Member Reviews

I definitely think the artwork is what makes this graphic novel incredible, the story is still great but the illustrations really are spectacular. The premise is what first intrigued me when browsing on NetGalley; the idea of the story being told from the viewpoint of the inside of Sherlock's mind whilst on the case, brilliant! The illustrations are really wonderful and the depictions of Sherlock's mind palace & the progression of clues throughout the case mean that it really does feel like you're along for the ride. I really need to purchase a physical copy.

Thank you, NetGalley and Titan Books (Titan Comics), for the eArc in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Inside the Mind of Sherlock Holmes is a fun and interesting comic that has some wonderful artwork and illustration throughout. It was an interesting read and mystery. I adored seeing a glimpse into Sherlocks thoughts and how he works out his case. You really do see how he is the world’s greatest (fictional) detective.

A treat for comics book fans and Sherlock fans alike. You really don’t want to miss this one.

As always thank you to Netgalley and Titan Books for the copy to review. My review is always honest and truthful.

Was this review helpful?

The design and illustrations of this book are truly incredible, I’ve never read anything like it. Every detail is so well thought out! I wish I had a physical copy as certain design elements didn’t work digitally so I may see if my local library can get in a copy for me to experience it how it was meant to be. I did enjoy the plot and seeing how the story played out, I particularly enjoyed the insights into Sherlocks mind and the red thread connecting it all. The ending felt a little off for me as it bought up some pretty major issues that are kinda wiped under the rug and not really addressed. The design is definitely the best I have ever seen in a graphic novel and I hope the authors will make this into an ongoing series.

Was this review helpful?

I'm simply not bothered; the story doesn't excite me. I gave it a go, but whether it's the mood I'm in or the book itself- I'm not sure.

sorry, but thank you for the chance to read it.

Was this review helpful?

A comic that shows Sherlock Holmes solving crimes in his head, or as he says "in the attic". The pages literally show us Sherlock's head in section, and how various thought processes take place there during investigations. In general, the illustrations are very beautiful, but, unfortunately, I did not like the story at all, it was boring in my opinion. However, I still advise you to try to read this comic!

Was this review helpful?

This book was absolutely stunning.
I love graphic novels but I have not read one quite as beautiful as this, the art is so detailed.

Usually I can read a graphic novel very quickly, but I found myself just staring at the pages of this for ages, admiring the beauty in the story.

The plot itself is akin to many Sherlock Holmes, witty, fast paced and criminal! I always love pretending to be a detective and as a huge fan of Sherlock Holmes, this brought me right back into world that I long sought after.

I really recommend this, it's fun and a quick read (as long as you don't spend an hour staring at the beautiful art like me!). I loved the interactive elements, so I am going to pick this up in a physical copy once released just so I can see those on my shelf. I definitely need the trophy for this one!

Was this review helpful?

The Graphic Novel “Inside The Mind of Sherlock Holmes” by Cyril Lieron follows a new mysterious case of the famous detective Sherlock Holmes and his sidekick Doctor Watson.

The novel has a really interesting visual style incorporating desaturated colors that fit well with the time period the mystery is set in. It also has very innovative panel shapes that are unlike anything I have ever seen. They are connected, intricate and portray the mind of Sherlock Holmes in a visually stunning way. I especially enjoyed the infamous red string connecting the different clues and locations in his mind.

The main and side character's personalities and looks were unique and memorable. I also really enjoyed the mystery and wanted to find out what was going on.

This truly is a work of art and I would recommend it for every fan of Sherlock Holmes and those who want to become one!

A big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Titan Books for giving me the opportunity to read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This is an absolutely stunning graphic novel about Sherlock Holmes. Truly brilliantly drawn to tell the amazing story.

I won't tell you anything about the story itself. You really need to see and read it for yourselves. I can tell you that the story itself is typical for a Sherlock Holmes storyso you know it's good!

I liked it so much I ordered it for our school library as well. Such a book should definitely be viewed and read by our students.

5/5 ⭐️

Was this review helpful?

Stunningly beautiful artwork brings the story to life. And what a story, yet again questioning who exactly the bad guys are.
I’d love to read more graphic novels like this, truly amazing.
I’d definitely recommend this.

Was this review helpful?

4 Stars (5 for the artwork and 3 for the story)
One Liner: Terrific illustrations but needs a better storyline

Ever wondered how it looks inside the mind of one of the world’s greatest (fictional) detectives? This graphic novel attempts to show us the inside of Sherlock Holmes’ mind when he is on a case. Do I need any other reason to grab this book? Of course not!
The book deals with the Case of the Scandalous Ticket which Holmes and Dr. Watson investigate.
There are two aspects to consider when reviewing the book – the plotline and the illustrations.
Plot:
Well, it starts well but somewhere along the way, it gets diluted. It does align with the tropes used back then, which makes the book dated and can be unappealing to readers who want modern views. Personally, I think it works enough to give the book the old British vibes with all the racism, classicism, etc.
At the same time, there’s a modern touch where these aspects are ‘questioned’ (sort of), which doesn’t really work. It feels more like an attempt at damage control so that readers won’t be annoyed at the book for using stereotypes that are found in the original anyway.
The whole thing gives mixed vibes.
Illustrations:
I requested the book for the illustrations, to see the inside of Holmes’ mind. The results are wonderful. The characters have sharp lines (pointed beak noses for many) and look like well-planned caricatures which bring out their traits. The color scheme is dark, and so is the artwork. It is complex, twisty, intricate, and detailed. Sinister is the word for it. Compelling would be another apt description. The detailing is meticulous and enriches the reading experience.
We get quite a few insights into the workings of Holmes’ mind – the way he ‘stores the clues’, connects the dots, identifies patterns, and so on. All these re-establish just how fascinating Sherlock Holmes is and why he has billions of fans.
I totally enjoyed lingering over the illustrations by zooming in and out to see the details and also consider the bigger picture. The use of maps, a red thread of thought, a setting within a setting, etc., seem to have been carefully planned.
I did have a few issues with reading the digital copy (had to alter between single and two-page views) but the zoom allowed me to adjust the font size as needed. Read the book on a computer or grab a physical copy.

To summarize, Inside the Mind of Sherlock Holmes has stunning artwork even if the story is mediocre. I can see why it is an award-winning book.
Thank you, NetGalley and Titan, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC of Inside The Mind of Sherlock Holmes

This was a different style of book for me and I think I would have rated it higher if I had a physical copy but that is definitely not the books fault.
I have always loved Sherlock Holmes and this was a great book with nice illustrations.

Was this review helpful?

This is a beautiful, detailed and intricate graphic novel of an original Sherlock Holmes story. The art style was meticulous, and showed a real love of the material. Victorian London is superbly represented, and it carried a sense of mystery and untold things happening behind closed doors all the way through the book. The storytelling was excellent, and the pacing was spot on. I absolutely loved it.

My experience with Holmes is limited and mixed: the only book I have read is Hound of the Baskervilles, which I didn’t get on with; but I absolutely love the TV adaptation with Benedict Cumberbatch playing the part of Holmes. I never understood how Holmes can be so engaging, interesting, and a deductive genius in the TV adaptation, but come across as arrogant and supercilious in the book. Thankfully, the Holmes in this graphic novel comes across as the deductive genius I love so much in the TV adaptation - slightly irascible and impatient at times, but always one step ahead.

The blurb says that the book “uniquely portrays the inner workings of the greatest detective’s mind” and “every thought and clue that flows through Sherlock’s mind is thoroughly explored and displayed in the art for readers to latch onto” and it absolutely delivers on this. At several points through the book, we see inside Holmes’ “mind palace”, where he analyses the clues that he’s uncovered up to that point. In between these, the clues are represented on a visual “thread” that runs throughout the entire book, on which various clues and deductions are placed as they turn up. It’s an excellent use of the graphic novel format to show the progression of clues and their relationships. Together, these techniques allow the development of the clues and deductions to be easily followed, and I felt like I was along for the ride.

The artwork is absolutely gorgeous - fantastic use of maps of London, and incredibly atmospheric locations. I loved the use of repetition across panels (and often within the same panel) to show movement and the passage of time (I tried to find a technical term for this, and I’m not sure there is one… polyptych?).

There is a dedication to Peter Cushing at the front of the book, and the depiction of Holmes is clearly on homage to Peter Cushing’s portrayal of Holmes in the 1960’s TV adaptation. A lovely touch.

Six stars, rounded down to five.

Thank you #NetGalley and Titan Books for the free review copy of #InsideTheMindofSherlockHolmes in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

One of the most creative graphics novels I have read to date.

Inside the Mind of Sherlock Holmes tells an original story about "The Case of the Scandalous Ticket", where Holmes and Watson dive into another intriguing case attempting to solve the disappearances of Londoners, which appear to be tied to Chinese magicians. But it’s the way that it’s all presented that makes Inside the Mind of Sherlock Holmes such a brilliant read.

The art style is sublime, which is detailed and innovative, showcasing the inner workings of Sherlock's mind through connecting pages, and hidden clues, making the story more complex and interactive. The pages do get quite busy, but I think this perfectly presents the chaos of Sherlock's mind and his surroundings. Overall, a stunning read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Titan Comics for providing me with the ARC!

Was this review helpful?

Sherlock Holmes is perhaps the most recognisable and well known literary character ever created. The image of a deerstalker hat, a magnifying glass and a pipe are so associated with him that just putting those three objects together makes people think of the character. He has featured in hundreds of stories over the last century and more of his existence, with many writers trying their hand at the world’s greatest detective. The comic industry is no different, with some fantastic Sherlock Holmes works being produced for the medium, and Inside the Mind of Sherlock Holmes is no exception.

