Former firefighter and police officer Les Jones has unveiled his first novel, Twelve Doors—a gripping and emotional crime drama grounded in his 20-year emergency services career.
Set within the world of retained firefighting in the UK, Twelve Doors captures the intensity, camaraderie, and unspoken sacrifices made by crews across the country. Informed by real-life experience and meticulous detail, the novel provides rare insight into a profession often underrepresented in fiction.
At its centre is Leah Walsh, a dedicated mother and council worker who unexpectedly becomes the “Guvnor” of her local fire station following a devastating event. When a series of twelve mysterious blazes threaten her crew, Leah must navigate both internal and external pressures while staying true to her values.
Richly layered and emotionally resonant, the book introduces readers to characters such as Jamie, a proudly gay firefighter breaking down barriers, and Zaid, a British Muslim firefighter navigating faith and duty amid cultural challenges. These stories bring depth and relevance, touching on justice, inclusion, and moral responsibility within tight-knit teams.
Jones began his professional life in 1980 as a firefighter in a chemical plant brigade, going on to earn recognition through the Institute of Fire Engineers and advanced instruction at the Fire Service College in Gloucestershire.
His career path later led him to the police service in 1996, where he worked in uniformed and detective roles for two decades. This diverse background is woven into the novel’s structure, informing everything from incident response to internal hierarchy.
Complementing the novel’s release is Mobilise, a powerful anthem by singer-songwriter Karl Joseph. Written after reading Twelve Doors, the song captures the emotional urgency and collective spirit of firefighting. Two music videos accompany the track, now available to view on YouTube.
With themes of unity, selflessness, and community resilience, Twelve Doors and Mobilise together form a stirring tribute to Britain’s everyday heroes.
