Bad to Blue: The True Story of a Chinatown Gangster Who Became an NYPD Detective

by Mike Moy

In this intimate and harrowing memoir, a former Chinese gang member tells the story of how he went from “bad to blue” by leaving the gang behind and becoming a New York City police detective.

Nestled in the warm embrace of his immigrant grandmother, Mike Moy was raised hearing bloodcurdling tales of the brutal life she escaped in China. But growing up on the mean streets of Manhattan’s Chinatown, Mike also faced shocking violence coupled with destructive racism. In a tightknit community besieged with fear and alienation, teenage Mike took refuge in one of Chinatown’s notorious gangs, tattooing his membership in Fuk Ching on his body.

The gangs’ fearsome reputations are warranted. Frequenting gambling dens and poolhalls, Mike and a boisterous band of gangmates run selling and shooting guns, stealing, and running protection schemes. But the fast pace takes a terrible toll, with friends being killed or sent to prison. But vexing questions are raised for young Mike after he learns the extraordinary story of a cop who forgave the young shooter who made him a paraplegic. NYPD Officer Steven MacDonald’s morality and compassion arouse a longing deep within Mike to be one of the “good guys.”

In a world-changing turnaround expected by no one, Mike joins the NYPD. By donning that blue uniform, he gets the adrenaline-driven lifestyle he craves while staying on the right side of the law. But coming clean is not so easy. Patrolling the streets he once terrorized, he fears the exposure of his secret past. Anyone identifying him as a former gang member could lead to investigations, expulsion from the NYPD, media scandal, and legal charges for past crimes.

Packed with violence, heartbreak, and love, Mike tells the triumphant story of one man’s transformation—even as bullets fly just above his head.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, True Crime, Crime, Biography, Autobiography

360 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2025

Reviews

[Raymond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a very fascinating life story of a Chinese gangster who became a NYPD cop. This autobiography kind of hits home. I could kind of relate to the author on some levels. Although I never belong to a gang, I am familiar with the Chinese culture, the locations, the type of people Mike Moy was talking about in the book. This book could be a great source of inspiration for shady Chinese criminals who desire to go straight. Mike Moy is a terrific example of someone who found redemption from wrongdoing by becoming a cop & serving his community.

[Robyn Goldman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Michael Moy's memoir, telling his story from being in an Asian gang to being a member of the NYPD, was an interesting read. I was very interested to hear his story and much of the story was told very well. That said, there were times that the book jumped from topic to topic, within the same chapter, with no transitions. Also, like with many memoirs, there are obviously a lot of important people to mention. Unfortunately, it was hard to keep track of everyone and there were times that I had to flip back to refresh my memory.
Overall, the book is well written. I never want to judge a memoir harshly; I don't feel it's my place to tell someone how to tell their story. I simply felt, at times, that the book dragged and at times, that the book was busy.
This book is a Reader's Choice. If you're interested in the history of Asian gangs and stories of someone turning their life around, it's worth a read. If you don't have an interest in police-work or gang life, you can probably give this one a pass.

Note: I received an ARC of this book, at no cost to myself, from NetGalley. This review was left voluntarily.

🌟🌟🌟

[Christina Close · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an interesting read. I never thought about someone who used to be a gang member becoming a cop, but Mike Moy did just that. It was hard to keep up with who was who, but overall, I enjoyed reading. It's well written, but dragged in some parts. I did like that he didn't gloss over any crimes he had committed.

[Ariele · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this honest memoir because he didn't gloss over his crimes. The one thing I'd say was he didn't emphasize enough of his emotional turmoil. He spent way more time describing his crimes, than mentioning any guilt or turmoil he felt after committing them. Culturally, he admits they're not good about expressing feelings, so I guess that might have played into it. But essentially, I felt like he gave us all these crimes he got away with and never felt remorse--just relief for not getting caught. He mentions the cop that was his hero, but it was stated more as fact. Because he never discussed any internal battles between right and wrong, it appears to the reader that the day he accepted the NYPD academy, he just quit this life of criminality cold-turkey. Honestly, with how little remorse was expressed, it left me doubting how he could be a cop that wasn't corrupt. However, I do believe he truly wasn't a corrupt cop. I just think it would have been more helpful to have shared the feelings of guilt or remorse after committing a crime, while thinking in the back of his mind he'd accept an invitation if one came. He just didn't sell me on the fact that he wanted to be a cop more than a criminal. Thus, it was difficult to believe he just gave up his life a criminality the day he was accepted. Nevertheless, I liked the book and did recommend it.

