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Zet Mystery Case #2
Mystery of the Egyptian Amulet
12-year-old Zet tries to visit his best friend, a young student-apprentice at a jewelry workshop. But the huge, snaggletooth man at the door won't let him in! Something strange is going on behind those tall, spooky gates. Is Zet's best friend in trouble? Zet and his sister Kat have a mystery on their hands.
The siblings start looking for answers. Then Zet and Kat receive a strange amulet. It's a clue, but to what? Can they solve the message of the amulet and rescue their friend? The young sleuths set out to follow the clues. Little do they know what danger and adventure lie in store!
Discover ancient Egypt mysteries with this brother and sister detective team!
This action-packed, fast-paced page turner appeals to mystery fans and reluctant readers alike. Fans of classics like the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew will love following kid detective Zet and his sister Kat on the trail to save their friend. Well researched facts fill this historical adventure set in Ancient Egypt.
The siblings start looking for answers. Then Zet and Kat receive a strange amulet. It's a clue, but to what? Can they solve the message of the amulet and rescue their friend? The young sleuths set out to follow the clues. Little do they know what danger and adventure lie in store!
Discover ancient Egypt mysteries with this brother and sister detective team!
This action-packed, fast-paced page turner appeals to mystery fans and reluctant readers alike. Fans of classics like the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew will love following kid detective Zet and his sister Kat on the trail to save their friend. Well researched facts fill this historical adventure set in Ancient Egypt.
150 pages, Paperback
First published October 10, 2012
140 people are currently reading
679 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 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 6, 2012
Won on goodreads this was a very very unusual change for me because this book targets readers from about 10 years to 16 years of age. Me being a grandma im used to reading more challenging books but this was quite well written and takes a few strange turns and i believe most children would truly enjoy reading it. Well done Mr. Peters, you have made me want to read more of this kind of book when i need a change of pace or want to relive my younger reading years. Thank you!
dearly-departed
March 21, 2014Won as part of the Goodreads first reads program. Review to come.
August 4, 2022
A fantastic setting in ancient Egypt, well fleshed out characters and a pretty decent plot. Great children’s historical detective mystery series.
November 10, 2012
Review of Zet and the Egyptian Amulet Mystery
A very enjoyable historical mystery, with a target audience of middle graders, “Zet and the Egptian Amulet Mystery,” and its predecessor, “Mystery of the Egyptian Scroll,” are delightful for YA and adult readers too. Filled with good characterization and characters who readily elicit empathy, great historical detail, and the conviction that humanity in historical eras was no different in personality or character than those in contemporary society, this is an easy read and a pleasurable read.
Author Scott Peters deftly weaves mystery, history, and likable characters (and their opposition, those nasty villainous guys, plus in this case, rumours of a demon army) into a story that will have readers turning pages to see how Zet, his sister, and their best friend, jewelry apprentice Hui, can solve the multiple mysteries, and stay alive and in good condition while doing just that.
A very enjoyable historical mystery, with a target audience of middle graders, “Zet and the Egptian Amulet Mystery,” and its predecessor, “Mystery of the Egyptian Scroll,” are delightful for YA and adult readers too. Filled with good characterization and characters who readily elicit empathy, great historical detail, and the conviction that humanity in historical eras was no different in personality or character than those in contemporary society, this is an easy read and a pleasurable read.
Author Scott Peters deftly weaves mystery, history, and likable characters (and their opposition, those nasty villainous guys, plus in this case, rumours of a demon army) into a story that will have readers turning pages to see how Zet, his sister, and their best friend, jewelry apprentice Hui, can solve the multiple mysteries, and stay alive and in good condition while doing just that.
