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Zet Mystery Case #1
Mystery of the Egyptian Scroll
Think HARDY BOYS meets ANCIENT EGYPT, and you have an idea of what's inside.
12-year-old Zet is in charge of his father’s pottery stall, now that his father has gone to fight the Hyksos. One day, a thief runs through the marketplace with guards in hot pursuit. But the man gets away. Zet learns there’s a reward for capturing the thief and turning him in. What better way to make a few extra copper deben? His sister, 10-year-old Kat, thinks he’s crazy. He’s determined to win the reward. Little does he know that danger, intrigue and heart-stopping action lie ahead! (from youngedition.pixelofink.com)
12-year-old Zet is in charge of his father’s pottery stall, now that his father has gone to fight the Hyksos. One day, a thief runs through the marketplace with guards in hot pursuit. But the man gets away. Zet learns there’s a reward for capturing the thief and turning him in. What better way to make a few extra copper deben? His sister, 10-year-old Kat, thinks he’s crazy. He’s determined to win the reward. Little does he know that danger, intrigue and heart-stopping action lie ahead! (from youngedition.pixelofink.com)
104 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 20, 2012
351 people are currently reading
1227 people want to read
About the author
Scott Peters
30 books47 followersScott Peters writes action-filled adventure stories set in ancient Egypt and around the world. In addition to writing, the author has created over 300 museum, science center and theme park installations for such places as the Smithsonian, the Washington Children's Museum, Walt Disney World and Paramount Pictures. Peters also helped design an interactive TV show for the Nickelodeon Channel. Be sure and visit Scott's blog at egyptabout.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
May 9, 2014
Mystery of the Egyptian Scroll is by Scott Peters. It is the first book in a new series of Zet’s mystery cases.
Zet and Kat spend their days in the market in their booth. They try to sell clay pots. Business has fallen off since Father had been arrested and the children had taken over the booth. Mother is recuperating from childbirth. It is all up to Zet and Kat. They get involved in a case where someone has something someone else wants and it could mean problems for the Pharaoh. The two children get involved this case.
The book was well written and deals with Egypt which is a hot topic these days. It is a youth book rather than an adult book. I believe students will bond with Zet and Kat against the world. Setting the book in Thebes and bringing in a touch of Egyptian mythology makes the story believable and yet unbelievable at the same time.
Several different lessons are taught in a fun manner. Taking care of one’s family is one theme that is worked throughout by Zet. Caring for others, honesty, and living up to your promises are just a few of the themes touched on. I really like the four questions the author was asked just combine with the story to make the entire process meaningful and fun.
Since I really wanted more of the story, I am pleased that the author is planning on writing more of Zet solving cases as I kept wanting more to come and for the story not to end. All in all, it is a great book written especially for young adults. I think young adults will easily be able to get to the books and read them
Zet and Kat spend their days in the market in their booth. They try to sell clay pots. Business has fallen off since Father had been arrested and the children had taken over the booth. Mother is recuperating from childbirth. It is all up to Zet and Kat. They get involved in a case where someone has something someone else wants and it could mean problems for the Pharaoh. The two children get involved this case.
The book was well written and deals with Egypt which is a hot topic these days. It is a youth book rather than an adult book. I believe students will bond with Zet and Kat against the world. Setting the book in Thebes and bringing in a touch of Egyptian mythology makes the story believable and yet unbelievable at the same time.
Several different lessons are taught in a fun manner. Taking care of one’s family is one theme that is worked throughout by Zet. Caring for others, honesty, and living up to your promises are just a few of the themes touched on. I really like the four questions the author was asked just combine with the story to make the entire process meaningful and fun.
Since I really wanted more of the story, I am pleased that the author is planning on writing more of Zet solving cases as I kept wanting more to come and for the story not to end. All in all, it is a great book written especially for young adults. I think young adults will easily be able to get to the books and read them
June 22, 2013
Homeschoolers, add this gem to your stack of Ancient Civ historical fiction. The characters are endearing and the plot keeps the reader engaged. Provides opportunity to discuss responsibility to both family and country while learning about the Egyptian city of Thebes.
