Technically a “why hook,” but focused less on curiosity and more on shock and awe. Here are 11 examples:
Open immediately after the catastrophe, allowing the characters’ reactions to carry the scene.
In opening chapters, before readers identify with the characters, reactions can be stronger hooks than actions.
Shipwreck (who survives who doesn’t) (Cause is it mutiny/pirates/rocks)
Prison (Are they all guilty? Some innocent?/competing gangs-planning An escape?
Party/family or wedding gathering- what goes wrong/shooting/earthquake/family rivalries like Romeo and Juliet
Rescue mission (does it succeed or fail. Who survives/is there a traitor in the group? Is there a sole survivor?
Volcano erupts (few survivors/message from God?
Tsunami (lovers separated.)
Skyscraper collapses. Terrorist takeover
Mass shooting (at bar/school/church etc)
Hurricane/tornado/explosion