December 10, 2019
The story is set in ancient Thebes, where 12-year-old Zet and his younger sister Kat are managing the family pottery stall. Their father is away fighting the Hyksos invaders and their mother is at home caring for their younger brother Apu. At the start, we learn that Zet is concerned about his best friend Hui, who has been incommunicado since he began doing a jewelry apprenticeship at the Kemet Jewelry Workshop. When Zet tries to visit him at the Workshop, one of the guards, Snaggletooth, treats him roughly and sends him away. Later, when Zet and Kat spot Hui on a boat on the Nile river, Hui pretends not to know them.
As Zet tries to get to the bottom of the matter, he finds himself confronting a crooked enterprise. He and Kat must expose it if they are to save Hui's life.
This was a well-written and entertaining read from start to end. The author has done a commendable job of bringing Thebes to life.
As Zet tries to get to the bottom of the matter, he finds himself confronting a crooked enterprise. He and Kat must expose it if they are to save Hui's life.
This was a well-written and entertaining read from start to end. The author has done a commendable job of bringing Thebes to life.
July 21, 2020
I liked this book alot. Hui was saved from the creepy worshope and Kemlet was arrested. Kissa and her sister were a bit innocent but took part in the crime trying to steal the goods. Luckily Hui was smart and left a big clue. Even if he acted wierd it was totally worth it. Hui's life was in Zet's hand. Evenn if it took a long time to figure it out they managed.
February 9, 2018
Exciting and harrowing sequel! Peters certainly brings Ancient Egypt to life in vivid detail. Ample with intriguing drama and heart-racing suspense. This is first-rate storytelling and historical fiction mystery at its best. Zet and Kat are both resourceful, brave and driven characters one cannot help but admire and relate to. The trilogy is surely worthy of a TV mini-series as well! Hope to see more of Hui in the third book.
May 9, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Even though it's labeled for middle grade level kids, I think many adults would enjoy this book as well. I will definitely add Scott Peters' books to my stacks.
The story is centered around two young Egyptians, a brother and sister named Kat and Zet. The adventure begins with Zet trying to find out why he hasn't heard from his best friend, another boy named Hui, who recently became a jeweler's apprentice. Zet knows something is wrong and is determined from the start to find out what is happening.
Both of the characters catch your attention quickly and keep you attention by their choices and actions throughout the book. Scott Peters wrote his characters very well. This story also highlights what is was like living in Ancient Egypt without sounding forced whatsoever.
The story is centered around two young Egyptians, a brother and sister named Kat and Zet. The adventure begins with Zet trying to find out why he hasn't heard from his best friend, another boy named Hui, who recently became a jeweler's apprentice. Zet knows something is wrong and is determined from the start to find out what is happening.
Both of the characters catch your attention quickly and keep you attention by their choices and actions throughout the book. Scott Peters wrote his characters very well. This story also highlights what is was like living in Ancient Egypt without sounding forced whatsoever.
August 31, 2014
A fun YA mystery, I didn't read the first one. The distracting thing is that it uses too many modern terms in the prose and speech.
April 4, 2020
The Mystery of The Egyptian Amulet is a good book. I also read the previous book called the Mystery of the Egyptian Scroll. I honestly think the Mystery of the Egyptian Amulet is way better than the first novel.
My favorite character is Hui, who is the jeweler's apprentice and he is trapped in the jeweler's shop and can't escape. I like Hui because he is funny and plays pranks on people. I also like him because he is smart. The Mystery of The Egyptian Amulet is a little far-fetched, but outside of those unbelievable details, it seems very real. I like how in the book Zet makes a lot of disguises so he can spy on people like Kemet, the jeweler.
I liked how in the book there's a lot of mystery and historical fiction. The fact that the author has Zet and his sister Kat trying to solve a mystery makes it more enjoyable and suspenseful. The ancient Egypt setting helps me to visualize how things were back then.
My dad read the Mystery of the Egyptian Amulet to me and my brothers and he's really good at reading. I enjoy how the author makes people enemies, and then at the end of the book, slowly and eventually they become friends. Overall, I think it was a good book and I recommend you read it.