Be aware that the story involves prayer to and the worship of Egyptian gods, including idols and temples. Another opportunity for discussion as long as the parent is prepared for it.
I was a bit put off by the title of the series, but think the book is a good fit for grades 3-8.
I read the Kindle version and was pleased to find it well edited and error free.
Be aware that the story involves prayer to and the worship of Egyptian gods, including idols and temples. Another opportunity for discussion as long as the parent is prepared for it.
I was a bit put off by the title of the series, but think the book is a good fit for grades 3-8.
I read the Kindle version and was pleased to find it well edited and error free.
January 22, 2017
The setting and the characters are fun, and the two children are virtuous and endearing; their hearts in the right place. The author, as he has pointed out, has taken time to ensure the historical accuracy of the story.
It's a short story, and written at a grade level that kids can understand. By focusing on the intrigue and the mystery, plus some action, the story is accessible to kids, rather than engulf young readers with minutiae of history and culture.
My slight hesitancy comes from the improbability of the story, and how the kids would by luck get the emerging details of a plot against royalty. But that's par for the course for kids' stories, putting them in the same league as adults as to success and manoeuvrability.
It's a short story, and written at a grade level that kids can understand. By focusing on the intrigue and the mystery, plus some action, the story is accessible to kids, rather than engulf young readers with minutiae of history and culture.
My slight hesitancy comes from the improbability of the story, and how the kids would by luck get the emerging details of a plot against royalty. But that's par for the course for kids' stories, putting them in the same league as adults as to success and manoeuvrability.
August 17, 2012
In “The Mystery of the Egyptian Scroll,” Scott Peters has provided the reader with a fast, paced mystery set in the times of ancient Thebes in Egypt. The book is probably written for the middle school to early high school reading levels. As a former teacher, I am always interested in books that may get children reading, and this is one!
Serving in the Pharaoh’s army, father has gone to war to fight the Hyksos, and times are hard for the family left behind. Eleven-year-old Zet and his younger sister Kat are left with the responsibility of minding the shop, but each week the children’s earnings dwindle until they fear they won’t have enough to feed themselves, their baby brother and their mother. So when a thief bounds through the market place, Zet overhears a medjay (police officer) offer a reward for information. So he steps up to the medjay to offer to help catch the thief in exchange for the reward. Of course Kat, his younger sister, thinks he's crazy. Unfortunately, this foolhearty decision soon lands Zet and his sister in dangerous trouble, so deep their very lives and the lives of their family as well as others are in extreme danger.
The book is well written with strong description of the characters and the events. Peters depicts a realistic Egyptian setting for this historical novel. Without question, it is an action-packed mystery set in an ancient land with great attention to detail; the book will appeal to young and old readers alike. There are several simple themes running through the book; the most obvious are: Don’t judge a book by its cover, and The importance of doing what is right – both for your family and your fellow man. Since things are not what they appear to be, to save their family, Zet and Kat together must learn about people: who to trust and who has evil motives.
If you are interested in a quick read for yourself or in introducing a delightful mystery for a younger person, I do recommend this historical novel, “The Mystery of the Egyptian Scroll” by Scott Peters, to all middle grade readers or adults who may enjoy a quick, historical mystery.
Serving in the Pharaoh’s army, father has gone to war to fight the Hyksos, and times are hard for the family left behind. Eleven-year-old Zet and his younger sister Kat are left with the responsibility of minding the shop, but each week the children’s earnings dwindle until they fear they won’t have enough to feed themselves, their baby brother and their mother. So when a thief bounds through the market place, Zet overhears a medjay (police officer) offer a reward for information. So he steps up to the medjay to offer to help catch the thief in exchange for the reward. Of course Kat, his younger sister, thinks he's crazy. Unfortunately, this foolhearty decision soon lands Zet and his sister in dangerous trouble, so deep their very lives and the lives of their family as well as others are in extreme danger.
The book is well written with strong description of the characters and the events. Peters depicts a realistic Egyptian setting for this historical novel. Without question, it is an action-packed mystery set in an ancient land with great attention to detail; the book will appeal to young and old readers alike. There are several simple themes running through the book; the most obvious are: Don’t judge a book by its cover, and The importance of doing what is right – both for your family and your fellow man. Since things are not what they appear to be, to save their family, Zet and Kat together must learn about people: who to trust and who has evil motives.
