Each of these words means "to cause to become involved with," "to arouse the curiosity or hold the attention of: "Your plan interests me." "Your plan intrigues me." However, some experts object to the use of intrigue for interest on the ground that it suggests an often-unwarranted sense of mystery and suspense. One should use interest unless a suggestion of drama, secretiveness, or underhandedness in involved. A love story interests; a suspense story intrigues.
Dictionary of problem words and expressions. Harry Shaw. 1975.