My favorite character is Hui, who is the jeweler's apprentice and he is trapped in the jeweler's shop and can't escape. I like Hui because he is funny and plays pranks on people. I also like him because he is smart. The Mystery of The Egyptian Amulet is a little far-fetched, but outside of those unbelievable details, it seems very real. I like how in the book Zet makes a lot of disguises so he can spy on people like Kemet, the jeweler.
I liked how in the book there's a lot of mystery and historical fiction. The fact that the author has Zet and his sister Kat trying to solve a mystery makes it more enjoyable and suspenseful. The ancient Egypt setting helps me to visualize how things were back then.
My dad read the Mystery of the Egyptian Amulet to me and my brothers and he's really good at reading. I enjoy how the author makes people enemies, and then at the end of the book, slowly and eventually they become friends. Overall, I think it was a good book and I recommend you read it.
July 15, 2019
Zet and the Egyptian Amulet Mystery (Zet Series Book 2)— Scott Peters (39 titled chapters) April 29-30, 2019
Set in ancient Eighty, the story follows a brother and a sister and the boy’s best friend (and the sister’s crush) on mystery adventures. I have not read the first book in the series yet, and I felt it as I read, missing some parts, or rather not understanding them.
This book took longer to read than I normal. I’m not sure what it was, but I presume that this was written for upper middle school kids who need more action and longer stories. The plot was well written and engaging. I liked the setting in an ancient period. That felt unique and refreshing.
Four stars.
Set in ancient Eighty, the story follows a brother and a sister and the boy’s best friend (and the sister’s crush) on mystery adventures. I have not read the first book in the series yet, and I felt it as I read, missing some parts, or rather not understanding them.
This book took longer to read than I normal. I’m not sure what it was, but I presume that this was written for upper middle school kids who need more action and longer stories. The plot was well written and engaging. I liked the setting in an ancient period. That felt unique and refreshing.
Four stars.
May 24, 2021
Fun historical fiction set in ancient Egypt
There is interesting background info on ancient Egypt and the mysteries are funny and exciting. But the kids and their dialogue just feel like modern kids dropped into the setting.
There is interesting background info on ancient Egypt and the mysteries are funny and exciting. But the kids and their dialogue just feel like modern kids dropped into the setting.
November 13, 2019
Written for kids Very light read. Its very well written. Characters are interesting. Lovee the whole pic of Egypt and sprinkle bits of modern day language in it. Really enjoyed it.
April 19, 2020
The place to go for a walk
To go back to you and yours 8million!happy birthday to you and yours as well as the middle of the night and
To go back to you and yours 8million!happy birthday to you and yours as well as the middle of the night and
April 8, 2024
These books are very interesting and just the right amount of adventure.
June 20, 2016
This book was a free eBook I received from Librarything.com when I first started reading it I was a bit concerned because the author mentions in the book another book that came before it so this was part of a series book two I suppose ,but the good thing is that it didn't throw me off reading it out of order . this book is about a boy name Zet who lives in Egypt with his sister mom and baby brother .Zet stumbles into solving mystery's around the city he had solved a mystery involving him capturing a man who was plotting to kill the pharaoh . after that Zets reputation had been pretty good until the pottery that he ordered for the women in town for the Opet festival went missing he runs the pottery stall in a market with his sister Kat they took over for his father who is away fighting a war .his mother stay at home with their baby brother taking care of the house .not only is the pottery the women ordered not arrived yet but his bestfriend Hui who is apprenticed to the best jewelry repair workshop in town hasn't answered or sent any letter and Zet has tried to go and see him he was scared away by a huge guard who .
