In the Ghost Shadows was so interesting and great on audio. I love learning about history that is lesser known. I'd read more from this author or about this topic

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

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.

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.

This was super interesting to listen to and learn about! I never knew about this and never would've probably without having read this!