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All That's Fair
A maiden looking for love in all the wrong places.
A mother in an endless search for missing children.
A crone whose passing is marked by the tinkling of tiny bells.
All That’s Fair is a collection of twenty-two short horror stories themed around women who are made up of anything but sugar, spice, and everything nice. Be they human, ghost, or something else entirely, one thing holds true for all: These are not the girls you’ll find (or want) next door.
A mother in an endless search for missing children.
A crone whose passing is marked by the tinkling of tiny bells.
All That’s Fair is a collection of twenty-two short horror stories themed around women who are made up of anything but sugar, spice, and everything nice. Be they human, ghost, or something else entirely, one thing holds true for all: These are not the girls you’ll find (or want) next door.
229 pages, Paperback
Published August 13, 2020
About the author
S.H. Cooper
22 books149 followersS.H. Cooper is a Florida based, multi-genre author with a focus on horror and fantasy. Her titles include the Victorian gothic novella, INHERITING HER GHOSTS, the cosmic horror novella, THE FESTERING ONES, and the YA fantasy novel, THE KNIGHT'S DAUGHTER, in addition to three short story collections and the horror comedy podcast, Calling Darkness. She is also a regular contributor to the award winning anthology series, The NoSleep Podcast. When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her husband, pets, and a cup of Earl Grey.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 11, 2021
Indie horror writer S.H. Cooper’s latest collection of twenty-two short stories focus squarely on women. Female protagonists and antagonists who are extraordinary in their own way, whether they are the heroes of their story or, something much more sinister.
The stories within include;
• A pair of thrill-seekers looking for illicit excitement after breaking into an abandoned boarding school find there may still be some residents after all
• A fairy-tale creature with a familial bond to an immigrant household comes with a dire warning
• An ageing grandmother recounting her past encounter with a vengeful spirit
• A successful businesswoman who does whatever it takes to protect those near to her
• A mother’s devotion to her son that comes at a terrible cost
• A middle-child who begins to feel invisible, until her wish quite literally come true
What struck me most when reading these stories, is how varied the different tones and subjects were, without sacrificing anything in terms of consistency and quality. There were some stories that were classic, good-fun horror stories with a twist in the tale (‘The Crone’s Wood’, ‘The Wishing Sisters’), some which simply aim to scare you (‘What Became of Lavinia Cartwright’, ‘The Shy Lady’) and some that are unflinchingly grim (‘And Miyoko Waited’, ‘She Wasn’t Like Other Mothers). It came as a welcome surprise then when a story would come along that was something out of the norm. ‘So Much Filler’ tackled some difficult themes in a way that I haven’t seen before. ‘No Love Lost’ is a painfully grounded and downbeat story that puts the spotlight on a real-life horror, while ‘Auntie Bells’ goes in a completely unexpected direction, managing a fine balance between the grotesque and the heart-warming. It was a delight to read a collection that delivered on so many different levels.
The collections other big strength is its inventiveness and creativity. Some of the stories may feel familiar, but all have some unique element that sets it apart and makes it memorable in its own right. The creature features ‘Twelve Hands’ and ‘The O’Sullivan Song’ adhere to certain horror tropes, but have such unusual and memorable creatures that the stories worked far better than they had any right to. Some stories (‘Vermelda’, ‘Red String’) have genuinely creepy, or outright frightening imagery that is not easily forgotten.
I’m hard-pressed now, thinking back for this review, to single out one story that felt like a weak link. Not once does Cooper fall into the trap of delivering a short that feels either overly drawn-out, or under-developed. Every story feels complete and satisfying, delivering everything it should without overstaying it’s welcome.
A consistently surprising and varied collection of horror shorts that switches tone between horrifying and heart-breaking with astounding ease, this killer collection of kick-ass women is a must-read no matter your personal taste in horror fiction.
You can read more reviews of new and upcoming horror releases at https://www.myindiemuse.com/category/...
I also promote indie horror via Twitter - @RickReadsHorror
The stories within include;
• A pair of thrill-seekers looking for illicit excitement after breaking into an abandoned boarding school find there may still be some residents after all
• A fairy-tale creature with a familial bond to an immigrant household comes with a dire warning
• An ageing grandmother recounting her past encounter with a vengeful spirit
• A successful businesswoman who does whatever it takes to protect those near to her
• A mother’s devotion to her son that comes at a terrible cost
• A middle-child who begins to feel invisible, until her wish quite literally come true
What struck me most when reading these stories, is how varied the different tones and subjects were, without sacrificing anything in terms of consistency and quality. There were some stories that were classic, good-fun horror stories with a twist in the tale (‘The Crone’s Wood’, ‘The Wishing Sisters’), some which simply aim to scare you (‘What Became of Lavinia Cartwright’, ‘The Shy Lady’) and some that are unflinchingly grim (‘And Miyoko Waited’, ‘She Wasn’t Like Other Mothers). It came as a welcome surprise then when a story would come along that was something out of the norm. ‘So Much Filler’ tackled some difficult themes in a way that I haven’t seen before. ‘No Love Lost’ is a painfully grounded and downbeat story that puts the spotlight on a real-life horror, while ‘Auntie Bells’ goes in a completely unexpected direction, managing a fine balance between the grotesque and the heart-warming. It was a delight to read a collection that delivered on so many different levels.