Rumors are flying around about a demon army that is going to show up at the Opet festival a yearly festival that the city has where everyone throws parties and make special food and celebrates .There have also been jewels stolen from houses all over the city ,someone has been stealing scarab amulets but nothing else is taken and all reports from owners say they don't find anything has been missing .its up to Zet to find out what's going on at the Kemet workshop and find out where Hui is and to find the women's pottery orders before the Opet festival they are being labeled thieves and since the stall is the only source of income their family has they will be out on the streets if the pottery stall closes .
what I liked : I liked this book because of the way it was easy to read there wasn't a lot of fluff to this book to fill in the story it was a straight forward book . I would say its age range would be 8+ on up . there were some suspenseful moments which I liked and I thought that the characters and story line where well though out .this book is about 355 pages I could say you could finish it in about a day and half . I was looking for a short story that didn't read like a short story and this book gave that to me . it did take me a bit longer to read it because of work and other things but I thoroughly enjoyed this book it made me laugh out loud in some parts and hold my breath during others .What I really feel that kids will enjoy was after the book ended the author added in a little craft project to make your own protection amulet so I though that was a cool touch . Over all a good book and there wasn't anything I didn't like .
Rumors are flying around about a demon army that is going to show up at the Opet festival a yearly festival that the city has where everyone throws parties and make special food and celebrates .There have also been jewels stolen from houses all over the city ,someone has been stealing scarab amulets but nothing else is taken and all reports from owners say they don't find anything has been missing .its up to Zet to find out what's going on at the Kemet workshop and find out where Hui is and to find the women's pottery orders before the Opet festival they are being labeled thieves and since the stall is the only source of income their family has they will be out on the streets if the pottery stall closes .
what I liked : I liked this book because of the way it was easy to read there wasn't a lot of fluff to this book to fill in the story it was a straight forward book . I would say its age range would be 8+ on up . there were some suspenseful moments which I liked and I thought that the characters and story line where well though out .this book is about 355 pages I could say you could finish it in about a day and half . I was looking for a short story that didn't read like a short story and this book gave that to me . it did take me a bit longer to read it because of work and other things but I thoroughly enjoyed this book it made me laugh out loud in some parts and hold my breath during others .What I really feel that kids will enjoy was after the book ended the author added in a little craft project to make your own protection amulet so I though that was a cool touch . Over all a good book and there wasn't anything I didn't like .
January 18, 2015
A Very Good Middle Grade Mystery/Adventure With An Exotic Setting
This book, which is the second of the Zet stories, offers main characters who are developed far beyond the usual for a middle grade mystery, as well as an intriguing and fast paced mystery/adventure. But where the book truly excels is in its ancient Egyptian setting.
The story is set in the time and place of 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 the descriptions of everyday life and conditions are introduced subtly and naturally in the context of the telling of the adventure story. We learn about what people ate and wore and worked at even as we investigate a sort of Hardy Boys style mystery
For starters, we get two kids, Zet and Kat, (a brother and sister team), who are relatable and appealing and yet clearly of their time and circumstance. Then we add friends and family and neighbors. Merimose the local medjay, (policeman), is a regular character, as are a few of Zet and Kat's fellow stall keepers in the local market. This is all presented in broad brushstrokes which keeps it interesting and entertaining even while it is informative in a general and impressionistic way. The fact that there is a mystery, thefts, talk of demons, and loads of chases and a big action finish, just keeps the excitement and interest level high all of the way through to the satisfying conclusion. Because the overall writing style is direct and basic it seems that it best lends itself to being read by kids moving beyond chapter books but not quite ready for more demanding fare.
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, which is the second of the Zet stories, offers main characters who are developed far beyond the usual for a middle grade mystery, as well as an intriguing and fast paced mystery/adventure. But where the book truly excels is in its ancient Egyptian setting.
The story is set in the time and place of 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 the descriptions of everyday life and conditions are introduced subtly and naturally in the context of the telling of the adventure story. We learn about what people ate and wore and worked at even as we investigate a sort of Hardy Boys style mystery
For starters, we get two kids, Zet and Kat, (a brother and sister team), who are relatable and appealing and yet clearly of their time and circumstance. Then we add friends and family and neighbors. Merimose the local medjay, (policeman), is a regular character, as are a few of Zet and Kat's fellow stall keepers in the local market. This is all presented in broad brushstrokes which keeps it interesting and entertaining even while it is informative in a general and impressionistic way. The fact that there is a mystery, thefts, talk of demons, and loads of chases and a big action finish, just keeps the excitement and interest level high all of the way through to the satisfying conclusion. Because the overall writing style is direct and basic it seems that it best lends itself to being read by kids moving beyond chapter books but not quite ready for more demanding fare.
