Synonyms for Intrigue (same or very similar meaning)
WordNet sense 1 (a crafty and involved plot to achieve your (usually sinister) ends):
machinationWordNet sense 2 (cause to be interested or curious):
fascinateWordNet sense 3 (form intrigues (for) in an underhand manner):
connive, schemeFrom the ODE community, based on WordNetadd/edit