If you are interested in a quick read for yourself or in introducing a delightful mystery for a younger person, I do recommend this historical novel, “The Mystery of the Egyptian Scroll” by Scott Peters, to all middle grade readers or adults who may enjoy a quick, historical mystery.
January 6, 2015
Good Mystery/Adventure; Excellent Historical Setting
This book offers better than average characters and a decent, reasonably well plotted and well paced mystery/adventure, but where it truly excels is in its ancient Egyptian setting.
I suspect that most middle graders have had enough of the Victorian era, or at least would be intrigued by something different. There are some interesting medieval-ish swordplay stories out there, and some interesting work set in a Native American context, or the Civil War or Revolutionary Eras, but after that the historical, not to mention foreign, venues get pretty thin. (To digress, I'm a little unnerved that the World War II, fifties and even sixties eras I actually know are starting to drift into what kids today would consider historical.)
This book nails time and place. We have a pre-Christian time and fabulous and romantic New Kingdom Egypt. Scott Peters has written other works for kids that explore ancient Egypt, (and mummies!), and he has seamlessly drawn all of that scholarship into the sights, sounds, colors, and feel of his Zet mysteries. The history and description isn't ladled on or weighed down by tedious exposition but rather is introduced subtly and naturally in the context of the telling of the adventure story.
As a consequence we get two kids, a brother and sister team, who are relatable and appealing and yet clearly of their time and circumstance. This is all presented in broad brushstrokes, (I wouldn't use this book as a research authority), which keeps it interesting and entertaining even while it is informative in a general and impressionistic way. The fact that there is a mystery, a theft, a conspiracy, and loads of chases just keeps the excitement and interest level high all of the way through to the satisfying conclusion.
So, a very happy and rewarding find with a lot of middle grade reader appeal. A very nice book to recommend.
Please note that I found this book while browsing Amazon Kindle freebies. I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.
This book offers better than average characters and a decent, reasonably well plotted and well paced mystery/adventure, but where it truly excels is in its ancient Egyptian setting.
I suspect that most middle graders have had enough of the Victorian era, or at least would be intrigued by something different. There are some interesting medieval-ish swordplay stories out there, and some interesting work set in a Native American context, or the Civil War or Revolutionary Eras, but after that the historical, not to mention foreign, venues get pretty thin. (To digress, I'm a little unnerved that the World War II, fifties and even sixties eras I actually know are starting to drift into what kids today would consider historical.)
This book nails time and place. We have a pre-Christian time and fabulous and romantic New Kingdom Egypt. Scott Peters has written other works for kids that explore ancient Egypt, (and mummies!), and he has seamlessly drawn all of that scholarship into the sights, sounds, colors, and feel of his Zet mysteries. The history and description isn't ladled on or weighed down by tedious exposition but rather is introduced subtly and naturally in the context of the telling of the adventure story.
As a consequence we get two kids, a brother and sister team, who are relatable and appealing and yet clearly of their time and circumstance. This is all presented in broad brushstrokes, (I wouldn't use this book as a research authority), which keeps it interesting and entertaining even while it is informative in a general and impressionistic way. The fact that there is a mystery, a theft, a conspiracy, and loads of chases just keeps the excitement and interest level high all of the way through to the satisfying conclusion.
So, a very happy and rewarding find with a lot of middle grade reader appeal. A very nice book to recommend.
Please note that I found this book while browsing Amazon Kindle freebies. I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.
June 23, 2014
The Mystery of the Egyptian Scroll, by Scott Peters, is a children’s book set in New Kingdom Egypt, in and around the southern city of Luxor. The pharaoh of the time is deliberately unspecified.
The plot is lively and straightforward; two children who run a market stall selling pottery, witness a neighbour being accused of theft, and take it upon themselves to investigate. In the process they find out that the accusation is false, but that there is a much deeper and more sinister plot behind it. Basically, in adult terms, they have stumbled into the path of a political move aiming at a palace coup – a problem which did indeed face certain pharaohs of that time.
