The Pull In

What is it about some stories that pull the reader in within the first few pages? I just finished reading Frank Herbert's "The Dragon in the Sea". It had me hooked immediately and I read it cover to cover. That is a satisfying read for me. When I try to pin down what it is that hooks me it is a complex equation. I think it was the action. It started quickly without too much introduction and character development. He is able to spin it in on the go. It is important to get it out there early and then get down into the details latter.