aragonite
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since: 01-02-08, id: 1460858, Profile Updated: 05-07-13
country: USA
Author has written 31 stories for Sherlock Holmes.

TEST OF THE PROFESSIONALS: LEAP YEAR is now published.

Comments, crits and et al, please direct to my new blog, aragonitechild.wordpress.com --feel free to stop in and say hi!!

Hardcover and corrected first edition are now uploaded, and it only took three days of cleaning my schedule up so I could sit down for 7 solid hours and fix formatting glitch after glitch. Needless to say, I'm less than tickled at the new and improved things that keep showing up on my computer, convincing me that I can do this and this and this with only a little awkwardness on my end. Believe not!!

That leaves the LP and the ebook. I plan to make the ebook off the LP, and try as I might, I couldn't get it done today.

The Hardcover is at a 10% discount, which means I only get $1.42 per book sale. As I'm doing this because it is cheaper than therapy...I can live with that. I'll worry about costs when I decide to quit the day job and write full time!

Again, thank to Stella Danelius, who did a bang-up job with the cover art. She has a lot of fun just MENTIONING the upcoming Moon-Cursers, because she knows I can't wait.

Folks, this is very much larger book than the first one...498 pages! But that's because it has much, much more. There are extra chapters, extra scenes, and extra characters and dare I say...a lot of extra tears, laughter and angst. I am sorry that bigger size means bigger price, so I put 20% off the cover price for now, which puts it down to $26.38. The Large Print will have a proportionally larger discount, and of course, the e-version is cheapest of all, assuming you have the reader (I don't, sadly).

A virtual half-crown goes without a doubt to the following people (in alphabetical order): Stella Danelius, David Marcum, Sarah Obermuller-Bennett, Pantxika Passicot and Lucinda Walton. Everyone needs their own version of the Irregulars running around, and they were always there with proofing, excellent criticism and boosting.

Lastly, to Bahz-Marie. I like to think she can read this from where she is. She would remind us all that Holmes and Watson never lived, and thus, can never, ever die.

“Trust not yourself, but your defects to know,

make use of every friend and every foe.”

--Alexander Pope

Now to get started on The Moon-Cursers, which I fear will be another 2-volume book...

Third Book: Till be called The MOON-CURSERS

From there...haven't decided.

I'm a twin. This means not only do we have an identity crisis of sorts, but that we also have a weird "duality" in viewing the world. We can see simultaneous viewpoints on things, but like the woman said on the Margaret Cho show, "Margaret, I'm an English Major. I HAVE no marketable skills!" In my twin's case, it's Shakespeare, some Chaucer, Tom Baker's Dr. Who and all the wonderful stuff that DSL access can give your computer (drat it). Me...well, it takes 1.5 hours to download a REUBEN music video off YouTube.

My interests: English language, especially the so-called "forgotten" stuff. Sherlock Holmes, Star Trek: TOS because I adore DeForrest Kelley, Grenada Sherlock Holmes; Jeremy Brett; Davis Burke AND Edward Hardwicke; Colin Jeavons, and of course Charles Grey and Rosalie Williams; writing, Really Good Villains, Marvel & DC characters, plot twists, botany, basic gardening, rabbits, caving, and (confession time) there's a tiny science geek inside, germinated in childhood by JONNY QUEST cartoons.

I am a moderate by nature; prejudice is something I have no time for. I have friends from all over, of every imaginable background, lifestyle, religion, etc., and I figure is someone is tolerant/nuts enough to call me a friend, I can give the same courtesy back.