The collections other big strength is its inventiveness and creativity. Some of the stories may feel familiar, but all have some unique element that sets it apart and makes it memorable in its own right. The creature features ‘Twelve Hands’ and ‘The O’Sullivan Song’ adhere to certain horror tropes, but have such unusual and memorable creatures that the stories worked far better than they had any right to. Some stories (‘Vermelda’, ‘Red String’) have genuinely creepy, or outright frightening imagery that is not easily forgotten.
I’m hard-pressed now, thinking back for this review, to single out one story that felt like a weak link. Not once does Cooper fall into the trap of delivering a short that feels either overly drawn-out, or under-developed. Every story feels complete and satisfying, delivering everything it should without overstaying it’s welcome.
A consistently surprising and varied collection of horror shorts that switches tone between horrifying and heart-breaking with astounding ease, this killer collection of kick-ass women is a must-read no matter your personal taste in horror fiction.
You can read more reviews of new and upcoming horror releases at https://www.myindiemuse.com/category/...
I also promote indie horror via Twitter - @RickReadsHorror
August 30, 2020
All That's Fair contains 22 horror short stories. These short stories really are short which helped make All That's Fair a fun book to fly through. Several of Cooper's stories made me think this would be a great collection for adults like me who grew up loving the Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark volumes.
Don't get me wrong in my comparison to Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. The comparison fits because she has such a fun storytelling style that I love, but her stories are also disturbing.
After loving her novella The Festering Ones {my review}, I jumped at the opportunity to read All That's Fair, and I'm so glad that I did.
My favorite stories in the collection were The O'Sullivan Song, Twelve Hands, The Crone's Woods, The Wishing Sisters, and The Hardest Lesson.
Content warning: suicide
Review copy provided by the author
Don't get me wrong in my comparison to Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. The comparison fits because she has such a fun storytelling style that I love, but her stories are also disturbing.
After loving her novella The Festering Ones {my review}, I jumped at the opportunity to read All That's Fair, and I'm so glad that I did.
My favorite stories in the collection were The O'Sullivan Song, Twelve Hands, The Crone's Woods, The Wishing Sisters, and The Hardest Lesson.
Content warning: suicide
Review copy provided by the author
July 31, 2020
Having already read both The Festering Ones and The Corpse Garden, loving them both, S.H. Cooper’s latest collection was very high on my list of must buy books for this year. Having been fortunate enough to receive an ARC, I can happily report, this is one to look out for!
The stories here are all brief, playing out over 5-6 pages, and she absolutely slays it in each and every one. Fully fleshed out characters and situations, and some truly terrifying monsters appear throughout. I’m looking at you Twelve Hands, and All Will Be Forgiven. 😳 These two stories will be making nightly appearances in my dreams for a while! There sure is a lot of darkness in that creative mind of hers! 😉
Every story is different, and every one is worth your time. I can’t wait to see what horrors she conjures up in the future! My highest recommendation!
The stories here are all brief, playing out over 5-6 pages, and she absolutely slays it in each and every one. Fully fleshed out characters and situations, and some truly terrifying monsters appear throughout. I’m looking at you Twelve Hands, and All Will Be Forgiven. 😳 These two stories will be making nightly appearances in my dreams for a while! There sure is a lot of darkness in that creative mind of hers! 😉
Every story is different, and every one is worth your time. I can’t wait to see what horrors she conjures up in the future! My highest recommendation!
August 21, 2020
All That's Fair is a dark, fun collection of short stories. Like most short story collections, this one has a theme and it focuses on "women who are made up of anything but sugar, spice, and everything nice." The stories were pretty short (mostly 5-10 pages or so) which helped the pacing and speed at which they were read. And since some of these were so short, you can expect that twisty punch at the end of each one to hit you quick and hard right in the gut! Each story is different and each story will affect you in a more profound way. A couple definitely gave me goosebumps on the back of my neck as I could feel the dark whispers!
