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In the Ghost Shadows: The Untold Story of Chinatown's Most Powerful Crime Boss
The fascinating, gripping, and untold true account of the notorious leader of the only crime organization to ever control all of New York City’s Chinatown in the 1970s and 1980s, perfect for fans of mob history, crime thrillers, and Asian American stories.
Only in fairy tales can a poor orphan become royalty. But in New York City’s Chinatown, one street kid managed to rise to the top ranks of a criminal gang dynasty.
This is no fairy tale. This really happened . . .
They were the most powerful gang in Chinatown. Like the notorious crime families of the Italian Mob, the Asian youth gang known as the Ghost Shadows carved out their own territory in New York’s underworld and ruled those streets for decades. Its leader Peter Chin, a young immigrant from the outskirts of Hong Kong, not only found a new family among his fellow gang members, he became one of the two most powerful men in Chinatown’s history at that time. He even straddled the line between the city’s Asian Mob and the Italian Mafia, adopted as a “godson” of a high-ranking member of the Genovese crime family. Eventually it all came crashing down—when Chin and twenty-four other Ghost Shadows were indicted and imprisoned for racketeering under the RICO Act. But throughout his twenty years in prison, and even since his release, Chin has kept his code of silence . . .
Until now.
For the first time ever, the former leader of the Ghost Shadows breaks his silence in this honest tell-all to author Everett De Morier, revealing the never-before-told story of his incredible, harrowing life. From his first arrival in New York’s gritty Chinatown at the age of eight to his fateful initiation into the street gangs at thirteen, Chin found a new sense of belonging and brotherhood—as well as a dangerous world of gun fights and gang wars, gambling and exortion, mob-style shootings and, ultimately, arrests. Now a successful businessman, Chin gives readers a rarefied glimpse into why a young man would choose a life of crime—and how he managed to beat the odds to rise in the ranks and live to tell the tale. But at its heart, Chin’s is a story of family, loyalty, and redemption, with an inspiring message of hope for anyone who’s made mistakes, paid the price, and learned from the past to build a better tomorrow. Includes 8 pages of never-before-seen photographs
Only in fairy tales can a poor orphan become royalty. But in New York City’s Chinatown, one street kid managed to rise to the top ranks of a criminal gang dynasty.
This is no fairy tale. This really happened . . .
They were the most powerful gang in Chinatown. Like the notorious crime families of the Italian Mob, the Asian youth gang known as the Ghost Shadows carved out their own territory in New York’s underworld and ruled those streets for decades. Its leader Peter Chin, a young immigrant from the outskirts of Hong Kong, not only found a new family among his fellow gang members, he became one of the two most powerful men in Chinatown’s history at that time. He even straddled the line between the city’s Asian Mob and the Italian Mafia, adopted as a “godson” of a high-ranking member of the Genovese crime family. Eventually it all came crashing down—when Chin and twenty-four other Ghost Shadows were indicted and imprisoned for racketeering under the RICO Act. But throughout his twenty years in prison, and even since his release, Chin has kept his code of silence . . .
Until now.
For the first time ever, the former leader of the Ghost Shadows breaks his silence in this honest tell-all to author Everett De Morier, revealing the never-before-told story of his incredible, harrowing life. From his first arrival in New York’s gritty Chinatown at the age of eight to his fateful initiation into the street gangs at thirteen, Chin found a new sense of belonging and brotherhood—as well as a dangerous world of gun fights and gang wars, gambling and exortion, mob-style shootings and, ultimately, arrests. Now a successful businessman, Chin gives readers a rarefied glimpse into why a young man would choose a life of crime—and how he managed to beat the odds to rise in the ranks and live to tell the tale. But at its heart, Chin’s is a story of family, loyalty, and redemption, with an inspiring message of hope for anyone who’s made mistakes, paid the price, and learned from the past to build a better tomorrow. Includes 8 pages of never-before-seen photographs
208 pages, Hardcover
Published January 21, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
2025
September 30, 2025Non-fiction November TBR
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Citadel
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Citadel
January 25, 2025
Terrific read offering a mix of true crime sensation and human drama. Peter Chin's story is gritty, heartfelt and full of wonderful redemptive moments. Brought in by my fascination with the criminal lifestype, I felt gripped by the compelling immigrant story.
