Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
The second book in the Harry Potter series starts with Harry back at the Dursley's (his "Muggle" guardians) for the summer. An enslaved house elf named Dobby comes to warn Harry not to return, and even gets Harry in trouble to try to keep him away from harm. However, Harry does return (after practically stealing his best friend's dad's magical car), and Dobby's warnings prove true as disaster begins to strike. Worse, Harry is being blamed for the attacks on the "Mudbloods." But the plot only thickens as Harry and Ron discover the truth behind the mystery of the Chamber of Secrets. Who is the attacker? And why does Harry exhibit characteristics of a Slytherin? These are some of the questions answered in this book, but many more must wait for the next.
While the book does not emphasize good moral decisions (seems to be a trademark of the series, more pragmatic than moral), the mysterious plot kept me reading to see who was the real culprit and to see what other details that will help expound on information from the past book and will probably relate to something in the next book to thicken the plot. I would definitely have to say that the plot is the series' finer point. I also loved the ending when Dobby is freed from his slavery by Harry's stinky old sock.
Background info: Apparently, when the master gives his house elf slave a piece of clothing, any piece of clothing, the slave is free.
Book quote:
"Come, Dobby. I said, come."
But Dobby didn't move. He was holding up Harry's disgusting, slimy sock, and looking at it as though it were a priceless treasure.
"Master has given a sock," said the elf in wonderment. "Master gave it to Dobby."
"What's that?" spat Mr. Malfoy. "What did you say?"
"Got a sock," said Dobby in disbelief. "Master threw it, and Dobby caught it, and Dobby - Dobby is free."
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