You can start by reading the summary or synopsis. That'll give you a basic idea of the plot and characters.
Well, one way is to ask someone who's familiar with the story to give you a brief rundown. Another option is to look for reviews or critiques that might offer some insights without spoiling too much.
You could try reading the first few pages or chapters carefully to get a sense of the writing style and the initial setup. Also, looking at the genre and themes can give you a rough idea of what to expect.