This is a children’s book, so the writing is simple and direct, the characters’ motives are plain and easy to grasp, and the children are supremely competent at solving the problem (albeit at considerable risk to themselves and their family).
But the book is also a fantastic introduction to Egypt for children. Places, people and customs are well explained and engaging, so the book is highly educative as well as fun. Problems are solved by thought, perseverance, q the gathering of evidence, and negotiation with key people. There is no magic, and religion is dealt with as a normal part of everyday life. I would happily use this book as a way to bring something of the reality of ancient Egypt to life for a young audience.
Technically the Kindle copy I downloaded had a number of problems, in particular with incorrect representation of some characters such as apostrophes. This made the book hard to read in places, especially for a younger audience. I understand that this problem is being addressed and should be fixed before long.
Overall a four star book for me – although I prefer adult fiction, I can easily see myself reading The Mystery of the Egyptian Scroll with young people wanting to learn about Egypt.
The plot is lively and straightforward; two children who run a market stall selling pottery, witness a neighbour being accused of theft, and take it upon themselves to investigate. In the process they find out that the accusation is false, but that there is a much deeper and more sinister plot behind it. Basically, in adult terms, they have stumbled into the path of a political move aiming at a palace coup – a problem which did indeed face certain pharaohs of that time.
This is a children’s book, so the writing is simple and direct, the characters’ motives are plain and easy to grasp, and the children are supremely competent at solving the problem (albeit at considerable risk to themselves and their family).
But the book is also a fantastic introduction to Egypt for children. Places, people and customs are well explained and engaging, so the book is highly educative as well as fun. Problems are solved by thought, perseverance, q the gathering of evidence, and negotiation with key people. There is no magic, and religion is dealt with as a normal part of everyday life. I would happily use this book as a way to bring something of the reality of ancient Egypt to life for a young audience.
Technically the Kindle copy I downloaded had a number of problems, in particular with incorrect representation of some characters such as apostrophes. This made the book hard to read in places, especially for a younger audience. I understand that this problem is being addressed and should be fixed before long.
Overall a four star book for me – although I prefer adult fiction, I can easily see myself reading The Mystery of the Egyptian Scroll with young people wanting to learn about Egypt.
May 5, 2012
Eleven-year-old Zet and his younger sister Kat are left with the responsibility of minding the shop while their father is in a faraway land fighting for Egypt and their Pharaoh. But each week the children’s earnings dwindle until they fear they won’t have enough to feed themselves, their baby brother and their mother. So when a thief bounds through the market place, Zet steps up to the medjay, or police officer, to offer to help catch the thief in exchange for the reward. This brave, but foolish action soon lands Zet and his sister in trouble, so deep their very lives and the lives of their family are in peril.
As Zet and his sister wind their way through the streets of Thebes, the scents and sounds and activity of the thriving commercial city come alive. They meet many people in their quest from the man who grows papyrus to make into paper, to the blind lady on the side of the road, to the merchants in the market, to the high priest of the sacred Temple of Amenenopet. But they are not all as they seem. To save their family, Zet and Kat must learn who to trust, who has evil motives and what those evil motives are.
It is an action-packed mystery set in an ancient land with great attention to detail. I recommend this historical novel to all middle grade readers.
As Zet and his sister wind their way through the streets of Thebes, the scents and sounds and activity of the thriving commercial city come alive. They meet many people in their quest from the man who grows papyrus to make into paper, to the blind lady on the side of the road, to the merchants in the market, to the high priest of the sacred Temple of Amenenopet. But they are not all as they seem. To save their family, Zet and Kat must learn who to trust, who has evil motives and what those evil motives are.
It is an action-packed mystery set in an ancient land with great attention to detail. I recommend this historical novel to all middle grade readers.
May 3, 2014
If my children were still pre-teens we would have devoured this series during our nightly bedtime reading sessions. They would have enjoyed the colorful, interesting setting and they would have worked alongside the kid characters to solve the mystery. The plot has enough hooks and turns to keep readers of all ages engaged.