1. The Days of Our Years » reviews
Historic POV of WWI in the world of Sherlock Holmes. Each chapter stands alone, but can connect to the others. Everyone in the Main Canon will be here. Each successive chapter ought to be a little more tense!
Sherlock Holmes - Rated: K+ - English - Drama/Suspense - Chapters: 21 - Words: 75,849 - Reviews: 136 - Updated: 5-6-13 - Published: 1-17-10 - Inspector Gregson & Inspector Lestrade
2. Courage Rises » reviews
A missing body discovered; a madman killing without apparent motive, and strangeness stirring in the higher offices. Getting Sherlock Holmes on the case isn't the half of the strangeness, for the Amateur Detective (as usual) seems to know a lot more than he is saying. This was cut out of the novels due to overwhelming length.
Sherlock Holmes - Rated: T - English - Crime/Mystery - Chapters: 4 - Words: 20,204 - Reviews: 8 - Updated: 4-15-13 - Published: 4-9-13 - Sherlock Holmes & Dr. Watson
3. A Mouth of Ivy » reviews
Lestrade has to go undercover to investigate a very strange sort of Christmas murders. Unfortunately for him, Gregson is helping the investigation. The information about holly-sellers is all too true. Toby Irish is my own creation.
Sherlock Holmes - Rated: K+ - English - Crime/Mystery - Chapters: 11 - Words: 38,279 - Reviews: 64 - Updated: 3-17-13 - Published: 1-1-11 - Inspector Lestrade & Inspector Gregson
4. Ghosts in the Making » reviews
"We are all ghosts in the making." Very true words...but not often a topic of conversation. The Yarders are making the best of a bad situation, but is it worse than they know? Gregson, Lestrade, Bradstreet, and Hopkins feature, as well as eight weary Constables. New Chapter: Killing Jars.
Sherlock Holmes - Rated: K+ - English - Horror/Suspense - Chapters: 19 - Words: 86,067 - Reviews: 60 - Updated: 2-19-13 - Published: 8-5-12 - Inspector Gregson & Inspector Bradstreet
5. Filler Chapter for LEAP YEAR reviews
A thanks to all the readers...TOP:LY is now in print and in process of converting to LP and e-format. In the meantime, here's how I say thank you...a peek at one of the many spliced-in scenes.
Sherlock Holmes - Rated: K - English - Mystery/Angst - Chapters: 1 - Words: 4,443 - Reviews: 4 - Published: 1-2-13 - Inspector Lestrade - Complete
6. Life is the Flower » reviews
A filler chapter for the upcoming book, LEAP YEAR: Test of the Professionals. In all the insanity that is London, men are expected to court their fiancee's on a daily basis and provide the perfect gifts. What can go wrong? Plenty, if your friends have anything to do with it.
Sherlock Holmes - Rated: K - English - Friendship/Humor - Chapters: 2 - Words: 5,051 - Reviews: 10 - Updated: 7-30-12 - Published: 7-27-12 - Inspector Lestrade & Inspector Bradstreet
7. Devilry » reviews
Bridge of Unspoken Water, Part 2-Tombstone Tears. A young Constable finds that at times, the most peculiar cases will find you.
Sherlock Holmes - Rated: K - English - Angst/Friendship - Chapters: 19 - Words: 62,047 - Reviews: 89 - Updated: 5-29-12 - Published: 8-18-09 - Inspector Lestrade & Inspector Bradstreet
8. THE END OF ALL THINGS » reviews
Third in the SWORD series. War has opened up in London: the split factions of Moriarty's Empire are fighting it out and do not hesitate to pull in the innocent...much less old enemies. COMPLETE. Prepare for the final segment in a few days!
Sherlock Holmes - Rated: K+ - English - Crime - Chapters: 35 - Words: 107,725 - Reviews: 133 - Updated: 3-26-12 - Published: 2-19-09 - Complete
9. Magic Squares » reviews
A "filler" for THE FINAL PROBLEM, which should fit within the world of my upcoming book MOON-CURSERS. Sherlock Holmes is trying to keep ahead of Moriarty. This is never an easy task.