Everything about this book felt spot on. Highly recommended.
Everything about this book felt spot on. Highly recommended.
February 16, 2025
e-ARC from NetGalley.
An exploration of organized crime in Chinatown, In the Ghost Shadows paints a fascinating picture of both corruption & morality within gangs. This biography/memoire of former Ghost Shadows leader, Peter "Kid Jai" Chin, follows him from his impoverished childhood in Hong Kong to his grandparents' one-bedroom apartment in NYC to the smallest gang running in 1960s Chinatown to his growth into the leader of the powerful Ghost Shadows to his decades in federal prison, when he finally learned to read. To say this was a fascinating story would be an understatement.
I don't know what to say about this book beyond the fact that I find the life of Peter Chin utterly fascinating. His easy ability to forgive even those who tried to kill him. His strict sense of morality. His fierce protectiveness of women. His acceptance of the bad. His easy rapport with almost everyone he came across. The fact that all of this happened to him before he was 26.
This was almost a 5 star read for me, but what took away a star was the scattered, chaotic writing in the last 20%. It took on a desperate, feverish quality, like the author was on a deadline & stayed up all night to pound out the last 50 pages right as it was due. Information was repeated. Individuals we already knew were reintroduced, as if for the first time. There were random interjections of information about the Central Park Five, even though this had absolutely nothing to do with Peter Chin's story, and no other major historical events outside of Chinatown were discussed.
Ultimately, though, I would describe this as a must-read. And there is a 100% chance I would watch a biopic and/or documentary based on this.
An exploration of organized crime in Chinatown, In the Ghost Shadows paints a fascinating picture of both corruption & morality within gangs. This biography/memoire of former Ghost Shadows leader, Peter "Kid Jai" Chin, follows him from his impoverished childhood in Hong Kong to his grandparents' one-bedroom apartment in NYC to the smallest gang running in 1960s Chinatown to his growth into the leader of the powerful Ghost Shadows to his decades in federal prison, when he finally learned to read. To say this was a fascinating story would be an understatement.
I don't know what to say about this book beyond the fact that I find the life of Peter Chin utterly fascinating. His easy ability to forgive even those who tried to kill him. His strict sense of morality. His fierce protectiveness of women. His acceptance of the bad. His easy rapport with almost everyone he came across. The fact that all of this happened to him before he was 26.
This was almost a 5 star read for me, but what took away a star was the scattered, chaotic writing in the last 20%. It took on a desperate, feverish quality, like the author was on a deadline & stayed up all night to pound out the last 50 pages right as it was due. Information was repeated. Individuals we already knew were reintroduced, as if for the first time. There were random interjections of information about the Central Park Five, even though this had absolutely nothing to do with Peter Chin's story, and no other major historical events outside of Chinatown were discussed.
Ultimately, though, I would describe this as a must-read. And there is a 100% chance I would watch a biopic and/or documentary based on this.
November 20, 2024
This was an unusual story to me. I studied gangs quite a bit in my previous life (before I retired), and have had very little exposure to Asian gangs. I knew they were out there, but they really stayed under the radar.
Along comes this book by Peter Chin, a former gang leader/mob boss, who spent a LONG time in prison, and came out and reformed his life. It's the story of a horrible childhood, one that I wouldn't wish on any soul. It covers his beginnings in the Ghost Shadows gang, and goes through an entire life of gang activity. He continued until he was undone by that enemy of all organized crime, the RICO statute. I have to give the man his props, he took the case on the chin, and never informed on anybody else. His time in federal prison was interesting, especially to an old retired federal prison guard like me. Upon release from prison, he vowed to reform himself and get his first "honest" job. And he has managed to create a good life for himself.