My favorites include "The Crone's Wood," "No Love Lost," Auntie Bells," and "Red String."
Thank you to the author for a review copy in exchange for an honest review!
My favorites include "The Crone's Wood," "No Love Lost," Auntie Bells," and "Red String."
Thank you to the author for a review copy in exchange for an honest review!
October 22, 2020
I read Stephen King's "Night Shift" as a teenager and loved it. No story was too long or wordy and all got straight to the point with an interesting hook. I've read that book maybe three times, and I can see myself rereading "All That's Fair" again too. These are nice, "bite-sized" stories for all ages. I don't mean to say this book is simply a kid's book that adults might enjoy, however. You're going to get a full dose of horror here, but what you won't get is bleak, dreary hopeless dark fiction. It's fun and clever, sometimes scary, and sometimes gross. A lot like "Night Shift"!
August 14, 2020
This is a really enjoyable collection of short horror stories by S.H. Cooper: All That’s Fair. (The author was kind enough to give me a copy.) I think I like a couple of her other books more (The Corpse Garden and From Twisted Roots). While this anthology has some great urban legends and similar stories in it, it lacks some of the tension that I found in the other two books and has, I think, fewer surprises.
There’s a handful of fun urban legend stories, such as “The Limping Woman,” “Twelve Hands,” “La Mère Blafarde,” and “The Shy Lady.” Some of these urban legends can be deadly if you don’t know how to handle them–or even if you think you do. Some of them occasionally do a surprisingly good deed. “Twelve Hands” is my favorite because I love the ending so much. It may actually be my favorite story in the entire book.
In “Cruel Inheritance,” May discovers that neighbor Betsy Jo has been hiding a poignant secret. In “What Became of Lavinia Cartwright,” Opal and Damien explore a shuttered building, only to find a diary and a very scary haunting. “The O’Sullivan Song” deals with a banshee and how she appears to a descendant of the family she calls to.
“No Love Lost” is a wonderful, poignant story about Ms. Cora, an elderly Alzheimer’s patient, who starts painting many pictures of one woman, and says she killed her. “And Miyoko Waited” is a dark tale of an 11-year-old boy’s scary great-uncle Gerald and the woman who waits for him in the woods. “Auntie Bells” involves a young person who sort-of befriends a strange old woman who walks around town with bells tied to her wrists. The unveiling of her past is really interesting.
“The Crone’s Wood” is a story of a girl who’s being left behind by her childhood friend, and what happens when she tries to hold on even harder. “Vermelda” is the story of a teenage boy who’s forced by his mother to volunteer at a little local history museum, only to run into a very scary life-sized puppet.
I was delighted to read “Self-Made.” In it, a particular key that has shown up in several of the author’s other stories makes a reappearance. This key is said to unlock any door, but it lets everything out. This story has a rather different course than the others related to the key, and I love it.
In “The Wandering Woman,” a man who makes a living as a voice actor doing a creepy voice and dealing with scary themes moves into a house by a cemetery. He wasn’t expecting the cemetery to be haunted. Another favorite story of mine is “She Wasn’t Like The Other Mothers,” in which Jacob’s mom is seriously depressed, and every night Jacob hears her fire her gun before she comes to his door to whisper to him.
“The One” involves a woman who renews herself with the hearts of those who love her. At least she would, if she could find anyone who actually loves her… “The Wishing Sisters” is a wish-gone-bad tale involving a teenage girl who’s the “ugly” one of her group. Kind of depressing, honestly.
“Red String” involves someone who was in a car accident, and his girlfriend was killed in the accident. Their relationship was not entirely happy, and it seems like Lena is going to start haunting him. In “All Will Be Forgiven,” an odd little cat is dropped off at a vet’s office overnight, and it starts behaving very strangely when the vet arrives for work. This one is definitely a bit bizarre!
Another favorite is “Middle Child Syndrome,” in which a middle child who doesn’t meet her mother’s expectations deliberately tries to become invisible–only to find out she’s summoned something terrifying. I really want to know more about this, and I think it would make an excellent springboard into some sort of longer story. The final story, “The Hardest Lesson,” involves a young man going on truck drives with his father, only this time his father seems reluctant to take him along.
These are solidly good stories, with several standouts. It’s a bit of a slow-winding horror medley, rather than being all tense and hectic, so it might depend on the mood you’re in.
Content warning for rape.
Original review posted on my blog: http://www.errantdreams.com/2020/08/r...
There’s a handful of fun urban legend stories, such as “The Limping Woman,” “Twelve Hands,” “La Mère Blafarde,” and “The Shy Lady.” Some of these urban legends can be deadly if you don’t know how to handle them–or even if you think you do. Some of them occasionally do a surprisingly good deed. “Twelve Hands” is my favorite because I love the ending so much. It may actually be my favorite story in the entire book.
