Good crossovers usually have a compelling plot that combines the elements of both universes. It could be a serial killer case that requires both Sherlock's unique methods and the team - based approach of Criminal Minds. The story should also have a good flow, not feeling forced when bringing the two shows together. Maybe it starts with a case in London that has connections to the US, leading to the two groups collaborating.
A great Sherlock and Criminal Minds crossover fanfiction often has well - developed characters from both shows. The writers need to capture the essence of Sherlock's deductive skills and the profiling abilities of the Criminal Minds team. For example, a scene where Sherlock and Reid exchange ideas about a case would be really interesting.
One of the most intriguing plots could be a serial killer case that spans across both universes. Maybe the killer uses the intelligence - gathering techniques from Criminal Minds and the deductive reasoning of Sherlock. For example, the killer leaves clues that can only be deciphered by someone with Sherlock's skills, but the motives are related to the psychological profiling done in Criminal Minds. This creates a really interesting dynamic where the characters from both shows have to work together to catch the killer.
To write it effectively, you need to find a common ground for the two universes. It could be a shared criminal organization or a unique type of crime. Then, introduce the characters in a way that makes sense. Maybe start with the BAU team being called to London because of a series of crimes that seem to have a connection to the US cases they've worked on. As for the writing style, blend the more scientific and psychological tone of Criminal Minds with the fast - paced, deductive style of Sherlock. Let the characters grow and learn from each other during the story. For instance, Sherlock could learn about the importance of team dynamics from the BAU, and the BAU could pick up some new deduction techniques from Sherlock.
One great place to start looking for Sherlock and Criminal Minds crossover fanfiction is Archive of Our Own (AO3). It has a large collection of fan - created works. Just use the search function and type in 'Sherlock Criminal Minds crossover' and you'll get a bunch of results. Another option could be Fanfiction.net, though AO3 generally has more diverse and up - to - date content.
Well, a cool plot might be that Sherlock and Reid from Criminal Minds get into a battle of wits over a case. The case could involve a super - intelligent criminal who is playing mind games with both of them. Or perhaps there's a case where the BAU's profiling skills are needed to understand the motives of a criminal that Sherlock has been chasing, but can't quite figure out the 'why' behind the crimes. And they end up learning from each other's methods.
Character interaction is key. A good crossover fanfiction should have the characters from CSI and Criminal Minds interacting in a way that makes sense. For instance, if the CSI team is dealing with a crime scene, the Criminal Minds agents should be able to contribute their psychological profiling skills to the investigation. Their different perspectives should add depth to the story.
A great Criminal Minds fanfiction often has well - developed characters. It should stay true to the personalities of the original characters from the show. For example, if Reid is in the story, his high intelligence and social awkwardness should be accurately portrayed.
One great example could be a story where the characters from Psych have to team up with the BAU from Criminal Minds to solve a serial killer case that has elements of both the light - hearted mysteries Psych usually deals with and the dark, psychological ones Criminal Minds is known for. For instance, the psychic 'abilities' of Shawn Spencer from Psych could be used in an unexpected way to help the BAU profile the killer.
One great storyline could be where the BAU team is called in to profile a suspect who has a connection to some strange Stargate - related technology. Maybe the suspect is using alien tech from the Stargate universe to commit crimes in the Criminal Minds world. For example, a device that can manipulate minds, which makes it very difficult for the BAU to figure out the true motives.
One great example could be a story where the Winchester brothers from 'Supernatural' team up with the BAU team from 'Criminal Minds' to hunt a supernatural - themed serial killer. Maybe the killer is using some dark magic to commit murders and leave no trace in a normal way, so both groups' expertise are needed.
The appeal lies in seeing two different sets of characters and their skillsets interact. Fans of both shows get to see how the forensic expertise from Bones and the profiling acumen from Criminal Minds can come together to solve cases.