I honestly have little experience watching or reading about Sherlock Holmes, but I really enjoyed this for the following reasons:
1. Every character matters (a lot) and is interesting/quirky/mysterious.
2. Story is deeper, or twistier, than you might expect and initially perceive.
3. Its quite a unique work because of its setting and wonderful characters + the music and art are quite good.
I am shocked this anime is not more popular, and that people dropped it after watching the first few episodes. I was absorbed into it after the first episode, but there is a bit of a slow down in story progression for maybe 3-4 episodes towards the first half of the show. But it is nothing too major, and some important but discrete things do happen even in those episodes that have to do with a bigger plot.
Most people probably watch the show thinking it is too comedic or too different from normal Sherlock Holmes works because there is a very lovable transgender side character that makes often brief appearances, and many jokes and occasional talk of rakugo come up, but this one to me is just special. The comedy is just right, and is actually funny at times. But the creators did not over do it, and gave the show a good balance of seriousness and light heartedness. The mystery aspect in the anime is VERY strong and might not be immediately apparent, but it will build very nicely. There is indeed crime solving, unlike some other "mystery" animes I have watched recently, and perhaps even more so the aspects of murder and disguise. Trust me, the show takes some turns I did not expect, and you just can not help but love the characters.
The pacing of this show is also something to comment on. Pacing is just right, and doesn't drag out much at all, but is not too fast or choppy. Many recent shows lose me because of too fast or too slow pacing, but I did not experience that with this wonderful anime. Its 100% worth the watch. Highly recommend!!
