Doreen McGettigan

About the Book

Victimized by identity thieves, DJ was urged by coworkers to sign up with an identity theft protection agency. One notification from the company took him by surprise. Someone deposited several million dollars in a foreign bank account in his name. His coworkers suggested he make the trip to withdraw his money. After all the account was in his name!

The Author

David Tayoun is the son of a powerful Philadelphia politician, who also owned a Middle Eastern Restaurant that employed many immigrant employees.

He graduated from Julia R. Masterman High School in Philadelphia and received his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Temple University. He then attended Capitol Law School.

David worked in the Philadelphia Courts working with Parolees in the First Offender Drug Unit Program.

He became a member of the Atlantic City Police Department & was awarded Officer of the Year. He retired due to injuries sustained when he was struck by a stolen car during a chase.

Involving himself in politics in Atlantic City he amassed a loyal voter base. David was appointed as Director of Neighborhood Services for the City of Atlantic City, which oversees all business licensing and regulations and all aspects of the construction industry.

After leaving public life David started a successful Kitchen Cabinet and Granite shop employing many local, residents in need of a second chance.

He currently heads a development group TBC Enterprises LLC and runs Tayoun’s War House LLC.

The Interview

Which of the characters in STUNG do you relate to most, and why?

I most identify with Jimmy the retired cop due to the simple fact that the story is based on true events throughout my life and career in Law enforcement, as a Public Official in the City of Atlantic City, and my involvement in politics in the South Jersey area.

If you are planning a sequel, can you share a tiny bit about your plans for the plot?

Yes, the sequel is the logical follow-up to what would occur at the end of the first story, but just like the first story, there are multiple plot twists that send the story in its own compelling way.

How did you come up with the title?

STUNG is how most victims feel after being the victim of a crime.

When was the last time you Googled yourself and what did you find out?

Recently only to see if the book would come up. I found nothing that I did not already know but some information that I could have added to one of the stories. That said, I also saw some information that opens the door for one more book maybe a book three that involves my dad’s extraordinary life and career in Philadelphia politics.

If your book is made into a movie, which actors and/or actresses would you like to see portray the main characters?

Most likely I’ll leave it to the professionals because my life and business activities during the last few years have gotten in the way of the luxury of time to take in who the current actors and actresses are and their qualities like I did as a kid.

Where did you grow up? Any siblings? Did you grow up in a reading or writing family?

I grew up in Philadelphia. My five siblings and I spent our summers at the Jersey Shore. We grew up in a very entrepreneurial and politically active household.

My father published an informational book about going to prison to inform people headed to prison knew what to expect. The title is “Going to Prison. He also finished a memoir but passed away before getting it published. That gave me the idea of combining the stories and making it a third in this series.

You live in a shore town, when was the last time you walked on the beach, or the boardwalk, and when was the last time you went to a casino?

I decided to make our vacation home our year-round home. Now the problem with that is my everyday life gets in the way of being able to get away from daily life to enjoy it as we did on vacation. That said I do try to get to the beach in the summertime especially when family comes down. I do enjoy exercising on the boardwalk. As far as casinos go, I never was one for gambling although do take in the occasional show or restaurant.

Where and what is your favorite local restaurant? What are you ordering?

Being from a family that owns a very successful restaurant with Mediterranean cuisine I find myself enjoying homemade meals. This allows me to enjoy family and friends in my home that is on the water. What better ambiance than looking out the dining room window at ducks and boaters and the like?

What was the last TV series you binge-watched? Last book you read?

I like Rick and Morty, but the last TV series binged I would have to say Bosch a detective show.

The last book I read was on Edgar Cayce, an American clairvoyant.

STUNG involves a few major crimes, one being identity theft. Do you have any advice for someone who believes they may be the victim of identity theft?

Victims are extremely susceptible to continued attacks because their information continually gets re-sold. It’s an underground system like the one telemarketers use to buy lists of phone numbers. The best advice is to sign up for credit protection and to continually change your password (Yes it is a huge pain). Do not get frustrated when your credit takes the hit because there is little you can do about it. Stick to a couple of local banks and use their visa, not debit cards. You need to have a relationship with your bank and let them know your credit should be based on your use of their card for the foreseeable future.

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