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Zet Mystery Case #4
Mystery of the Egyptian Mummy
When 12-year-old Zet comes face-to-face with a whispering mummy, Zet's eyes practically pop out of his head. Goosebumps race down his neck. Why is a mummy haunting his front door? What does the scary monster want? Zet quickly joins forces with his 11-year-old sister Kat and best friend Hui. They need to unwind this spine-tingling mystery fast because there's a zany rumor that they're cursed. Otherwise, their world might just come unraveled! Clues send them tiptoeing into ancient tombs and frantically paddling up and down the Nile on a wild mummy chase. They soon suspect that this will be their spookiest mystery ever.
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First published March 14, 2018
315 people are currently reading
173 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 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 4, 2022
A really solid plot that feels a bit like a Scooby Doo adventure about a mummy roaming around the cool ancient Egyptian setting. Great children’s historical detective mystery series.
June 20, 2018
This book reminds me a lot of the books I read as a kid with a few exceptions. The books I read as a kid were generally set in America or England and there's a mummy at a museum that starts the tale. I've only read this book in the series, but I looked at the other books. They are all about Egypt with one huge difference than the books I read.
These books are actually SET in Egpyt with Egyptian characters, which I thought was really cool. The book is entertaining, but it's also educational at the same time with Egyptian history and culture. I think this would be a great read for kids that like mystery and both for kids that love history or hate it. If they hate history, this book would be like your mum sneaking veggies in your mac and cheese. One day, they will be asked something about Egypt later in life and remember this book, so it all works out in the end.
These books are actually SET in Egpyt with Egyptian characters, which I thought was really cool. The book is entertaining, but it's also educational at the same time with Egyptian history and culture. I think this would be a great read for kids that like mystery and both for kids that love history or hate it. If they hate history, this book would be like your mum sneaking veggies in your mac and cheese. One day, they will be asked something about Egypt later in life and remember this book, so it all works out in the end.
July 19, 2020
The story is meant to teach children about Egyptian Gods and Goddesses and their stories. It was great fun reading about it and it was educative and entertaining.
July 23, 2018
When I was seven or so years old, I read a Donald Duck mystery so captivating that it made me wanna write a similar story myself. Those two paragraphs were my first work of fiction.
Now, you might ask, what's the connection between this little anecdote and "Mystery of the Egyptian Mummy"? And so I answer that, obviously enough, it's a novel that can make children of the age group it's targeted at to fall in love with reading; for some of them, it will inspire them to write. I think that's the best praise I can offer for this book.
In more detail, the storyline is what it should be, considering the intended audience: packed with action and a little bit scary, but strictly within the appropriate confines of the audience's age. It's very funny, too, and pretty original in its conception, as it's a mummy story actually set in its rightful historical context, that is, ancient Egypt.
The structure is short and simple, easy to follow, on the sentence- as well as the chapter level. There are hints along the way to help the reader piece together what's going on and feel the reward (though leaving still enough mystery).
The narrative style, explicitly asking questions aloud, helps the audience formulate the points of narrative interest, subtly directing their attention. At the same time, however, it's respectful toward its young readers and doesn't shy away from using some more elaborate words here and there, which will tickle the reader's curiosity. Not to mention, it will teach them a thing or two about history and other cultures.
The characters are easy to relate to (from a young reader's perspective) and although the context is ancient and the story from the realm of fantasy, the children's predicaments are characteristically modern (such as the grown-ups not taking them seriously).
All in all, a very competent book for its genre, and highly recommended for its intended audience.
Now, you might ask, what's the connection between this little anecdote and "Mystery of the Egyptian Mummy"? And so I answer that, obviously enough, it's a novel that can make children of the age group it's targeted at to fall in love with reading; for some of them, it will inspire them to write. I think that's the best praise I can offer for this book.
In more detail, the storyline is what it should be, considering the intended audience: packed with action and a little bit scary, but strictly within the appropriate confines of the audience's age. It's very funny, too, and pretty original in its conception, as it's a mummy story actually set in its rightful historical context, that is, ancient Egypt.
The structure is short and simple, easy to follow, on the sentence- as well as the chapter level. There are hints along the way to help the reader piece together what's going on and feel the reward (though leaving still enough mystery).
The narrative style, explicitly asking questions aloud, helps the audience formulate the points of narrative interest, subtly directing their attention. At the same time, however, it's respectful toward its young readers and doesn't shy away from using some more elaborate words here and there, which will tickle the reader's curiosity. Not to mention, it will teach them a thing or two about history and other cultures.
The characters are easy to relate to (from a young reader's perspective) and although the context is ancient and the story from the realm of fantasy, the children's predicaments are characteristically modern (such as the grown-ups not taking them seriously).
All in all, a very competent book for its genre, and highly recommended for its intended audience.
July 2, 2018
The wonderful tone of the telling...
