good hooks for a novel

A strong character in a strange situation can be a great hook. For example, a detective who has a phobia of the dark but has to solve a murder that always occurs at night. It immediately grabs the reader's attention as they wonder how the character will overcome their fear to do their job.

A strange event can also be a great hook. Like a sudden disappearance in a small town where everyone seems to know each other. It makes the reader ask questions such as 'How could this happen?' and 'Who is involved?'. This draws the reader into the story as they seek answers.

A mysterious ancient prophecy can be a great hook. For example, a prophecy that foretells the rise of a hero from an unexpected place, like a humble farm boy who will defeat an all - powerful dark lord. It immediately grabs the reader's attention and makes them wonder how this will come to pass.

A mysterious event or a strange noise can be a good hook. For example, starting a story with 'In the dead of night, a shrill scream pierced through the silence.' It immediately grabs the reader's attention and makes them wonder what's going on.

An unusual object or symbol that keeps popping up can be a good hook too. Say, a strange amulet is found at every crime scene. This mystery surrounding the amulet will intrigue readers and make them eager to find out its significance in the story.

A mysterious statement or question can serve as a good hook. Such as 'The door was ajar, and what lay beyond it was something no one could have ever imagined.' This makes the reader curious and eager to find out what's behind the door.

A sudden loss, like the death of a beloved pet. It immediately grabs the reader's heart and makes them empathetic.

A chance encounter in an unexpected place can be a great hook. For example, two people meet during a sudden rainstorm while seeking shelter under the same small awning. It immediately creates a sense of shared experience and a bit of mystery as they look at each other for the first time.

Starting with a character in a dangerous or exciting situation is also great. Say, a hiker lost in a dense forest at night, hearing strange noises. This hooks the reader as they want to know if the hiker will survive and what is making those noises.

An unexpected event at the very beginning is also a good hook. Such as a character suddenly finding themselves in a completely different world without any prior warning. This immediately grabs the reader's attention and makes them wonder how the character got there and what will happen next.