Chin's ghost writer, Everett De Morier, does an admirable job of telling the story. He's fair to Chin, non-judgemental, but not fawning over him like some other writers do in their books about criminals. I do have to say that Chin has either told De Morier a very sanitized version of the violence that Chin must have wrought/experienced, or together they agreed not to spill any secrets.
It's a good book. Highly readable. Very interesting. It gets a bit confusing occasionally, with all the names and gang names. But if one takes his time while reading, it all comes together well.
Along comes this book by Peter Chin, a former gang leader/mob boss, who spent a LONG time in prison, and came out and reformed his life. It's the story of a horrible childhood, one that I wouldn't wish on any soul. It covers his beginnings in the Ghost Shadows gang, and goes through an entire life of gang activity. He continued until he was undone by that enemy of all organized crime, the RICO statute. I have to give the man his props, he took the case on the chin, and never informed on anybody else. His time in federal prison was interesting, especially to an old retired federal prison guard like me. Upon release from prison, he vowed to reform himself and get his first "honest" job. And he has managed to create a good life for himself.
Chin's ghost writer, Everett De Morier, does an admirable job of telling the story. He's fair to Chin, non-judgemental, but not fawning over him like some other writers do in their books about criminals. I do have to say that Chin has either told De Morier a very sanitized version of the violence that Chin must have wrought/experienced, or together they agreed not to spill any secrets.
It's a good book. Highly readable. Very interesting. It gets a bit confusing occasionally, with all the names and gang names. But if one takes his time while reading, it all comes together well.
December 14, 2024
As a fan of non-fiction, I was pleased to see this book pop up on one of my feeds-- I knew absolutely nothing about Chinatown's crime syndicates, or Chinatown for that matter.
What I discovered in Ghost Shadows indeed astonished me-- this isn't a story of a man "working his way up the mafia ladder and eventually becoming a made man." When Peter Chin entered the picture, there were already Chinese mafia groups in Chinatown-- well-organized, established, and lethal.
This is the story about him joining one of the weakest, smallest gangs, then out of sheer audacity, daring, and gonads-of-steel the gang grew successful... Peter rose to run it... then rose to being the most powerful crime boss in Chinatown.
As is often the case with superior non-fiction, we also get to know Peter, the man. And while he was indeed a ruthless criminal, writer Everett DeMorier does a deep dive into his thinking, and understanding of the world around him. Yes, it is a very different perspective of life than the one you and I likely share, but-- because it is all put in context-- one can't help but think, "There but for the grace of God go I."
I suppose I could sum up my praise for the book by stating that I sat down with it on Saturday morning at 10 am, and went to bed having finished it.
Prioleau Alexander
Author
You Want Fries With That?
Dispatches Along the Way
They Don't Call It the Submission Process for Nothing
Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?
What I discovered in Ghost Shadows indeed astonished me-- this isn't a story of a man "working his way up the mafia ladder and eventually becoming a made man." When Peter Chin entered the picture, there were already Chinese mafia groups in Chinatown-- well-organized, established, and lethal.
This is the story about him joining one of the weakest, smallest gangs, then out of sheer audacity, daring, and gonads-of-steel the gang grew successful... Peter rose to run it... then rose to being the most powerful crime boss in Chinatown.
As is often the case with superior non-fiction, we also get to know Peter, the man. And while he was indeed a ruthless criminal, writer Everett DeMorier does a deep dive into his thinking, and understanding of the world around him. Yes, it is a very different perspective of life than the one you and I likely share, but-- because it is all put in context-- one can't help but think, "There but for the grace of God go I."
I suppose I could sum up my praise for the book by stating that I sat down with it on Saturday morning at 10 am, and went to bed having finished it.
Prioleau Alexander
Author
You Want Fries With That?
Dispatches Along the Way
They Don't Call It the Submission Process for Nothing
Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?
