A full 10/10 from me. This anime left me wanting more. This is an adaptation of the light novel and there is also a live action drama and two manga series of it so how can it not be good?
The horror isn't that huge its more horror in the sense of supernatural beings and such. However the mystery, excitement and wonderfully dark animation makes this an anime worth watching.
Yakumo is one of my favourite characters, his sarcastic comments, arrogant personality and dark past add to his character (not to mention being voice by DAISUKE ONO!!!!). While the drawing style effectively captures that darkness. Mix that with an average uni student, workaholic detective, clumsy assistant and noisy news reporter this cast is made for comedy and mystery.
Downfall is probably the length of the anime. A depressing 12 episodes long that cannot sufficiently satisfy fans like myself. The ending was also a bit saddening. Not only was it a bit rushed but it wasn't much of an ending seeing as the problem (at least to me) wasn't solved in the end.

All in all I highly recommend to anyone who like the supernatural, dark like, mystery styled anime. If you enjoyed the anime than I suggest you read the manga or the light novels (unless you already are reading them). I haven't watched much of the live action drama so I can't say much in terms of greatness but I expect it to be. Note the two manga series are not connected to each in any way so it doesn't matter in which order you read them. (show less)

Shinrei Tantei Yakumo isn't spectacular in any way, but it's something watchable that someone may enjoy in between deciding what to watch next.
The plot decides to appear somewhere after episode 6. before then, it's just a case per episode.
The characters are interesting enough to hold your interest for the length of the show.
If anything, Yakumo's methods of handling spirits is a somewhat more interesting diversion from the norm.
This is not a romantic anime - if anything, it is a story of relationships between people. And in that sense, it can be considered a nice story about human needs. There are also a few moments that may pull at the heartstrings of some in the moments that deal with the harsher sides of reality.
It was a relatively enjoyable watch, however sadly I wouldn't be compelled to watch it again.
But it's something to sit back and lose yourself in, if only for a short while.
If you are after a supernatural/ghost based anime, I would recommend Ghost Hunt. (show less)