Ten Starsky & Hutch Stories I'd Suggest Any Newbie Begin With:

1.Total Eclipse of the Heart by Flamingo (slash)

Oh man, this one is fun--and illustrated! A baddie drugs our two boys, lowering their inhibitions, and raising their libidos. They wind up in the sack, and enjoy a night of passionate lovemaking. The only problem is the next morning Starsky remembers nothing, and they learn their transgression was filmed. Soon, the incriminating tape is in the hands of their coworkers, city leaders and the press. The boys are humiliated, on suspension, and are having trouble looking each other in the eye. Hutch regrets very little. He's been in love with his partner for months. Starsky loves Hutch dearly, but can't remember the night that transformed their lives, and doesn't want to be what a relationship with another man would make him. This is an epic. Hot, hot sex, heart-clenching angst, action, drama. It's got it all.

2. White Rabbit by Morgan Logan (slash)

All 10 of these recommended stories could easily be those written by Morgan Logan. In my brief time as a reader of S&H fic, she has emerged as my favorite writer. I just love the voices she has for these guys. Her Starsky is funny and bold and smart about the things that matter. Her Hutch is reserved, with a dry sense of humor, and a nagging sense that he's never really good enough. They're crazy about each other, and understanding of each other's failings. I could have picked any one of her stories for this list, but decided to go with White Rabbit, almost on a whim. The boys go camping (don't they ever learn?) and when they're short of grub, mooch some mushroom laced soup off a couple of hippies. Things get weird, then they get passionate. Will the guys ever forgive themselves or each other? I'd say the odds are pretty good.

3. In Fire and in Blood by Kaye (slash)

As with virtually everyone on this page, I could have chosen any number of stories by Kaye, but opted to go with this newer one because it's haunted me in the weeks since it's been posted, and I'm a sucker for a strong h/c piece. The boys are kidnapped and tortured, their captor often using one against the other. Hope wanes until finally they catch a break and win their freedom. Most authors would end things there, but not Kaye. There's still more angst and emotion to enjoy. This is a great, gritty read with a wonderful uplifting resolution. I loved it.

4. Rules of Engagement by Susan (slash)

Another new story! Starsky and Hutch are in an established relationship when Starsky goes undercover on his own to break up a drug ring. Hutch is left out of the action, but finds ways to keep close. His partner is in peril and there is no way Blondie is going to let him go it alone. This is suspenseful, has some wonderful lines, very satisfying h/c, and an original character I wouldn't mind seeing more of, Detective Tim Martin. It's a fully engrossing case story.

5. The Thousandth Man by Suzan Lovett (gen)

Starsky & Hutch fic isn't only centered on two hot guys getting it on between the sheets. There are some excellent gen stories out there as well. This is one of the best known. This classic zine, written and illustrated by Suzan Lovett, begins with our heroes estranged in the aftermath of Starsky vs. Hutch. Their partnership is dissolved and each are working with new detectives. Starsky finds a bit of stability with his old friend, Meredith. But, Hutch winds up with a new detective with a chip on his shoulder. By chance, the blond runs into an old friend, who introduces him to a circle of men. Rather than providing him with the support he craves, Hutch discovers the group are Neo-Nazis. Working alone, he struggles to bring them down, while his ex-partner watches from the sidelines, confused and more concerned than he wants to be. This is absorbing story that makes the guys work towards understanding and reconciliation rather than just handing it to them. It's exciting and emotionally very satisfying.

6. A World Full of Jokers by Verlaine (slash)

I haven't found S&H to be heavy on the AUs (at least not yet!). But this one is a gem. Starsky falls through a strange mirror he finds hidden in the bowels of a museum. On the other side is a freaky shadow world where Hutch and he are mortal enemies, and no one is as they should be. While Starsk struggles to find a way home, his partner frantically searches for him in the real world. Assisting him is a prickly French Ph.D, the Bay City cop who has a crush on her, Dobey, Minnie and a reluctant CIA agent. It's like a rollercoaster ride through an entire house of mirrors. Wonderful stuff!

7. Under by Salieri (gen)

This is another excellent gen story. This time it's Hutch undercover and Starsky on the outside looking in. They're working with the FBI to bring down a Mafia kingpin. The only problem is Starsky gets grabbed by the bad guys, and suddenly it's up to Hutch to not only finish the job, but keep his partner and he from being killed along the way. All the interaction between the guys feels so real, both from an emotional standpoint and through the dialogue. Our boys may be working apart, but they're never on their own. The connection between them is way too strong.

8. Outcome by Lamardeuse (slash)

Set post-Sweet Revenge, the boys are sharing a home as friends, and a new life as detectives. When Kiko comes out to Hutch, the latter discovers his young friend felt comfortable confiding in his mentor because he believes Starsky and Hutch to be gay as well. This sets in motion a chain of events. At first, the two cops go along with Kiko's misconception to set the boy's mind at ease. But as they play their roles, they gradually realize that what they actually have between them isn't all that different from romance. This is such a lovely, gradual transition for our guys. They're already in a relationship. They just hadn't realized what kind of relationship it was. Add to that an interesting new case and some lingering demons from Hutch's past, and you have a wonderful, complete read.

9. Tandem by Paula Wilshe & Hutchrules3 (slash)

I came to S&H too late to know Paula Wilshe. But I enjoy her fiction and understand how greatly she is missed by the S&H online community. All her stories are great, but this one, which she wrote with the equally gifted Hutchrules3, is my favorite. It's set post-Plague. It's Christmas-time and Hutch is still not quite 100%, but he jumps at the chance to houses-sit for his folks over the holidays. Starsk tags along. Before you know it, we have first-time romance, generous amounts of h/c, family related angst and oodles of warm, tender interaction. This is a wonderful, wonderful feel good story that sweeps you away and makes you smile.

10. Serve and Protect by Lucy (slash)

I debated about including this one, as it features Hutch acting in a way that is utterly understandable yet morally questionable. I suppose it's time for a confession--I love stories where my pairing is at odds, with one blaming the other rather harshly for something the other did either innocently or unknowingly. The only thing is I tend to prefer that interaction to occur in a certain way. For example, I adore stories where Hutch, Doyle (Pros) or Blair (TS) are either unfairly or unjustly accused by their partners, but don't enjoy it nearly as much when those characters become the accuser. All of this is a long drawn out way of saying that this story, set post-series, satisfies for me this particular kink. Hutch strikes a deal to keep Starsky safe that Starsky views as betrayal. Angry and hurt, Starsky lashes out, resisting all Hutch's attempts at reconciliation and basically punishing the blond for what he has done. Starsk bitterly regrets his actions, however, when Hutch is injured and his life hangs in the balance. All at once, Starsky realizes how tempting a bargain with the devil might be. Awesome story.

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