Review of Hyouka

(+) Well-done conventional character design. Nothing super exaggerated like the chibi-style in Mahou Shoujo or the large-face huge-eyes in Higurashi. (+) Good attention to detail as in befitting of a 2013 anime and consistent animation quality as far as I observe. (+) Some innovative ideas to capture viewer interest like the bizarre floating gears while Oreki(protagonist) is thinking which is somewhat reminiscent of those in OP of Stein's Gate and Chitanda's(main girl) trademark shiny purple eyes and catchphrase "気になります！". (+) Interesting characters with the coveted 'development' that is so over-hyped on MAL but whatever, it's there. Also very well-timed introduction of characters throughout the series so asnot to overwhelm but also managing to add flavor when it is desired. Oreki(protagonist) impresses while managing not to be overpowered by making mistakes now and again.
(+) Mysteries are well-done, well-paced, well-thought, and generally believable while managing not to be predictable.
(+) Very captivating central arc and climax.
(+) Almost no fan-service signifies a no-nonsense and serious approach of the producers.

(-) Music is not particularly outstanding. For me, I just skipped all the OPs and EDs because they failed to interest me. BGM fits in but not really exceptional like that of F/SN, NHK ni Youkoso!, GITS etc.
(-) Being episodic, some episodes tend to be a bit boring and I had to prevent myself from falling asleep in one of them.
(-) In a few parts the reasoning was confusing and I had to replay to try and understand what was happening.
(-) While they did faithfully stick to 'character development/growth', a point so often belabored by critics, I feel some of it was a little overdone. Just a little. Hyouka has the full potential of being more plot-driven than character-driven without having to pander to the expectations of said critics.
(-) Chitanda's voice is just shrill enough to cross the line of annoyance. Sigh...
(-) Some small portions unexplained even in the end.

Conclusion:
A very interesting episodic, detective anime with almost everything done right. It is able to combine the beauty of Byousoku and the intrigue of GiTS(just examples that occurred to me) while retaining the interesting elements of slice-of-life/high-school drama to make a very well-done piece. Why hesitate? Join the Classics Club in their adventures and immerse yourself in some of the most engaging high-school mysteries right now!