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 17, 2016
In a Nutshell | This is a great middle-grade read that focuses on friendship and teamwork while solving a mystery, with a good dose of history thrown in.
Zet is an immersive adventure that takes young readers through the daily struggles of Egyptian life. The story picks up a short time after book one and the scene is set well. I could almost feel the heat and smell the dust of Thebes.
Zet and his sister, Kat, have another mystery to solve and must use their own ingenuity to help their friend, without arousing the suspicion of the bad guys. The story is a well-paced mystery for young readers to solve, with clues being well spaced to keep interest and entice further reading. The readers learn at the same pace as Zet, so we are in synch when the final secrets are uncovered.
See more of my reviews at www.swlothian.com
Zet is an immersive adventure that takes young readers through the daily struggles of Egyptian life. The story picks up a short time after book one and the scene is set well. I could almost feel the heat and smell the dust of Thebes.
Zet and his sister, Kat, have another mystery to solve and must use their own ingenuity to help their friend, without arousing the suspicion of the bad guys. The story is a well-paced mystery for young readers to solve, with clues being well spaced to keep interest and entice further reading. The readers learn at the same pace as Zet, so we are in synch when the final secrets are uncovered.
See more of my reviews at www.swlothian.com
May 6, 2016
Firstly, the character names are awesome. Super unique, I like that. Gods, goddesses, ancient Egyptian culture and beliefs, this novel is a wonderful depiction of what we believe to be Egyptian history with a twist. Magic, demons, ghosts and mystery surely wrapped me into the novel, and I can see many youngsters equally enjoying it. Entertaining and very educational at the same time, the ‘Secret Agent Zet Series’ will spark more interest in ancient historical civilizations. Very Hardy Boy style, thrown into Thebes, Egypt. I definitely would have loved to read this growing up. Excellent, and I definitely recommend this series for kids, girls and boys 10-15. And adults who enjoy a less violent ‘Indiana Jones’ style mystery.
June 5, 2016
Zet and his sister Kat are up to their armpits in trouble--literally, as they try to unravel the clue their friend Hui has given them about stolen amulets, and save him before it's too late. The historical pieces give enough flavor to provide the reader context for the time period without being overly drawn out, and the story is written with a modern flair to make it easier to understand. The characters are alive--squabbling siblings, dastardly villains, and those in between who are both good and bad. This fun, fast-paced adventure set in ancient Egypt will delight children and adults alike.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 20, 2016
Zet and Kat are brother and sister and have a puzzle to solve. Zet's best friend Hui is missing or rather, he is known to be working as an apprentice at a jewelry workshop but has not been seen and cannot be visited by Zet, which arouses the young boy's suspicions that something is not right. When they come across an amulet they know that it can provide valuable clues to their friend's circumstance. The question is how to decipher the clue. This is a well-written story that engages from first page to last.
June 9, 2016
Amateur sleuths tackle a mystery set in ancient Egypt and succeed! I have one grand finishing and one starting 3rd grade, and we all love a good mystery as well as historicals. The writing is good and encourages the reader on all levels. The publisher's blurb will give you some clues, and no spoilers here, but we all loved the book and want more!
Won in a LibraryThing Giveaway.
Won in a LibraryThing Giveaway.
August 30, 2016
A kids' mystery that takes place in Ancient Egypt. I like the main characters enough to have read two of these so far. The mystery is fairly well developed and the historical context is reasonably well done.
December 16, 2018
I didn't actually read this book because skool is dumb but it looks ok
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews