MICHAEL JAMES ANTHONY
Author • Investigator • Observer of the Systems That Shape Our Lives
"I had to pay to belong. Sometimes the payment was in the form of my voice, my conscience, my reputation, and it could have easily been my life."
Michael James Anthony
About Michael James Anthony
My background
Michael James Anthony has navigated more complex systems than most people ever observe from the outside. In 1968 he volunteered for the U.S. Army, serving until 1971 and earning an honorable discharge as a Sergeant. He went on to build a distinguished career with the Chicago Police Department — as an officer, academy instructor, investigator, and supervisor — inside one of the largest urban law enforcement agencies in the country. After leaving public service, Michael founded a private investigative firm advising Fortune 500 corporations, financial institutions, and law firms on matters of discretion, protection, and survival. He later returned to complete his education, earning a bachelor's degree, a master's in criminal justice, and a Master of Management from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. These experiences and the questions they raised became the foundation for SYSTEMS.
Coming Late September 2026
The Bill Roper Crime Series
Chicago has always had crime. But some crimes lead to places nobody wants a detective to go. This September marks the beginning of a six-book crime novella series following Bill Roper, a seasoned Chicago Police detective — and the systems operating behind the streets he knows so well.
"Compromise always leads us beyond our ideals. And by the way, we are all compromised."
Michael James Anthony