No need to start with Kid Detective Zet Book 1 if you jump into the series here. It appears that each adventure is a stand-alone, much the way you can read any Nancy Drew mystery without starting at "The Secret of the Old Clock." The author is in his element here, with a writing style that is straightforward and exactly right for his intended audience, creating main characters (Zed, of course, and his good friend and his sister as sidekicks), and secondary characters with a seasoned flair. Aside from the mystery itself, which is solid in the Scooby-Doo tradition of discovering that things that appear supernatural are often due to the machinations of greedy humans, there is appropriate humor for this book's intended audience, particularly in the sixth chapter dealing with mummy secrets, wherein the priest allows Zet and Merit to view his handiwork. I digress, only because I find this splendid. Fun facts: mummies take several days to create; first, the body is washed and purified; second, the organs are removed, and... here's where macabre humor is presented precisely right so that young readers will be grossed out rather than scared. "We push this long instrument up the nose and stir it around. Do you know why? To mash up the brain and pick it out of the nostrils." Eeew is right, Zet! And then beyond the adventure and the wonderful tone of the telling throughout, we come to the heart of why this book and undoubtedly the whole Zet series works so well. It is so apparent that the author not only knows a lot about Egypt, there is a deep and abiding love for the Egyptian land and culture which allows one to immerse themselves in the story thanks to the descriptive details which highlight his knowledge and help us picture things wonderfully.
July 22, 2020
As Zet woke up to find Kat missing he ran downstairs only to find Kat clinging to her worried mother. Zet had a sneak peek at the door that was open and saw all his nighburs looking out of doors and windows. As Zet looked around he had head it. A strange "ooooohhhhhh" sound filled the streets and then it approached. A mummy holding its arms out and saying "ooooohhhh". He looked at Zet and pointed a bony finger at him and started chanting strange words. When he was done he continued with a jackal. Everyone thought he was the god underworld. Everyone thought he was cursed. If the mystery wasn't solved in two days there stall was to be removed as many people bring back their pottery they bought.
June 24, 2018
Mystery of the Egyptian Mummy by Scott Peters is a fun mystery book set in Egypt. Even though it is #4 in a series, this book can definitely be read as a stand alone. For starters, I love that this book was set in Egypt with Egyptian main characters. I feel like books set in other countries are not found often enough in children's books. I love how ancient Egyptian lore was woven into the story, especially regarding the power of the gods/goddesses. Zet and his sister were great main characters. I loved how they have a supportive relationship, even if they didn't always agree. This can be a great message for children who read it. The only downside is that this book is said to be written for middle grade. In my opinion, it would serve better as an elementary grade book, both due to length and reading complexity.
August 1, 2018
Fun and nice to read with my son.
Cute characters and a fun story.
Now I am going to read 'Mystery of the egyptian scroll'!
Cute characters and a fun story.
Now I am going to read 'Mystery of the egyptian scroll'!
October 20, 2018
Only read because I had to for a challenge to my team. A mummy is haunting and cursing the town of Thebes. Zet and his friends need to find out why before ruin comes to Zet's family.
February 13, 2019
Loved it
I really enjoyed this book! It was interesting and full of suspense. I bought the whole series. I highly recommend this book for everyone!!
I really enjoyed this book! It was interesting and full of suspense. I bought the whole series. I highly recommend this book for everyone!!
August 20, 2018
The Mystery of the Egyptian Mummy
by Scott Peters
As I sat down to write this review, I was happy to see that one of the other reviews references Nancy Drew, which was exactly what I’d been thinking too after finishing this book. My mother’s Nancy Drew books were around the house when I was a kid and I read them all. The Mystery of the Egyptian Mummy by Scott Peters strikes me as the same type of an engaging, age appropriate mystery, which kept my attention without me straining to hearken back to my twelve-year-old self. There are interesting characters and an interesting story line, even a taste of ancient history. If I had a grandson or granddaughter of that age, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this book or to a parent to read to a younger child.
I liked this little book.
by Scott Peters
As I sat down to write this review, I was happy to see that one of the other reviews references Nancy Drew, which was exactly what I’d been thinking too after finishing this book. My mother’s Nancy Drew books were around the house when I was a kid and I read them all. The Mystery of the Egyptian Mummy by Scott Peters strikes me as the same type of an engaging, age appropriate mystery, which kept my attention without me straining to hearken back to my twelve-year-old self. There are interesting characters and an interesting story line, even a taste of ancient history. If I had a grandson or granddaughter of that age, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this book or to a parent to read to a younger child.
I liked this little book.
