For me, it is being vested in the characters or in some piece of the story line. I read Startide Rising by David Brin and while I don't remember the story, I remember reading 'just one more chapter" until four in the morning when I had class at seven! It is the ability of the writer to leave a chapter hanging with the promise of an answer soon, and delivering on the promise only to leave you with another hanging problem.With Mike Wells' book, Lust, Money & Murder, I believe the answer to what captures his audience lies in the building of his main character.
Lust, Money & Murder Book 1 Lust
By Mike Wells
Publisher Mike Wells
Pages: approximately 106
From Amazon:
This book begins with a young and naive Elaine Brogan as she initially pursues her dream of a career as a photomodel. After becoming entangled with a sleazy modeling agency, she decides to become a Secret Service agent, struggling through the arduous training academy. After her first disastrous assignment, she is transferred to Bulgaria. There, she meets Nick LaGrange, the love of her life.