Surman’s distinguished tenure in education, including leadership roles in Nottingham schools and advocacy as a National Education Union (NEU) officer at local and national level, has made him a well-known name in Nottinghamshire.
Now, he is channelling his lifelong passion for history into writing, delivering a tale of mystery and murder that is already captivating readers.
Surman’s 36-year career in Nottingham education saw him rise from classroom teacher to leadership, all while championing teachers’ causes through union work.
His experience as a deputy headteacher and policy officer for the NEU gave him deep insight into people and communities, a perspective he brings to his storytelling. “My love for history and crime fiction has always driven me to explore the depths of human experience,” Surman said on his blog, reflecting on his transition to writing. “With Framed in Blood, I aim to immerse readers in a world where the past and present collide, and every choice carries profound consequences.”
This personal passion for the past, nurtured over decades of teaching, directly fuelled his foray into historical crime fiction.
A Historical Thriller Inspired by Family History
At the heart of Framed in Blood is the enigmatic Bertha Dix, a formidable protagonist inspired by Surman’s own great-grandmother.
The novel’s period-accurate backdrop provides an atmospheric stage for a twisting murder mystery. When a young blanket weaver, Anna Dalton, falls victim to a horrifying crime, the local police launch an intense investigation. Anti-heroine Bertha Dix soon spins a web of deception to mislead the authorities as dark secrets lurking in the community begin to unravel. Surman’s narrative spans decades: on a stormy night in 1938, an elderly Bertha faces her mortality and prepares a deathbed confession that could exonerate the innocent and finally bring long-buried truths to light.
Themes of justice, morality, and the haunting legacy of hidden sins drive the story, keeping readers on edge until the final revelation.
The richly researched historical setting and morally complex characters reflect Surman’s love of history and give Framed in Blood an authentic, time-traveling suspense that fans of historical crime thrillers crave.
Though only recently released, Framed in Blood is already earning enthusiastic reviews and strong sales. Early readers have praised the novel’s gripping narrative and vivid historical detail. In fact, demand has been so high that the book saw multiple restocks on Amazon UK within days of its launch, with copies flying off the virtual shelves.
Surman’s Nottinghamshire associates and former colleagues have also expressed pride in his success, celebrating the long-time educator’s remarkable career shift. The novel’s blend of history and thriller elements has resonated with readers, marking an impressive debut for the first-time author.
Framed in Blood was published on 27 February 2025 and is available now in large softback. Nottinghamshire readers can find the book through major retailers such Waterstones and Amazon, or order directly from the publisher, Pegasus Publishers.
To learn more about Ralph Surman’s writing journey and future projects, readers can visit his author blog and follow him on social media for updates. With his move from inspiring students to thrilling story enthusiasts, Surman is proving that a passion for storytelling can lead to a new chapter at any stage of life – and Nottingham has a new crime novelist to celebrate.