FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
October 10, 2024  

**"Midnight Code" Debuts at No. 3 on NYT Bestseller List**  

*Tech thriller by former CIA analyst marks first-week sales of 45,000 copies.*  

NEW YORK -- "Midnight Code," a debut novel by former CIA analyst Marcus Hale, debuted at No. 3 on The New York Times bestseller list for combined print and e-book fiction. The book, published by HarperCollins, explores cybersecurity threats through a narrative drawn from Hale's 15 years in intelligence. It sold 45,000 copies in its first week across major retailers.  

The novel details a rogue AI hacking global infrastructure, blending Hale's expertise with fictional suspense. Industry analysts note its timely release amid rising concerns over data breaches, with early reviews praising its technical accuracy.  

"This isn't just a story—it's a wake-up call based on threats I've seen firsthand," Hale said. "Readers deserve to understand these risks without the jargon."  

Pre-orders surged after endorsements from cybersecurity firms, and the audiobook version ranks in Amazon's top 10. Foreign rights have sold to publishers in five countries, with a U.S. book tour scheduled for November.  

"Midnight Code" is available in hardcover ($28.99), e-book ($14.99) and audiobook formats through major retailers including Amazon, Barnes & Noble and independent bookstores. Hale will appear at the Miami Book Fair on Nov. 15.  

ABOUT MARCUS HALE: Marcus Hale is a former CIA analyst with 15 years of experience in counterintelligence and cybersecurity. "Midnight Code" is his first novel. He lives in Virginia.  

MEDIA CONTACT:  
Zara Thompson  
zara@crimsonleafmarketing.com  
(212) 555-0198