[AllBookedUp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note: This review pertains to the audiobook version.
It's a 3.5-star, but I'm rounding up to 4 Stars.

This memoir was fascinating. The author, with the help of the narrator, brings us into Mike Moy’s world and mindset, showing us how he perceived his life unfolding. Moy sets the scene with his humble beginnings: growing up in Chinatown with his family, especially his beloved grandmother, who endured the horrors of the Japanese invasion of China, and later, his family’s move to Brooklyn at age 5.

As the years fly by, we find Moy bullied in school. As the saying goes, "Hurt people hurt people." Being hunted and victimized, Moy soon sought to do the same to others weaker than himself. As he entered his teens, he joined a gang for protection. With this, his confidence, demeanor, and even his clothing began to transform. He was one of the original "dialo" members, and thus, he didn't have a nickname like those who came after him. This was a good thing because people tend to remember nicknames when reporting perpetrators to the police. Without one, you blended in more easily. "Tall, Asian guy, spiky hair..." That was a dime a dozen in Chinatown back in the 1970s and 80s.

Moy was, however, more of an entrepreneur than the average person, thanks to his family's influence, particularly his father's. He owned a pool hall, a car shop, and even a baseball card shop. A turning point came when he read an article about Officer Stephen McDonald, who was shot by a 16-year-old and paralyzed. Officer McDonald forgave the shooter, citing "a product of his environment," which profoundly affected Moy. While Moy was no saint, he owned up to his past mistakes and felt a strong desire to do right, secretly applying to the NYPD. This was especially true as he began to crave an escape from the gangster lifestyle. Sure, there was fast money, but seeing his friends and mentors shot, killed, imprisoned, deported, or worse, becoming informants and turning on the very gang they'd formed, he wanted out. Between that and the RICO Act, it was a clear wake-up call and the perfect exit strategy.

This was a fascinating listen, though Moy admittedly voids much emotion. He owns his past mistakes but confesses he always maintained a cool demeanor because he suppressed his feelings. This emotional detachment extended to his love story with Irene. At times, I felt it was simply a recount of his life, and I would have enjoyed it more with greater emotional insight as he did in his last chapter. He enjoyed talking about the scams and gave plenty of examples. I just wish he covered more extensively the further details that led him to quit his job as a detective. It's a compelling read, especially for those intrigued by the underbelly of Chinese gangster life.

I enjoyed the recounts of his life, and the narrator did a good job. I've heard the author on YouTube before and felt the narrator captured the author's voice and mannerism. To be transparent, I listened to the audio at the speed of 1.5x.

I'd like to thank Blackstone Publishing Audio for an advance audio copy in return for an honest review.

[Jim Holscher · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me it is hard to put horror books down. Especially when I have many Arcs and library books I have a time line to read. This is a book so exceptional that there really wasn't a choice for me but to bump this to the head of the line.

We have an exceptional autobiography that pulls no punches. Detective Moy makes no excuses for his criminal gang past. Instead he explains the Asian culture and the mechanics of the gangworld. When he turns his narrative to his entry and career with the New York Police Department and his rise to Detective it becomes very moving and inspiring.

Do yourself a favor and read this one.

I read this as an audio book. It was narrated by the author which is a good thing. Detective Moy brings an earnest honesty and an easy to understand voice.

[Charlotte]

A Raw, Riveting, and Redemptive Journey

Bad to Blue is not just a memoir, it's a pulse-pounding, emotional rollercoaster that reads like a gritty movie script, only this one’s true. Mike Moy takes you from the heart of Chinatown's gang life to the badge-bearing streets of NYC as a police officer, and the transition is nothing short of jaw-dropping.

What makes this story so powerful isn’t just the action (though there’s plenty of that), but the vulnerability Mike brings to each page. From navigating brutal street codes to confronting moral crossroads, he delivers his truth with unfiltered emotion, courage, and depth. His story isn’t about perfection, it’s about growth, regret, hope, and second chances.

You’ll find yourself pausing more than once to reflect on the weight of loyalty, identity, and redemption. It’s rare to find a story where the "bad guy" becomes a hero, not by erasing his past, but by owning it and using it to fuel real change.

This is one of those books you finish and immediately want to talk about. Mike Moy’s voice deserves to be heard far and wide. I can only hope this is just the beginning of what he has to share with the world.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this book knowing almost nothing about Chinese American culture and problems but knowing a thing or two about police life and a little about Brooklyn. Moy has made an amazing life journey, and I am really glad that I had the chance to read his life story.
I requested and received a temporary electronic review galley from Blackstone Publishing via NetGalley. Then I went and bought the audio narrated by voice actor James Sie.
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[Jamie Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chose this book because I was interested in the history of Chinese Gangs in America and because Mike Moy's life experience is so different from mine. I was completely absorbed in this book and I did nothing but listen to it from start to finish. I wanted to go back in time and protect that tiny child from bullying. I wanted to help his friends too. I loved learning about the "gang codes", like how they did not harm women and other things.
When I told my son about this book he was like "yeah Mike Moy. All cops know about him." So I guess as an educator, I missed out, but at least I go to read this inspiring and fascinating novel. Thanks for being an inspiration to my son as he pursues a law enforcement career.
The narration was absolutely perfect.
I have already reached out to my friends I think might enjoy this book.

This is a review of the audiobook.

[Qinqin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this and found it surprisingly impactful. It led me to learn more about Chinatown gang history, even sending me to YouTube to understand the real context behind the stories. Growing up in the 80s and 90s, we watched a lot of gang movies and TV shows that created “gang heroes,” but this book feels far more honest and grounded. The journey from that life to becoming a cop and then a detective was especially powerful, not in a glamorized way, but as a genuine and hard-earned transformation.

[Chris Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A detailed memoir detailing the double life of the author from his previous life in an Asian gang to becoming a NYPD officer. His stories showcase how the world around may creat the person you become, but you can change your path if you stick to who you are. His successful career turnaround has led to an incredible career and calling to document the history of his past!

[Larry · Rating 3 out of 5]

A memoir of a former Chinese gang member who eventually became a NYC police detective. I give Mike Moy tremendous credit for turning his life around and being a true credit to society. His story was a real eye opener into what was once a very dangerous and crime ridden time in New York’s history. Although a bit dry and repetitious it was a worthwhile read.

[Richard Dow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story! Loved reading it !

[Carl Chan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-written, Inspiring, Eye-opening, Engrossing

A memorable memoir. Cantonese being my first language, I've found Moy's phonetic translation of the Cantonese words and terms pitch-perfect, and their meaning in English vivid and accurate.

[Venkatesan]

good

[Jason Song · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story about an Asian Law Enforcement agent in New York. One doesn't see many autobiographies by Asian authors that protect & serve!

[Airihi Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

So interesting

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story by Michael Moy about how he went from being a gang member during and after high school, to going straight and becoming a New York City policeman. It’s all the more riveting since many of his friends remained on the other side, and he had to make sure that his past didn’t become known.

[Texas · Rating 4 out of 5]

BAD TO BLUE - I decided to read this with a grain of salt. There were some statements made that I felt came out of the south end of a north bound horse. Otherwise, I found this book entertaining and well written for most part. The viewpoint and history that makes an immigrant leave their homeland is always intriguing to read. The stories of the elders of Mr. Moy certainly were intense and show what humans are capable in many types of situations. The experiences of Moy were interesting on a different level. Smelly saltiness aside, this isn't a bad read. Source: Netgalley. 4*