In “Cruel Inheritance,” May discovers that neighbor Betsy Jo has been hiding a poignant secret. In “What Became of Lavinia Cartwright,” Opal and Damien explore a shuttered building, only to find a diary and a very scary haunting. “The O’Sullivan Song” deals with a banshee and how she appears to a descendant of the family she calls to.
“No Love Lost” is a wonderful, poignant story about Ms. Cora, an elderly Alzheimer’s patient, who starts painting many pictures of one woman, and says she killed her. “And Miyoko Waited” is a dark tale of an 11-year-old boy’s scary great-uncle Gerald and the woman who waits for him in the woods. “Auntie Bells” involves a young person who sort-of befriends a strange old woman who walks around town with bells tied to her wrists. The unveiling of her past is really interesting.
“The Crone’s Wood” is a story of a girl who’s being left behind by her childhood friend, and what happens when she tries to hold on even harder. “Vermelda” is the story of a teenage boy who’s forced by his mother to volunteer at a little local history museum, only to run into a very scary life-sized puppet.
I was delighted to read “Self-Made.” In it, a particular key that has shown up in several of the author’s other stories makes a reappearance. This key is said to unlock any door, but it lets everything out. This story has a rather different course than the others related to the key, and I love it.
In “The Wandering Woman,” a man who makes a living as a voice actor doing a creepy voice and dealing with scary themes moves into a house by a cemetery. He wasn’t expecting the cemetery to be haunted. Another favorite story of mine is “She Wasn’t Like The Other Mothers,” in which Jacob’s mom is seriously depressed, and every night Jacob hears her fire her gun before she comes to his door to whisper to him.
“The One” involves a woman who renews herself with the hearts of those who love her. At least she would, if she could find anyone who actually loves her… “The Wishing Sisters” is a wish-gone-bad tale involving a teenage girl who’s the “ugly” one of her group. Kind of depressing, honestly.
“Red String” involves someone who was in a car accident, and his girlfriend was killed in the accident. Their relationship was not entirely happy, and it seems like Lena is going to start haunting him. In “All Will Be Forgiven,” an odd little cat is dropped off at a vet’s office overnight, and it starts behaving very strangely when the vet arrives for work. This one is definitely a bit bizarre!
Another favorite is “Middle Child Syndrome,” in which a middle child who doesn’t meet her mother’s expectations deliberately tries to become invisible–only to find out she’s summoned something terrifying. I really want to know more about this, and I think it would make an excellent springboard into some sort of longer story. The final story, “The Hardest Lesson,” involves a young man going on truck drives with his father, only this time his father seems reluctant to take him along.
These are solidly good stories, with several standouts. It’s a bit of a slow-winding horror medley, rather than being all tense and hectic, so it might depend on the mood you’re in.
Content warning for rape.
Original review posted on my blog: http://www.errantdreams.com/2020/08/r...
October 10, 2020
It took me a long time to finish SH Cooper's All That’s Fair, once I’d started it. Not because it’s a bad book - quite the opposite, in fact. No, it took me a long time to finish it because there’s so much in it - so much meat on its bones, and so much to digest in its 22 stories. I found myself spacing them out; nibbling at them, a couple or a handful at a time. Savouring the taste of them.
Every story is dense, multi-layered, thought-provoking. And the collection as a whole is beyond varied - its stories spanning times and places, styles and themes (from ‘40s noir to war and reparation) while still managing, somehow, to feel cohesive.
I absolutely loved it.
My inclination with edited collections is to take them story by story, or cluster by cluster, but the sheer diversity of tales on offer in All That’s Fair makes that near impossible. So instead, I’ll restrict the focus to my Top 5 - with a couple of honourable mentions thrown in.
Honourable Mention 1: No Love Lost
An affecting, though still horrifying take on Alzheimer’s and the remembrance of things past, this one is likely to strike a chord with anyone who’s ever suffered for being who they are, out in the world.
Honourable Mention 2: Twelve Hands
I’m a sucker for folklore (God knows, I’ve written enough about it) and this introduced me to a(n interestingly horrible) mythological creature I’d never heard of previously. (And if that creature sprung wholesale from Cooper’s imagination rather than any local legend - well, so much the better). This one also has a Tales of the Unexpected-style twist at its conclusion that I didn’t see coming but that I found oddly satisfying.