I appreciate the author's inobtrusive but deft writing style, which has just the right amount of detail and explanation to keep young readers on track, without boring older readers. The plot has a good pace and the dialog is no small accomplishment - the characters speak with modern idioms but nonetheless feel like they belong in that ancient time.
I hope that later books in the series empower the younger sister (and girl readers) by giving her a more equal role in the sleuthing. I suspect that would enrich her character, and her relationship with her brother.
There are many interesting historical tidbits, even for those who never liked history (for example, me). In fact, I'm proof that you can care not a whit about ancient Egypt and yet enjoy this book.
I appreciate the author's inobtrusive but deft writing style, which has just the right amount of detail and explanation to keep young readers on track, without boring older readers. The plot has a good pace and the dialog is no small accomplishment - the characters speak with modern idioms but nonetheless feel like they belong in that ancient time.
I hope that later books in the series empower the younger sister (and girl readers) by giving her a more equal role in the sleuthing. I suspect that would enrich her character, and her relationship with her brother.
There are many interesting historical tidbits, even for those who never liked history (for example, me). In fact, I'm proof that you can care not a whit about ancient Egypt and yet enjoy this book.
May 5, 2014
As an adult reader, I enjoyed this adventure story of a young boy and sister playing junior detective on the trail of a conspiracy that threatens an innocent man – and promises a handsome reward for the man(or boy) who delivers justice.
The prose is easy on the eye and like tales of a certain wizard, is sophisticated enough and characters well drawn to pull in all ages. The world of ancient Egypt is well drawn and fans of Steven Saylor or PC Doherty ancient detective series will lap this one up.
Peters like the other writers mentioned quickly takes the reader into the ancient world, padding it with enough familiar character types to make one feel at ease in this alien world. Though Peters doesn’t shy away from referring to the Sun as a God as most Egyptians would have referred to it, we are immersed and so our suspension goes undisturbed.
The main character Zet is a likeable one, and one finds oneself rooting for him in this action packed yarn. Four stars for a book that appeals to both middle grade kids to adults.
The prose is easy on the eye and like tales of a certain wizard, is sophisticated enough and characters well drawn to pull in all ages. The world of ancient Egypt is well drawn and fans of Steven Saylor or PC Doherty ancient detective series will lap this one up.
Peters like the other writers mentioned quickly takes the reader into the ancient world, padding it with enough familiar character types to make one feel at ease in this alien world. Though Peters doesn’t shy away from referring to the Sun as a God as most Egyptians would have referred to it, we are immersed and so our suspension goes undisturbed.
The main character Zet is a likeable one, and one finds oneself rooting for him in this action packed yarn. Four stars for a book that appeals to both middle grade kids to adults.
June 4, 2015
Cute mystery.
I didn't know how I would like this mystery. It had me laughing and scared at parts of it. I do love archeological stories and especially mysteries, so this combined two of my favorite types of reading material.
I didn't know how I would like this mystery. It had me laughing and scared at parts of it. I do love archeological stories and especially mysteries, so this combined two of my favorite types of reading material.
July 22, 2020
Zet and Kat run a pottery stall. One day as Zet and Kat are trying to draw attention to any customers Zet witnesses a theft. He had a glimpse of the identitity of the thief. As a big police car comes the head of the medjay went to the shop that had been robbed. As and explained about how he had been robbed Zet eavesdropped that the medjay was offering one deben copper if Salatis told him a description of the man. As Zet is determined to keep his promise to his father and keep his family safe while he is away at war Zet is laughed at as he said he can solve the mystery. The medjay laughed and said that there was a better chance he would see a flying camel than Zet solve the mystery but if Zet did he would get 20 debber coppen. At the end he solves the mystery and the head medjay and other medjays become their friend. Mermoise can be a little strict but it is always well meaning.
February 16, 2021
First in a set of adventures for a couple of ancient Egyptian children. I got the book through Kindle Unlimited, and it is one of the better offerings under that scheme. Zet witnesses a theft and then sets out to solve it. The crime turns out to be much more than a petty theft though. Not a huge amount of depth but a nice adventure.
A quick and educational read for children.
A quick and educational read for children.
