System Zero: My Debut Techno-Thriller Novel
Creative

System Zero: My Debut Techno-Thriller Novel

Kaleb McIntosh
Jan 20, 2026
5 min read

## 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

Kaleb McIntosh

Full-Stack Software Engineer

Founder, McIntosh Digital Solutions

Kaleb McIntosh | Full-Stack Software Engineer