Sherlock Holmes - Rated: K - English - Crime/Mystery - Chapters: 4 - Words: 11,407 - Reviews: 16 - Updated: 9-25-11 - Published: 9-1-11 - Sherlock Holmes & Prof. Moriarty
10. The Soft Underbelly of Civil Conversation reviews
I'm working on Book II now...and here is a re-vamped up chapter...
Sherlock Holmes - Rated: K - English - Romance/Friendship - Chapters: 1 - Words: 3,253 - Reviews: 9 - Published: 7-9-10 - Inspector Lestrade - Complete
11. All in a Name » reviews
More fun with names. From G. Lestrade to Athelney...Jones.
Sherlock Holmes - Rated: K - English - Humor - Chapters: 8 - Words: 17,356 - Reviews: 72 - Updated: 2-28-10 - Published: 11-2-08
12. The Muse of History » reviews
A Policeman's lot is not a happy one." Gilbert and Sullivan were smart to leave the policeman's wife out of the song. Clea Lestrade observes the Great Detective at work. This had best not interfere with the family vacation she schemed for...
Sherlock Holmes - Rated: K+ - English - Humor/Family - Chapters: 32 - Words: 67,438 - Reviews: 145 - Updated: 11-18-09 - Published: 7-28-09 - Complete
13. Behind the Wells of Light reviews
Very gloomy, introspective piece that isn't my usual cup. Watson's POV for his new home, his new friend, and his new realization on life. Mentions of drug use, as well as the factors that encourage them, quite a bit of angst, character death. COMPLETE
Sherlock Holmes - Rated: T - English - Spiritual/Tragedy - Chapters: 1 - Words: 6,022 - Reviews: 7 - Published: 8-14-09 - Dr. Watson & Sherlock Holmes - Complete
14. A Fanged and Bitter Thing » reviews
The last book in SWORD. Moriarty's gang lies in remnants save for a few shrewd, tough tigers. But they still have a good chance of seizing London in the wake of Sherlock Holmes' death. Or is he truly dead? There is only one way of finding out...COMPLETE!
Sherlock Holmes - Rated: T - English - Crime/Mystery - Chapters: 44 - Words: 119,123 - Reviews: 205 - Updated: 7-9-09 - Published: 5-18-09 - Dr. Watson & Inspector Lestrade - Complete
15. Who Would Kill Marwood? reviews
Filler chapter for Test of Professionals. A peek at the concerns of the average London citizen who reads the newspapers...
Sherlock Holmes - Rated: K - English - Chapters: 1 - Words: 2,258 - Reviews: 8 - Published: 4-7-09 - Complete
16. Swamped » reviews
A tribute to all the hard-working men and women who deal with their careers and parenthood at the same time. They ARE my heroes! Based or shall I say inspired by an uninvited slimy houseguest...COMPLETE!
Sherlock Holmes - Rated: K - English - Humor - Chapters: 5 - Words: 10,793 - Reviews: 33 - Updated: 3-19-09 - Published: 3-15-09
17. Great Sorrows reviews
For KCS who may not even want to look at a computer right now. Too many of us have been in your pain...
Sherlock Holmes - Rated: K - English - Tragedy/Friendship - Chapters: 1 - Words: 2,473 - Reviews: 15 - Published: 3-17-09 - Complete
18. A Malversation of Mummies reviews
And you think you have a bad day? There's someone worse off than you...always. COMPLETE.
Sherlock Holmes - Rated: K - English - Chapters: 1 - Words: 4,599 - Reviews: 18 - Published: 2-24-09 - Complete
19. The Narrow Path: The First Storm » reviews
Second Segment of the SWORD FOR DEFENSE storyline. Without Holmes, his allies have to use their own resources to protect London. Sadly, Moriarty's forces were better prepared for the inevitable...
Sherlock Holmes - Rated: K+ - English - Mystery/Friendship - Chapters: 25 - Words: 69,391 - Reviews: 133 - Updated: 2-18-09 - Published: 10-10-08 - Complete
20. Poising the Bow reviews
221B challenge
Sherlock Holmes - Rated: K - English - Chapters: 1 - Words: 298 - Reviews: 11 - Published: 1-25-09 - Complete