October 13, 2020
3.5
I chose this for my spooky middle grade October reading challenge prompt. I found it to be a light, fun, quick read. This is perfect for kids who like mysteries or ancient Egypt, or both! It's clear the author has extensive knowledge on Egyptian history which he wove in seamlessly. The story moved along at a steady pace, and the characters were all very likeable. Where Zet was willing to jump right in and go after the problem, his sister, Kat did a good job balancing him out with her more thoughtful approach to solving the mystery. This is a series, but I have not read any of the other books. There were a couple references to Zet, Kat, and Hui (their best friend), solving previous mysteries together, but I thought this seemed to stand well enough on its own.
I chose this for my spooky middle grade October reading challenge prompt. I found it to be a light, fun, quick read. This is perfect for kids who like mysteries or ancient Egypt, or both! It's clear the author has extensive knowledge on Egyptian history which he wove in seamlessly. The story moved along at a steady pace, and the characters were all very likeable. Where Zet was willing to jump right in and go after the problem, his sister, Kat did a good job balancing him out with her more thoughtful approach to solving the mystery. This is a series, but I have not read any of the other books. There were a couple references to Zet, Kat, and Hui (their best friend), solving previous mysteries together, but I thought this seemed to stand well enough on its own.
February 7, 2019
I thoroughly enjoy reading these type of children books, for they always teach my children an important life lesson in a simple and easy way that they can understand. It's important for children today to have morals, and the only way that they will obtain them is if they are taught from a young age.
July 24, 2020
I suppose this would be exciting and scary for a 10-year-old! Maybe even a bit educational. But I doubt very much that the Pharoah’s daughter could escape to play with street-vendors children or that the high priest would divulge the process of mummification to them.
I read this book for the 2020 Book Riot Reading Harder Challenge.
I read this book for the 2020 Book Riot Reading Harder Challenge.
August 16, 2021
A mummy curse or…
What a surprise. A mummy has cursed Zet and his family, but there no such thing as a mummy or a curse right? Dive into this incredible story as we attempt to solve the mysteries.
What a surprise. A mummy has cursed Zet and his family, but there no such thing as a mummy or a curse right? Dive into this incredible story as we attempt to solve the mysteries.
October 19, 2021
A fun adventure set in Ancient Egypt (Thebes). I like how the beliefs and culture of the time are woven into the story, and how clues are scattered throughout for kids to help solve the mystery. Interesting facts about mummies were added at the end of the story as well.
August 26, 2018
Cute for kids
I rated this book a 3 mainly because although it was a cute story, it wasn't really captivating enough for me. I imagine a child would love this story, however.
I rated this book a 3 mainly because although it was a cute story, it wasn't really captivating enough for me. I imagine a child would love this story, however.
October 21, 2021
funny book!
I really like this book. It was funny yet also had it’s suspenseful moments!
I would totally recommend this book!
I really like this book. It was funny yet also had it’s suspenseful moments!
I would totally recommend this book!
February 12, 2022
Best Book for Kids in Mystery
Awesome story by Scott Peters
This was my first Book of Zet & Kat
Very Well Done Scott Peters.😀👍😊😊 Awesome
Awesome story by Scott Peters
This was my first Book of Zet & Kat
Very Well Done Scott Peters.😀👍😊😊 Awesome
March 5, 2022
the story is vey terrific
July 5, 2018
This was a middle school aged level but I enjoyed it as an adult read also. This would make a good family reading book. The story takes place in the age of the Pharaohs ; the environment and social practices are well interspersed into the story as a definition of the daily activities that would occur among the common people. The story involves Zet, his sister Kat, and their friend Hui, as they go about their duties and adventures that lead them into mysterious happenings. A mummy suddenly appears at night in their village and frightens the townsfolk. It seems to center around the families of Zet and his friends. After each appearance the townspeople believe they have been cursed, the friends families are shunned and avoided. Zet cannot figure out where the mummy disappears to and tracks clues for the mystery. As the story progresses the reader is gently introduced into the beliefs, structures, and religious ideas of ancient Egyptians. Palace intrigue, overcoming fears and general nosiness help find the solution. A very wonderful and enlightening book for any age. I would read it again.
August 3, 2018
Fun to to read and enjoyable. A very good book for children that can also be appreciated by adults.
Recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC
Recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC
September 26, 2018
I love to read about all things Egypt. This book did not disappoint. It is the story of Zet, Kat (Zet's Sister) and Hui (Zet's best friend and has a crush on Kat) who live in Egypt. Zet and Kat's Dad is off fighting the war and they and their Mom make ends meet with a pottery tent in the market place. One day all of the sudden a Mummy comes to their village and targets them. The town people are scared and think they are cursed, so they return all their pottery thinking that is cursed too. Zet, Kat and Hui all think something is strange about this and go on to solve the mystery of the Mummy. In the meantime we learn the they are all very good friends with the Princess. This is a wonderful story of friendship, mystery and will keep you guessing till the end. The description of the time seems authentic and the storyline flows very well. I hope to see more stories of this group of young detectives in older Egypt.
I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews