As a teenager, Kehret wanted to be a writer or a veterinarian. She chose writing but animals often play important parts in her books. In addition to fiction, Kehret also writes plays for community theaters and schools. She speaks frequently at school and libraries and has received the Pacific Northwest Writer's Conference Achievement Award which is given for a lifetime body of work. She has also been recognized by The Humane Society and SPCA for her many volunteer efforts.
Unusual circumstances cause the two kids to be locked alone in the zoo with an escaped prisoner.
His plan, to ransom a valuable baby monkey, is thwarted and the children then become his hostages. Mysteries are great to read aloud, but kids also love to read them on their own. Much to Ellen's dismay, she and her younger brother Corey receive a joint birthday gift from their grandparents. Corey, who was leaning over her shoulder, read the words out loud and then let out a whoop. Corey, who loves adventure, has gone off alone into the night, forcing Ellen to go looking for him.