The story begins when a man is found running through the streets of London in the early hours of the morning, wearing a muddied and torn nightgown and mismatched slippers, and sporting a broken collar bone. The man has no memory of how he got there, only remembering going to bed hours before. Being a colleague of Doctor John Watson, the man is brought to 221b Baker Street to both confirm his story, and receive medical attention. The strange state in which he was found instantly grabs the attention of Holmes, who’s been struggling to find anything to keep his troubled mind entertained.

After a quick study of the man’s condition, and a round of questions, Holmes suspects that it was his previous night’s excursion to the theatre that may be at the heart of the case. He and Watson set out to find out what happened to the man, leading them to discover that he’s not the only person to have gone missing in strange circumstances. The Chinese theatre troupe that mysteriously set up their performance at short notice and vanished just as fast seems to be the key. but as the investigation continues it becomes apparent to the two detectives that they may have only stumbled upon the tip of the iceberg.

Inside the Mind of Sherlock Holmes, by writer Benoît Dahan, does what the title suggests, and really gets into the head of the character. With most Sherlock Holmes being dictated from the point of view of his companion, Doctor Watson, there’s not normally a chance to see the inner workings of the character’s mind. Yes, he often explains how he reaches his deductions based upon the evidence at hand, but that’s not really the same as understanding how his brain works. Shows like Sherlock present the idea of the ‘mind palace’, and show the character sifting through information, but it ends up looking kind of goofy and shows the flaws in the series’ overly stylised approach.

This book, however, portrays the inner workings of his mind in a wonderful way. Artist Cyril Liéron takes a cue from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle himself. In A Study in Scarlet, Doyle wrote “I consider that a man’s brain originally is like a little empty attic, and you have to stock it with such furniture as you choose. The skilful workman is very careful indeed as to what he takes into his brain-attic.” This is on the first page of the book, and dictates much of the visual imagery of Holmes’ mind. When the character is taking the clues and working out a solution he moves through the attic inside his head, checking books, taking pieces of puzzle and arranging them in new ways, and even sets up potential models of crime scenes, mixing pieces in and out until he comes to a satisfying solution.

The imagery for Holmes’ thought process is stunning to see, and comes alive on the page in ways that I’ve never seen before. But it’s not the only clever artwork in the book. The rest of the book is presented brilliantly, with intricate, imaginative ways of showcasing the story. Early on, as Watson is looking through the newspaper, so the entire page is shaped as if Watson is holding the panels in the shape of the paper. When Holmes uses drugs, the panels start to break down and fall apart, their shapes twisting and bending as his perception of the world and his mind takes on a different form. And as Holmes inspects clues with his magnifying glass, the panels on the page are arranged to take on the shape of his trusty tool. And that’s all within the first few pages of the book.

Inside the Mind of Sherlock Holmes presents its story in wonderfully creative ways. As the two characters walk around London we see their progress presented in maps and breakdowns of the city. Some scenes are coloured in ways that emphasise certain clues and objects that you need to pay attention to. Red string, used in Holmes’ mind to connect clues, is used on pages to show the flow of the panels, taking you from one point to another in complex and intricately crafted sequences.

The story is really good, the mystery opens up in ways that you don’t expect, and has some wonderful twists and turns in the narrative. But it’s the way that it’s all presented to the reader that makes Inside the Mind of Sherlock Holmes such a fantastic read. The experience of reading it, of going on this uniquely presented journey, is what elevates this book from very good to excellent. Just look at the front cover of the book, with the literal piece of Sherlock Holmes cut out, giving you an insight into what lies beneath! I’ve read a fair amount of Sherlock Holmes comics and graphic novels over the years, and this is by far the best one.

Was this review helpful?

I was so pleased to receive an ARC of the this graphic novel from the publishers via NetGalley.

I am a huge fan of all things Sherlock Holmes and was excited to read an original story set in London with most of the familiar characters involved.

The comic format makes an excellent medium to convey the narrative, complimented perfectly with detailed illustrations throughout.

The story is told in two parts and both are reproduced here to make it an intriguing mystery that Holmes with the “help” of Watson just about manages to solve.

‘I consider that a man's brain originally is like a little empty attic, and you have to stock it with such furniture as you choose.’ Arthur Conan Doyle, A Study in Scarlet (Sherlock Holmes.)

Using this concept as a template for unravelling clues the book has drawings demonstrating this idea throughout as Holmes tries to process evidence and latent clues. Elsewhere the illustrations use maps and other ingenious graphics to convey the uniqueness of the great detective’s approach to a case. The characters are well drawn and easily identifiable as we progress through the pages but the colour palate used best sums up the wonderful artwork here.

This could have be a cramped story if it relied just on the traditional comic format with speech bubbles only driving the plot. But in maximising the full use of the graphic novel and various related ideas, pictorially, it simply means you will never tire of re-reading this story and the immense detail will provide new pleasures every time you open its pages.

I have read few better graphic novels than The Case of the Scandalous Ticket and it truly does what it says on the cover. It goes “Inside the Mind of Sherlock Holmes.”

Was this review helpful?