portrayal of Holmes! It fits him perfectly. Well done.

Aw! I am absolutely loving these. If Holmes was going to ask someone out... yep, that's how he'd do it. Spot on! *g*

I have been enjoying your stories very much, and found myself immensly moved by the conversation between Holmes and Matthew- the tenderness and insightful discussion that Holmes has with the 'less talented' child, his connection to Matthew's strengths- it makes Holmes very likable. At just that point, I saw his humanity- his great tenderness and capacity for love. Thank you.

This third chapter is between the most beauty

literary pieces that I have read in my life.

Is stirring, tender and shows a new facet,

although not unreal of Sherlock Holmes: your

relation with a boy who, perhaps, looks like itself in his own childhood.

Splendid effort! I myself am not given to fanfic-reading, and often see it as a variety of fiction miles beneath that of the true canon. I cannot admit that I looked upon the characters of your story with the same sense of familiarity that I look upon the characters of Conan Doyle's stories with. They are all different people in my mind, especially Holmes. Another dimension, if you will.

But this is not to impugn your work, only to inflate the significance of my regard for you both and your wonderful story. I enjoyed the admirable degree of exact authenticity you used, from the mannerisms of Victorian era society, the light history, and other trifles I cannot recall at the moment, so subtle they were and so disorganized my own brain is. It pleases me to see someone taking such an appreciation for small details. To use Holmes' own morals, they are the most important aspect.

The cases, which are to my lesser opinion, the backbone to any Holmes story, were beautifully drawn out and dark. I found Helen’s willingness to venture into entirely unknown territories for the sake of Holmes’ well being unrealistic, in some ways. She should have realized her true feelings for Holmes then and there, intelligent as she is in your description of her. But this only a small quibble, and not relevant in any respect to the rest of the story. I could probably bring up other unimportant issues I had with the details, but overall, they weren’t important and I’m dashed tired anyways.

The dialogue was intelligent and suitable, the travel and side-effects great, and the descriptions pithy, if on occasion… juicy. I admit that it doesn’t take first-rate portrayal techniques to make me swoon for Holmes, but you executed any defense I was ridiculously maintaining against this story and it’s effect on me by your depiction of the detective; the eyes, the hands, the legs, his entire behavior. So here is where I offer my congratulatory fan-girl ‘squee’. (It must be said that I laughed like a hyena at Sherlock Holmes coming as himself, as well as his purpose for doing so. Clever.)

The only thing I ask for; more cocaine. I didn’t get a good dose of Holmes’ self abuse in this story. Be a little more generous with the narcs! :} (And a little less generous with unimportant events/detail. I think the story could have retained its quality and effect if it was at least five pages shorter.)

On a more personal note, I hope Helen can love Holmes for precisely who and what he is; accept no substitutes! It would be an interesting twist if things did not turn out exactly as projected, but I guess I will just have to see, won’t I? ;)

I enjoyed your story so thoroughly I was considering it in audio form whilst reading. If you have any interest in doing so, I assure you it would be quite possible, and you have only to e-mail me. Or you could contact me via AIM, [motorgeist]. I will not bother to elaborate on it here, as this comment is already long enough. Creativity is often like vomit.

I intend to read your next installment with a less critical view and a thoroughly pleased disposition. Thank you!

Oh my gosh... Yeah, this was fantastic. Every single word of it. And the idea of Holmes thinking of courtship like an experiment, well... how very like him. But that's just the way his mind works, and he can't be blamed for that. And I LOVED the way he dealt with Edwards's heated accusations; you two managed to capture his usual cool composure quite perfectly. I'm very happy to add this to my favorites list, and now I'm off to read the next installment! Yay!

-Waki

Oh, a sigh of happy contentment after a wonderful story just rose and fell from my lips to float mistily above my keyboard.

This must be one of the best stories I have ever read in my entire life. Truly. I enjoyed it immensely, and could not contain my absolute joy as I read each and every moment, though some of those joys were mixed with absolute heartbreak.

The whole "Asking three or four times" was slightly reminiscent of a Mr. Collins moment; I couldn't help but laugh a little. But oh, his reaction afterwards broke my heart! What a sad, sad story to tell; what a lonely road he must travel! Holmes was completely correct in assessing that he will never be the same for opening his heart and having it shut in his face so abruptly. My eyes began to mist and I could not contain a sigh from my lips. Oh, how sad!

I did find much amusement as Holmes studied himself. And it is true, isn't it, that Holmes can't really change. He can't just change personalities; he can only be himself. Oh, I only hope he doesn't break her heart too often or too hard; I could not stand that. But the comment about that serenity was great. I loved that entire moment.

William was the absolute picture of honor and heart offended. Oh, what a gallant picture he must have made! Reminded me a little of a Count of Monte Cristo scene from the book when Albert challenged Monte Cristo in the opera box. But there I go comparing again. Sorry; these things just pop into my head so often. But he really was such a striking figure of wounded honor. Oh, my eyes did spy such an intense scene! If only I could make a movie out of this, or a play or something...oh what joyous rapture I would be in!

Pistols in the room, eh? Definitely not thought out. I like how Holmes handled it. And I liked the slight tie-in to the intro of the story. Wonderfully done. And that was very good advice Holmes gave William.

Man, you guys must get this story in print!

The ending was beautifully and tastefully done. Nothing too sweet or sugary, just Holmes being himself and wondering at this new feeling. Oh, how wonderful! I'm just clapping my hands in joy!

Well, this review has definitely been long enough.

I hope that I remain humbly yours,

Alina

Okay, so I just have to start this review while half way through reading this chapter. Easier to remember everything after all this rapid reading.

Oh. My. Goodness. I have never read Holmes' train of thought so well written! It was as if I was in his head the entire time! And the entire irony of what he was doing and how he was going about reasoning to himself how to reconcile his deep affection for her with such reasonings as "it will be very instructive" and such posh was absolutely brilliant! Exactly as I would have thought it to be played out! Absolutely brilliant piece right there! I was wondering how he'd come to some conclusion, and that is the best I've read yet!

Oh, to call it an offer! This sounds like some Darcy/Lizzy moment! (Sorry; I'm reading Pride and Prejudice once again and can't get out of my head the similarities between Holmes and Darcy!) But it does sound like a Darcy-esque moment with Holmes! Both of their characters have always been something similar. Just the whole underlying humour I extract from yours words is amazing!

Oh, his words would anger any young woman! Just the way he puts it, all this pish posh of suitability and knowing her well! Oh, the absolute thrill I have had reading this story! Oh, he really did put his foot in his mouth. "Experimentation." So totally the wrong word to say to someone as passionate as Helen!

Yes! (From that reaction, you should know where I have progressed to in the story.) He's admitted his love! He's admitted his constricting heart! Oh, yes, yes yes! He's telling her! He's telling her! (Dang; I sound so ridiculous. But that's what I'm feeling!) Oh, how perfectly this is being played out! I am enjoying this immensely! (Side note: Write an essay on the similarities between Holmes and Darcy.) This is absolutely marvelous!

Oh, she did not just ask him "Do you love me?"! And he answered back in such a Holmes way, with all the facts before the pronouncement of the verdict! What a lovely way to do it! I've just been watching it played out in my head, and I have never had such a wonderful time torturing myself over the loveliness of it all! I dare say you'd better get this tidied and then printed! Let the whole world know of Miss Thurlow and Mr. Holmes; they deserve it!

Oh, but leaving the chapter with William! Poor, poor William! My soft spot for him is melting into a river of ice cream froth! Poor William! I do feel so bad for him; what a way to leave the chapter bittersweet! I wonder how he will react...not too badly, but still oh so hurt! Well, you could always leave him on my doorstep for some mending! ;)

Well, I'd best be off; this has been a long review to say the least! Until another time, let me remain forevermore yours,

Alina

Oh dear, you do like to leave your chapters hanging so!

Well, I do feel so terribly sorry for William; he is so terribly wonderful and I do hate to see him hurt, but I do believe Helen and Holmes were meant to be together from the very start of things. Ah, what heights of glory do we find as we explore the caverns of love!

Hmm...I'll have to remember that phrase for later use.

Well, I am anxious to see if Watson's waiting will make talking to Holmes null and void because the engagement will already have been sealed or not. I don't know; Helen's character could go either way. She is so terribly sensible, but her passion shows up in so many places. A perfect blend of her mother, the sensible one, and her father, the passionate one. Well, in general, that is.

Well, must be chugging off now! Until another time!

I remain humbly yours,

Alina