April 29, 2025
As a true crime book fan, I have never read a book about Chinatown's organized crime gangs, until now. There are not many books out there on this subject, primarily due to the vows of silence common among gang members who are fiercely loyal for self preservation. I am glad that, In the Ghost Shadows, is the book that I chose to read on this subject. Co-Written by Peter Chin, an actual member of the Ghost Shadows who rose the ranks to leadership and professional author, Everett De Morier, it is an unlikely pairing that just fits. Chin brings the authenticity with his starkly candid, true account of his life, while De Morier fills in the gaps, thus they have built a brick wall of a book, with Chin laying the bricks and De Morier applying the necessary mortar. The result is a cohesive, riveting look at the violence, interspersed with humanity that ruled the streets and businesses of Chinatown in its gang heyday era. It is important to preserve and understand history, even the unsavory parts. Chin and De Morier have ripped the veil from this once esoteric underworld with an unflinching integrity that almost gives the reader the feeling that the book they hold in their hands is illegal. What a rarity.
November 25, 2024
This is an incredible story of a street waif turned leader of one of the most powerful gangs in Chinatown. But it's not a story of violence and mayhem. Well, there is that, but it's the story of an abused immigrant boy who survived by his wits and tenacity...a boy we root for because joining a gang was his only way of surviving. But Peter is no ruthless gangster. We see his loyalty, ability to forgive, kindness, and the way he repays others generously. Peter is a man I admire for his innate character.
Helping us to see and feel this piece of history is co-author, Everett De Morier, who did an amazing job not telling us about Peter but really showing us who he is with examples of his actions. I felt like I was having drinks with Everett in a cozy lounge while he regaled me with these heart-wrenching stories of not only what and where but why, his voice so accessible throughout. As a white woman with no prior connection to this kind of world, I easily slipped through an open doorway of both history and humanity and came away with hope for anyone who's gotten off the path to find redemption and a good and honest life.
Helping us to see and feel this piece of history is co-author, Everett De Morier, who did an amazing job not telling us about Peter but really showing us who he is with examples of his actions. I felt like I was having drinks with Everett in a cozy lounge while he regaled me with these heart-wrenching stories of not only what and where but why, his voice so accessible throughout. As a white woman with no prior connection to this kind of world, I easily slipped through an open doorway of both history and humanity and came away with hope for anyone who's gotten off the path to find redemption and a good and honest life.
May 12, 2025
In the Ghost Shadows is a riveting, unflinching memoir that chronicles the extraordinary life of Peter Chin—a figure many may not know until they pick up this book, but won’t soon forget afterward. Co-written with Everett De Morier, the memoir delivers a raw, detailed, and captivating portrait of a life lived on the edge of society, filled with danger, transformation, and ultimately, redemption.
Peter Chin’s life story reads like a movie script—gritty, chaotic, and layered with both violence and vulnerability. From his deep entanglement in the criminal underworld to the personal struggles and revelations that followed, the narrative is intensely personal and authentically voiced. The writing is crisp, vivid, and remarkably detailed, immersing readers in moments that are sometimes harrowing, often unbelievable, and always compelling.
Whether or not readers are familiar with Chin’s story, In the Ghost Shadows is the kind of memoir that draws you in with its honesty and holds your attention with its sheer unpredictability. It’s more than a recounting of events; it’s a reflection on identity, survival, and the search for meaning amid chaos.
Peter Chin’s life story reads like a movie script—gritty, chaotic, and layered with both violence and vulnerability. From his deep entanglement in the criminal underworld to the personal struggles and revelations that followed, the narrative is intensely personal and authentically voiced. The writing is crisp, vivid, and remarkably detailed, immersing readers in moments that are sometimes harrowing, often unbelievable, and always compelling.
Whether or not readers are familiar with Chin’s story, In the Ghost Shadows is the kind of memoir that draws you in with its honesty and holds your attention with its sheer unpredictability. It’s more than a recounting of events; it’s a reflection on identity, survival, and the search for meaning amid chaos.
May 7, 2025
5 Stars – A Compelling, Unexpectedly Human Story
In the Ghost Shadows by Peter Chin and Everett De Morier is a fascinating and raw dive into a world I never expected to find myself sympathizing with. Peter Chin’s story as a crime lord in New York’s Chinatown is intense and eye-opening—but what really surprised me was how grounded and relatable he often came across. As strange as it sounds, Peter genuinely seems like a good guy in many ways—flawed, certainly, but thoughtful, loyal, and deeply human.
The writing is smooth and fast-paced, with vivid scenes that pull you right into the heart of Chinatown’s underworld. It doesn’t glamorize crime, but it also doesn’t strip the people involved of their complexity. The collaboration with Everett De Morier gives the story a strong narrative voice that feels personal and authentic.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley and am leaving this review voluntarily. I highly recommend In the Ghost Shadows to anyone who enjoys gritty true crime with heart and a surprising amount of soul.
In the Ghost Shadows by Peter Chin and Everett De Morier is a fascinating and raw dive into a world I never expected to find myself sympathizing with. Peter Chin’s story as a crime lord in New York’s Chinatown is intense and eye-opening—but what really surprised me was how grounded and relatable he often came across. As strange as it sounds, Peter genuinely seems like a good guy in many ways—flawed, certainly, but thoughtful, loyal, and deeply human.
The writing is smooth and fast-paced, with vivid scenes that pull you right into the heart of Chinatown’s underworld. It doesn’t glamorize crime, but it also doesn’t strip the people involved of their complexity. The collaboration with Everett De Morier gives the story a strong narrative voice that feels personal and authentic.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley and am leaving this review voluntarily. I highly recommend In the Ghost Shadows to anyone who enjoys gritty true crime with heart and a surprising amount of soul.
March 19, 2025
As a native New Yorker, born and raised in Brooklyn (now happily living in Wyoming), I was very interested in reading this book. Although I did not grow up in Manhattan we frequented a Chinese restaurant on Pell Street that had the most wonderful chicken dishes I have ever tasted. Enough about me although I am now craving Chinese food. Honey, pack the car!!!!
It was an easy read for me being familiar with all the streets named to connect with the Chinatown I used to know. Mr. Chin led a very interesting, if wasted, life being part of the gang mentioned here. I'm certainly not trying to insult him but he is such a smart man and certainly could have tried to find a better life. Mr. DeMorier, who co-wrote this book certainly knows how to describe fully what the heck was going on in Chinatown and I imagine still is.
Kudos to Mr. Chin for wanting to tell his story and to Mr. DeMorier for writing it.
It was an easy read for me being familiar with all the streets named to connect with the Chinatown I used to know. Mr. Chin led a very interesting, if wasted, life being part of the gang mentioned here. I'm certainly not trying to insult him but he is such a smart man and certainly could have tried to find a better life. Mr. DeMorier, who co-wrote this book certainly knows how to describe fully what the heck was going on in Chinatown and I imagine still is.
Kudos to Mr. Chin for wanting to tell his story and to Mr. DeMorier for writing it.
May 13, 2025
In the Ghost Shadows: The Untold Story of Chinatown's Most Powerful Crime Boss by Peter Chin (book cover is in image) chronicles the life of Peter Chin boss for the most powerful gang, the Ghost Shadows in NYC’s Chinatown.
Being a native of NYC, and a lover of NYC history I was attracted to this memoir. Speaking to Everett De Morier Chin breaks decades long silence to tell his story and the story of his gang. His is a story of immigration, found family, life of crime and his ultimate redemption.
The amazing narration by Austin Ku brings this story to life, and ultimately, I found that I was able to finish this short audio in one sitting. For those who are interested in NYC stories this is a must read.
Thank you, Tantor Audio, for the opportunity to read this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Audiobook Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: May 13 2025
Tags:
#TanorAudio
#IntheGhostShadows
#PeterChin
#AustinKu
#TrueCrime
#Memoir
#Nonfiction
#YarisBookNook
#netgalley
Being a native of NYC, and a lover of NYC history I was attracted to this memoir. Speaking to Everett De Morier Chin breaks decades long silence to tell his story and the story of his gang. His is a story of immigration, found family, life of crime and his ultimate redemption.
