It was nominated for an Edgar Award in the category of "Best Critical/Biographical"[2] by the Mystery Writers of America.

[5] Michael Dirda, writing for The Washington Post, called the book "the best account of Baker Street mania ever written.

"[5] Publishers Weekly called the book an "exhaustive study of the 130-year Sherlock Holmes phenomenon" and said "The informal, accessible style of Gallagher’s translation makes for an easy, if lengthy, read.

"[1] Kirkus Reviews called the book "A spirited account of how Sherlock became a household name.

[7] The book was part of Tom Nolan's year-end "What to Give: Mysteries" for The Wall Street Journal in 2018.