March 7, 2017
One day as Zet and Kat are selling their wares in the marketplace, their daily routine is interupted as man is chased through the market with the accusations of being a thief. Zet sees his chance to improve their financial standings and uses the powers of observation that only a child would posses to solve the mystery that unfolds.
This book is great for children because it offers the mental flexibilty required to imagine a new environment, and encourages self-efficacy as it features children solving the mystery. They may even gain some knowledge of another culture along the way!
This book is great for children because it offers the mental flexibilty required to imagine a new environment, and encourages self-efficacy as it features children solving the mystery. They may even gain some knowledge of another culture along the way!
September 15, 2014
An exciting ancient Egyptian adventure
I picked this book up from Amazon a number of months ago and it finally made it to the top of my TBR pile.
Set in ancient Egypt this one had my interest from the start. Zet and Kat are a brother and sister combo who have a hard life, supporting their family while their father is away at war. Then, on a normal day just like any other, everything changes when Zet gets wind of a reward on offer to catch the thief of a mysterious scroll. That’s when their lives go from selling pots at their humble market stall to being caught up in a huge mystery that threatens the very safety of the Pharaoh.
I admired these kids, they both showed great respect for others and exhibited some wonderful qualities. As the mystery deepens, so too does the severity of the situation. Poor Zet and Kat just seem to sink deeper and deeper into trouble as they try to clear the name of an innocent friend. By the climax of the story there’s a very real possibility that they will lose absolutely everything (which isn’t much).
With opponents that seem unbeatable and tension building, Zet and Kat practically need to pull a sphinx out of a hat to put things right. Do they succeed or not? …. you’ll need to find out for yourself.
It’s quite obvious from his website that Scott Peters has a great interest in Egypt. He has a lot of interesting Egyptian themed activities over there for readers who want their Egyptian adventure to go that little bit further than just reading the book.
In a nutshell: This was an exciting adventure that will appeal to kids who are fans of mystery, adventure and ancient Egypt.
Note: I don’t claim to be a pro-reviewer, I am a reader. My reviews are based on my personal thoughts around the story that the book is trying to tell. I try to focus on the story (which is the reason I read) rather than dissect the book and pass comment on typos, writing style or structure.
I picked this book up from Amazon a number of months ago and it finally made it to the top of my TBR pile.
Set in ancient Egypt this one had my interest from the start. Zet and Kat are a brother and sister combo who have a hard life, supporting their family while their father is away at war. Then, on a normal day just like any other, everything changes when Zet gets wind of a reward on offer to catch the thief of a mysterious scroll. That’s when their lives go from selling pots at their humble market stall to being caught up in a huge mystery that threatens the very safety of the Pharaoh.
I admired these kids, they both showed great respect for others and exhibited some wonderful qualities. As the mystery deepens, so too does the severity of the situation. Poor Zet and Kat just seem to sink deeper and deeper into trouble as they try to clear the name of an innocent friend. By the climax of the story there’s a very real possibility that they will lose absolutely everything (which isn’t much).
With opponents that seem unbeatable and tension building, Zet and Kat practically need to pull a sphinx out of a hat to put things right. Do they succeed or not? …. you’ll need to find out for yourself.
It’s quite obvious from his website that Scott Peters has a great interest in Egypt. He has a lot of interesting Egyptian themed activities over there for readers who want their Egyptian adventure to go that little bit further than just reading the book.
In a nutshell: This was an exciting adventure that will appeal to kids who are fans of mystery, adventure and ancient Egypt.
Note: I don’t claim to be a pro-reviewer, I am a reader. My reviews are based on my personal thoughts around the story that the book is trying to tell. I try to focus on the story (which is the reason I read) rather than dissect the book and pass comment on typos, writing style or structure.
September 8, 2020
Mystery of the Egyptian Scroll by Scott Peters
📓Genre: Children's fiction Mystery Adventure
Star: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🔖I was planning on reviewing a children's books, & it was quite by luck that I chanced upon this lovely story.
🔖Not only is the writing extremely lucid, but it also is a really interesting read for any kid who loves mystery stories.
🔖Acting as the head of the family, while his father is off fighting Hyksos and defending Egypt, twelve-year-old Zet, along with his smart kid-sister, Kat, are the main protagonists of the tale. While both the characters are equally well-portrayed ― Zet is the perfect mystery-solving, thief-catching curious kid-detective whom all kids will totally relate too.