21. The Worker reviews
My attempts to spackle the plot-holes in HIS LAST BOW. You can decide if HLB was a forgery, or if it was factual. And if it was factual, why did Holmes act so strangely?
Sherlock Holmes - Rated: K - English - Mystery - Chapters: 1 - Words: 5,951 - Reviews: 9 - Published: 12-15-08 - Complete
22. Is it Coincidence? reviews
Reconstructed lost chapter in SECONDARY STAIN. It was a while before I could bring myself to re-construct this. Wish I could do the lost Mycroft chapter, but that doesn't seem possible. COMPLETE.
Sherlock Holmes - Rated: K - English - Chapters: 1 - Words: 2,066 - Reviews: 9 - Published: 12-12-08 - Complete
23. Gunnysack Goose for Christmas » reviews
A Victorian Christmas...of sorts. What's any Christmas without the in-laws, or the demands of work versus a holiday...or for that matter, the dreaded random factor? No horrible waterfowl were harmed in this fic.
Sherlock Holmes - Rated: K - English - Humor/Drama - Chapters: 10 - Words: 17,327 - Reviews: 74 - Updated: 12-8-08 - Published: 12-2-08 - Complete
24. A SECONDARY STAIN » reviews
A new look at the events Watson called "The Adventure of the Second Stain"-why did he wait so long to publish it...and why are there two different versions? COMPLETE!
Sherlock Holmes - Rated: K+ - English - Mystery - Chapters: 17 - Words: 30,384 - Reviews: 77 - Updated: 11-30-08 - Published: 8-22-08 - Complete
25. The London Littoral reviews
A filler chapter in the early part of TEST OF PROFESSIONALS: THE LEAP YEAR SERIES...the events leading to that ill-advised raid on the Kelpie that brought Dr. Watson into the scene one dark night on the waterfront.
Sherlock Holmes - Rated: K - English - Mystery - Chapters: 1 - Words: 5,007 - Reviews: 5 - Published: 10-26-08 - Complete
26. A Sword for Defense » reviews
Hiatus in London: Moriarty and Sherlock Holmes both left friends and family behind at the Falls. The Vacuum of Power has begun and the only winners will be the survivors.
Sherlock Holmes - Rated: T - English - Angst/Friendship - Chapters: 22 - Words: 62,588 - Reviews: 99 - Updated: 10-9-08 - Published: 4-17-08
27. The MoonCursers » reviews
Another POV from events tied into THE FINAL PROBLEM. Just how did Patterson's men work their defeat on Moriarty? Too many plots; too many intentions. Many disasters will follow. COMPLETED.
Sherlock Holmes - Rated: K+ - English - Suspense/Family - Chapters: 20 - Words: 75,717 - Reviews: 108 - Updated: 10-4-08 - Published: 7-29-08 - Complete
28. A Cookout in Cornwall reviews
Inspectors Hopkins and Lestrade on a stakeout. Friendship fic for Violet Hunter. Sometimes outsiders can understand our friendships better than we do...
Sherlock Holmes - Rated: K - English - Humor/Friendship - Chapters: 1 - Words: 2,995 - Reviews: 11 - Published: 9-19-08 - Complete
29. Just Inspector Will Do reviews
Friendship fic for KCS. How in the world do you demonstrate honest affection for the Great Detective? post-Reichenbach
Sherlock Holmes - Rated: K - English - Friendship/Hurt/Comfort - Chapters: 1 - Words: 878 - Reviews: 17 - Published: 8-12-08 - Complete
30. An Ordinary Meeting » reviews
Lestrade meets the man mad enough to room with Sherlock Holmes.
Sherlock Holmes - Rated: K - English - Humor/Friendship - Chapters: 9 - Words: 27,235 - Reviews: 88 - Updated: 8-10-08 - Published: 4-10-08
31. Truth is the Critic » reviews
As Watson promised, A STUDY IN SCARLET made it in print. Not that it pleased Scotland Yard...Characters: Most of Scotland Yard
Sherlock Holmes - Rated: K - English - Humor - Chapters: 3 - Words: 7,222 - Reviews: 32 - Updated: 4-15-08 - Published: 4-11-08 - Complete