Whenever I pick up the 2nd novel in a series I wonder if the author will be able to continue in the same manner as the 1st. With Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets I was not disappointed. The story picks up almost exactly where the first book left off with such fluidity the 2 books could be halves of the same story. Yet again there is the underlying thread of decency with the under dog fighting against the prejudices of his peers and winning through in the end.

Once again there is nothing in the content for parents to worry about – the book is very suitable for children to read, as the overall tone is positive and reassuring with just the right amount of slapstick humour. The "scary-bits" are gentle enough to be read by most children and yet just nasty enough to excite them. It is immediately clear why these books have become such a runaway success.

As before, rating this as a children’s story I would give it 8/10.