I picked up this series on a whim from a discount book site. I thought since I read all the Sherlock Holmes stories earlier this year the time had come to read this manga. I think that was a good choice. This first volume is the most faithful adaptation of tales, and if you haven't read those particular stories the manga spoils them for you.
I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I started reading this series, but the first casebook is very straightforward and a good introduction to the characters.