The amazing narration by Austin Ku brings this story to life, and ultimately, I found that I was able to finish this short audio in one sitting. For those who are interested in NYC stories this is a must read.
Thank you, Tantor Audio, for the opportunity to read this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Audiobook Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: May 13 2025
Tags:
#TanorAudio
#IntheGhostShadows
#PeterChin
#AustinKu
#TrueCrime
#Memoir
#Nonfiction
#YarisBookNook
#netgalley
March 16, 2025
Chan emigrated from Hong Kong to America in 1959 and became a member of the China Town Ghost Shadows gang in the 1970's. The story tells how hen rises to the highest ranks of the organized crime family, a story of the Chinatown shadowy underworld, and Chan talks about the wars and the secret workings of the gang he was once in. Examples of racketeering, robberies, extortion ,killings and kidnapping, plus other countless crimes committed.
Chan talks about his time in prison and how all that came into play to write this book.
Thank you Goodreads, Citadel Press and Kensington books for this arc book.
Chan talks about his time in prison and how all that came into play to write this book.
Thank you Goodreads, Citadel Press and Kensington books for this arc book.
November 21, 2024
An amazing and astonishing story into the history of China town in the early 70's and 80's. Peter Chan emigrated from Hong Kong to America in 1959 and became a member of the China Town Ghost Shadows gang in the 1970's. Chan rises to the highest ranks of the organized crime family. This book is the story of the Chinatown shadowy underworld, and Chan talks about the wars and the secret inner workings of the gangs. This involves racketeering, Extortion, Robberies, Kidnapping and Murders plus other countless crimes committed.
Chan talks about his time in prison and how he never informed on anyone else. A warning you may get a bit lost with all the names in this book but well worth persevering. A remarkably interesting read for true crime fans. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Chan talks about his time in prison and how he never informed on anyone else. A warning you may get a bit lost with all the names in this book but well worth persevering. A remarkably interesting read for true crime fans. Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 25, 2025
This book was well written and flowed beautifully. Mr. Chin's start in life was heart breaking and it is frankly a testament to his determination and perhaps a dose of luck that he came out the other side a successful man. I don't condone some of what he did and he makes no excuses made for his actions - but you can't help but like him. If you are a student of organized crime, you will find the differences from what is described here versus the Italian OC groups quite interesting. An enjoyable, informative read.
July 14, 2025
The author takes you on a journey through the Chinese mob, where at times they are more powerful and ruthless than the Italian mob or others. She follows or is told the story by Peter Chin from when he arrived in New York and the hardship he and his mother endured, to when he began to run the streets. Eventually, he would become the leader of an almost non-existent gang, and he would begin to reshape not only that gang, but he would also become the highest-ranking member of the Chinese mob in New York, only to be taken down by the RICO Act. A perfect book if you like true crime.
October 23, 2024
I found this to be an astonishing story of a life that went from a horrific beginning in Chinatown, New York to one of redemption later on. It gives some history of Chinatown during the 70s and 80s that would be sorely missed otherwise. I kept finding myself rooting for Peter despite his situation, as he keeps showing such a deep sense of right throughout.
Read
February 17, 2025I was fortunate to briefly meet Peter Chin in person. After reading his story, and reminding myself that it is true and actually happened, I found this book fascinating. The way the story is told fells like talking with Peter himself which is exactly what Mr De Morier did.
March 17, 2025
Interesting read about a gang in Chinatown in the 1980s.
March 20, 2025
I found this most interesting! Imagine another world within the world that I lived in. Wow - just wow!
April 26, 2025
This book surpassed my expectations. It was well written and I found myself not wanting to put it down. #GoodreadsGiveaway
May 2, 2025
Good book
Would have liked more detail of the rackets and how they got rich but overall good book and I really enjoyed
Would have liked more detail of the rackets and how they got rich but overall good book and I really enjoyed
August 23, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. Fast paced and an exciting read!
December 14, 2025
learned a little insight to the underworld of Chinese mafia. listened to the Audio version which a little drab but content was good.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews