
System Zero: My Debut Techno-Thriller Novel
## A Story Born from Code
As a software engineer who's spent years building applications, fixing security vulnerabilities, and understanding how systems can be manipulated, I've always been fascinated by the intersection of technology and human drama. System Zero is the culmination of that fascination.
The Premise
Elijah McIntyre is a ghost in the machine of Manhattan's elite. An unpaid cybersecurity intern at the prestigious Henderson & Associates, he spends his days fixing printers and his nights dreaming of a way to provide for his mother. But his invisible life is shattered when he is framed for the cold-blooded murder of the firm's senior partner.
The architect of his downfall is Julian Vane—the firm's "Golden Boy" and a narcissistic predator who believes he owns the truth. Julian has weaponized Elijah's own custom-coded software to kill the boss, steal the power, and bury Elijah under a mountain of digital evidence.
The Technical Authenticity
What sets System Zero apart is the technical authenticity. Every hack, every piece of code, every digital manipulation in the book is grounded in real cybersecurity principles:
The Ghost Leg Device
In the story, Elijah builds a device from scavenged electronics to break free from his GPS ankle monitor. This isn't science fiction—it's based on real vulnerabilities in monitoring systems:
- RF signal manipulation
- GPS spoofing techniques
- Frequency hijacking
Digital Forensics
The cat-and-mouse game between Elijah and his pursuers involves real digital forensics concepts:
- Log file analysis
- Metadata extraction
- Deep web dead drops
- Encrypted communications
Why I Wrote This
I wanted to write the tech thriller I always wanted to read—one where the technology isn't just window dressing but integral to the plot. Where someone who understands code could appreciate the authenticity, but anyone could follow the human story of survival and redemption.
Perfect for Fans Of
- Mr. Robot (the show that proved tech can be dramatic)
- The Fugitive (the classic wrongful accusation thriller)
- Neal Stephenson (for the technical depth)
Get Your Copy
System Zero is available now through Non Stop Grind LLC. Follow my journey as both an engineer and author as I continue to blend technology with storytelling.
In a world where every step is logged and every camera is a witness, Elijah has to prove that while ghosts don't leave logs, liars always leave a trace.

Kaleb McIntosh
Full-Stack Software Engineer
Founder, McIntosh Digital Solutions

