They are forever on the run, solving thrilling Egyptian mysteries. This time, Krishang Udasi has managed to catch up with Zet and Kat, the terrific investigator duo. Some day, the young reporter hopes he will be able to catch up with their creator - the wonderful author, Scott Peters.
Hey there, Zet and Kat. I have heard you are very famous in this 'mystery solving field'. I have a few questions for you. Here they are:
- Firstly, I would like to know how many times have you fallen in trouble with people like medjay, thieves, lords and others?
Hi, thanks for interviewing us! That’s a great question. So far, we’ve fallen into trouble four times, and we’re right in the middle of an exciting new case. Trouble just comes to us, but luckily, we love solving mysteries.
- I know that in Egypt, there are a lot of precious artifacts and jewels. Since you know and have caught a lot of thieves, do you know where these thieves come from. Like, from Egypt or outside?
Some of the thieves come from Egypt. But others come from different countries, mostly to the north, because they heard Egypt has lots of gold and treasures. We’ve also faced kidnappers, and people trying to take over Pharaoh’s throne.
- Why are these thieves after these artifacts? Is this only for money, for spiritual beliefs or for something else?!
Most thieves want treasure—but others want power. So far, none have tried to steal artifacts for spiritual power—probably because they’re afraid of the gods!
- Who were the Hyksos, the enemy that your father was fighting?
The Hyksos are a very powerful enemy that’s trying to take over Egypt. They came from the northeast and have some big advantages: horses and chariots, for one. We’d never heard of horses until the Hyksos army showed up on our borders. They also have really strong bows that can shoot arrows way farther than ours; those are called compound bows. The good thing is, we’re starting to use horses and chariots, too, and we’re trying to make our own compound bows so that we can fight back.
- Who is your worst enemy and why do you say so?
That’s a hard question! I guess our worst enemy changes for every case we take on. It always seems like the enemy we’re chasing is the worst one we’ve ever faced.
- You currently live a life of adventure. Do you see anything in other regular kids that you would like to have in your life?
We love our adventures. But we do wish our father was home from the war so that we could be a family again. Also, we think it would be really fun to go to school like modern kids. That way, we could learn interesting things and make lots of new friends! And Kat wants to add that she’d read lots of books, which we don’t have in ancient Egypt. I would too, but I’d have to learn to read first—in fact, reading is something I’m learning right now during our current new adventure. Maybe we could even join Book Trotters!
And now for Scott Peters, the author of the 'Kid Detective Zet' series!
- Please tell us a little about your journey in the writing field sir.
Thank you for asking. I was a big reader growing up. The library was one of my favorite places to go, and I was always bringing home stacks of books. Both of my parents are big readers and they inspired my love of reading. My dad used to make up stories to tell me and my sisters, and he encouraged us to imagine our own stories.
- How, sir, did you think of the idea of a book series with its setting as Egypt?
When I was around ten years old, I went on a school field trip to see the King Tut exhibit. I was so amazed to see these ancient people and their mysterious hieroglyphics and symbols. They seemed magical. I wished I could go back in time to explore this ancient place. Of course, time travel doesn’t exist, so instead I imagined stories. In a way, it has let me visit ancient Egypt, and it’s exciting to think that readers can “travel there” with me.
- Do you write for middle graders as well as others? Which other book series or standalone books have you written?
For now, I write exclusively for middle graders. I have a standalone ancient Egypt adventure that’s a little longer and more complex than the Zet mysteries. It’s called “Secret of the Egyptian Curse” and features a boy who wants to become a painter in King Tut’s tomb. It’s a kind of Cinderella story that I think we can all relate to.
I also co-write a series called “I Escaped”, which is about brave kids facing real world challenges and finding ways to escape.
- Could you share some writing tips for budding writers.
I’d love to!
- Read a lot of books. Reading is like fitness training for an Olympic athlete—it gets you in shape for writing.
- Make it clear what your main character wants, and then throw in blockades to stop your character from getting it — until the end.
- Every tale needs a clear beginning, middle, and end. If you have those three elements, you are on your way to a strong story.
Thank you again for inviting us to answer questions for the Book Trotters Club! We’ve really enjoyed getting to know your club via the website. It’s been fun looking at the pictures and seeing the faces of readers, as well as Ms. Harshikaa Udasi. What a wonderful place! We wish you all the very best.
Your friends,
— Zet, Kat, and Scott Peters
Copyright: Book Trotters Club