🔖Set in ancient Egypt, the geographical landscape itself provides an intriguing backdrop. Plus, the book starts with a map of ancient Egypt and that in itself helps in building the interest of a young reader. And to top it all, the story is both gripping yet simple, where the author has put in the right mix of mystery, along with the vivid descriptions of the life of the people of that era.
🔖The story has a good pace from the very beginning & never for a moment does it allow you to lose interest in the plot as it meanders it's way till Zet manages to solve the mystery and save the day.
🔖It really is a well-written book & I'm certain that all kids who love detective mystery tales of the likes of Enid Blyton's books ― will love this story.
🔸Final verdict: Great.
🔸Book cover: Gripping & vibrant cover.
🔸Writing style: Fluid yet descriptive.
🔸Character development: Brilliant.
📓Genre: Children's fiction Mystery Adventure
Star: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🔖I was planning on reviewing a children's books, & it was quite by luck that I chanced upon this lovely story.
🔖Not only is the writing extremely lucid, but it also is a really interesting read for any kid who loves mystery stories.
🔖Acting as the head of the family, while his father is off fighting Hyksos and defending Egypt, twelve-year-old Zet, along with his smart kid-sister, Kat, are the main protagonists of the tale. While both the characters are equally well-portrayed ― Zet is the perfect mystery-solving, thief-catching curious kid-detective whom all kids will totally relate too.
🔖Set in ancient Egypt, the geographical landscape itself provides an intriguing backdrop. Plus, the book starts with a map of ancient Egypt and that in itself helps in building the interest of a young reader. And to top it all, the story is both gripping yet simple, where the author has put in the right mix of mystery, along with the vivid descriptions of the life of the people of that era.
🔖The story has a good pace from the very beginning & never for a moment does it allow you to lose interest in the plot as it meanders it's way till Zet manages to solve the mystery and save the day.
🔖It really is a well-written book & I'm certain that all kids who love detective mystery tales of the likes of Enid Blyton's books ― will love this story.
🔸Final verdict: Great.
🔸Book cover: Gripping & vibrant cover.
🔸Writing style: Fluid yet descriptive.
🔸Character development: Brilliant.
June 21, 2017
I'm truly surprised how many people liked this book with four stars or more. I was disappointed. Although there are plenty of Egyptian references thrown about, something about it felt way too modern for me. I think it was the way the kids talked with one another, practically tossing around coloquialisms. I felt like the story was written and then the author said, "How can I make this sound Egyptian?"
Perhaps I was unfairly influenced by the sub-par narration, as I also purchased the audiobook for immersion reading. The narrator, in attempting to voice the characters differently, gave Kat a valley-girl accent and the big and powerful high priest villain talks with a weasley, nasal voice. The adult friends of the kids often sound like New York Yiddish grandmas. Ugh. I tried dropping the audio and reading just the text, but unfortunately, I can't unhear those voices in my head and it still makes the kids' language stick out like a sore thumb.
Perhaps I was unfairly influenced by the sub-par narration, as I also purchased the audiobook for immersion reading. The narrator, in attempting to voice the characters differently, gave Kat a valley-girl accent and the big and powerful high priest villain talks with a weasley, nasal voice. The adult friends of the kids often sound like New York Yiddish grandmas. Ugh. I tried dropping the audio and reading just the text, but unfortunately, I can't unhear those voices in my head and it still makes the kids' language stick out like a sore thumb.
May 26, 2020
I don't do book reviews
I don't do book reviews like you keep seeing, as I find that some give too much of the plot away and I personally hate that, as it makes the book not worth reading. I much prefer to take the authors back cover write up as a review as it can either intrigue you enough to read the book of provide you enough information to make you decide that the book is not for you.
My review rules are: The more stars, the more I liked it.
If there are too many typos or errors the less stars I give
If the storyline or plot is poor or contains too many errors, the characters are too weak, the ending lacking something, then the less stars I give.
Simple, uncomplicated and to the point without giving anything away.
Some of the books I read have been given to me by the author as a pre-release copy and this does not bias my reviews in any way.
I don't do book reviews like you keep seeing, as I find that some give too much of the plot away and I personally hate that, as it makes the book not worth reading. I much prefer to take the authors back cover write up as a review as it can either intrigue you enough to read the book of provide you enough information to make you decide that the book is not for you.
My review rules are: The more stars, the more I liked it.
If there are too many typos or errors the less stars I give
If the storyline or plot is poor or contains too many errors, the characters are too weak, the ending lacking something, then the less stars I give.
Simple, uncomplicated and to the point without giving anything away.
Some of the books I read have been given to me by the author as a pre-release copy and this does not bias my reviews in any way.
October 20, 2021
This book is a good choice for middle-grade readers who enjoy adventure, mystery, history, or nonfiction. The author does a good job of weaving relatable characters, a boy and his sister, into New Kingdom Egypt. Readers get a great deal of knowledge about the customs, religion, and people of ancient Egypt. At the same time, they are treated to a mystery that needs to be solved.
Reluctant readers will like the dialogue and easy to follow the plot. Enough twists and turns to keep the story interesting but not too complicated to follow.
Recommended for ages eight through twelve.
Reluctant readers will like the dialogue and easy to follow the plot. Enough twists and turns to keep the story interesting but not too complicated to follow.
Recommended for ages eight through twelve.
February 5, 2018
Wonderfully crafted piece of Historical Fiction Mystery! Readers who love Ancient Egypt will be enthralled and captivated by Peters well-researched, exciting drama. Everything from religion, fashion and lifestyle were described accurately and literally gave me the feeling that I was in Egypt during the New Kingdom era. I look forward to follow Zet and Kat on their next adventure! The series would make an interesting TV mini-series in my opinion.
May 16, 2021
A fun read
A kids' detective story set in ancient Egypt, with a loving family, dangerous threats, and exciting adventures. Lead character is a boy of Round 12, who, with his younger sister helps foil a plot to kill the Pharoah. Fun story, kids 8-10 I think.
A kids' detective story set in ancient Egypt, with a loving family, dangerous threats, and exciting adventures. Lead character is a boy of Round 12, who, with his younger sister helps foil a plot to kill the Pharoah. Fun story, kids 8-10 I think.
February 13, 2022
Loved reading this with my class as a part of our Y4 Egyptians topic. They were hooked from the very beginning, wanting to know more about everything. We had some brilliant discussions around the vocabulary, history and grammar to help them to engage their learning.
November 24, 2023
Nice story for kids and adults alike.
Nice book. Kept me hooked till the end. Holiday reading sorted. Can be gifted fir Christmas. At times it very scary but all is well that ends well.
Nice book. Kept me hooked till the end. Holiday reading sorted. Can be gifted fir Christmas. At times it very scary but all is well that ends well.
November 24, 2017
Mystery of the egyptian scroll
This was a charming story which held my attention! The children were well thought out brother and sister! I am going to acquire the set!!!
This was a charming story which held my attention! The children were well thought out brother and sister! I am going to acquire the set!!!
May 10, 2018
5 star
I received this ebook for free from bookpub.com. I liked the adventures and descriptions in the story. I believe it is a good book and interesting.
I received this ebook for free from bookpub.com. I liked the adventures and descriptions in the story. I believe it is a good book and interesting.
November 15, 2019
Good books for Kidd who love to read about Egypt
March 27, 2021
My students love a good mystery and this book fits the bill perfectly, especially while studying ancient Egypt.
April 30, 2021
This was a great fast-paced adventure story for my fifth grader. His favorite part was the historical setting.
August 12, 2021
One of the best book I ever read!
Reading about Zet and Kat adventure is incredible! A desire to get cash reward led to Zet and Kat into a deeper conspiracy. Amazing and incredible!
Reading about Zet and Kat adventure is incredible! A desire to get cash reward led to Zet and Kat into a deeper conspiracy. Amazing and incredible!
August 13, 2021
Mystery of the Egyptian Scroll was a decent book. I would give this book 3.3 stars.
January 30, 2022
Excellent introduction to Egypt for young readers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews