Raised in Battle Creek, Michigan, Michael had a successful career as a journalist and news editor before launching his own marketing/PR firm. Det. Ty Connell is a hybrid character based on police o...view moreRaised in Battle Creek, Michigan, Michael had a successful career as a journalist and news editor before launching his own marketing/PR firm. Det. Ty Connell is a hybrid character based on police officers Michael has known well at city, state, and federal levels. He also counts as a reliable source a formerly active member of one of New York City's major crime families since retired from "the Life." In addition to the Ty Connell Series, Michael has written biographies of two colorful sports/media personalities, as well as a chronicle of events leading up to what were called "the Detroit Race Riots of 1967." That book, THE BURNING OF MURDER CITY USA, was a nominee for the 2018 Michigan Notable Book of the year. It is also available in eBook and paperback.view less