5 - The Crone’s Wood
Another story that builds up to a last-minute twist in the tale, this one is propelled forward by a monster that was all human, but no less unsettling for being so. The representation of teenage friendship and its dissolution - and the cruelty that dissolution sometimes brings - also cuts like a knife.
4 - Vermelda
Creepy-ass marionettes: that’s all I’m going to say about this one. Is there anyone they don’t frighten?
3 - Self-Made
A revenge story wrapped up in a haunted-object premise, this one perhaps more than any of the other stories seems to me as if it’s crying out to be adapted for television. It’s short, but the questions it raises (and the other untold stories nestling like Matryoshka dolls inside the main narrative) could go very, very long. Orange Is The New Black long.
2 - The One
If Self-Made feels like the prologue to a mini-series, then The One is full-on Classical Hollywood - in premise, and in execution. There’s something a little bit Big Sleep about its central femme fatale, something a little bit Sunset Boulevard (or at least, a little bit Norma Desmond-ish) about her character’s trajectory, and something very Whatever Happened To Baby Jane? about the central relationship it depicts. Wonderful stuff.
1 - And Miyoko Waited
An absolute masterpiece of a story - the type of story that should be winning Stokers, and more. There’s a lot going on in this one, thematically - meditations on the sins of the past, and on war and atrocity, to name a couple - but the picture of violence and violation it paints is also horrifically well-executed; so much so, in fact, that I had to put it down and step away from one scene for a few minutes before I could continue. And Miyoko Waited is powerful, bloody and exactly as uncomfortable as it ought to be. Again: an absolute masterpiece.
Overall: All That’s Fair is out right now. Why wait another minute to read it?
Every story is dense, multi-layered, thought-provoking. And the collection as a whole is beyond varied - its stories spanning times and places, styles and themes (from ‘40s noir to war and reparation) while still managing, somehow, to feel cohesive.
I absolutely loved it.
My inclination with edited collections is to take them story by story, or cluster by cluster, but the sheer diversity of tales on offer in All That’s Fair makes that near impossible. So instead, I’ll restrict the focus to my Top 5 - with a couple of honourable mentions thrown in.
Honourable Mention 1: No Love Lost
An affecting, though still horrifying take on Alzheimer’s and the remembrance of things past, this one is likely to strike a chord with anyone who’s ever suffered for being who they are, out in the world.
Honourable Mention 2: Twelve Hands
I’m a sucker for folklore (God knows, I’ve written enough about it) and this introduced me to a(n interestingly horrible) mythological creature I’d never heard of previously. (And if that creature sprung wholesale from Cooper’s imagination rather than any local legend - well, so much the better). This one also has a Tales of the Unexpected-style twist at its conclusion that I didn’t see coming but that I found oddly satisfying.
5 - The Crone’s Wood
Another story that builds up to a last-minute twist in the tale, this one is propelled forward by a monster that was all human, but no less unsettling for being so. The representation of teenage friendship and its dissolution - and the cruelty that dissolution sometimes brings - also cuts like a knife.
4 - Vermelda
Creepy-ass marionettes: that’s all I’m going to say about this one. Is there anyone they don’t frighten?
3 - Self-Made
A revenge story wrapped up in a haunted-object premise, this one perhaps more than any of the other stories seems to me as if it’s crying out to be adapted for television. It’s short, but the questions it raises (and the other untold stories nestling like Matryoshka dolls inside the main narrative) could go very, very long. Orange Is The New Black long.
2 - The One
If Self-Made feels like the prologue to a mini-series, then The One is full-on Classical Hollywood - in premise, and in execution. There’s something a little bit Big Sleep about its central femme fatale, something a little bit Sunset Boulevard (or at least, a little bit Norma Desmond-ish) about her character’s trajectory, and something very Whatever Happened To Baby Jane? about the central relationship it depicts. Wonderful stuff.
1 - And Miyoko Waited
An absolute masterpiece of a story - the type of story that should be winning Stokers, and more. There’s a lot going on in this one, thematically - meditations on the sins of the past, and on war and atrocity, to name a couple - but the picture of violence and violation it paints is also horrifically well-executed; so much so, in fact, that I had to put it down and step away from one scene for a few minutes before I could continue. And Miyoko Waited is powerful, bloody and exactly as uncomfortable as it ought to be. Again: an absolute masterpiece.
Overall: All That’s Fair is out right now. Why wait another minute to read it?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2020
Full disclosure: I was sent a copy for review.
I've been a fan of S.H. Cooper for quite some time but I have to say "All That's Fair" has to be the best I've read from her yet! Each story, there are 22, feel unique in their own way. They each work wonderfully to paint a picture of where you are, the characters, and in some cases, the monsters.
Speaking of, she went above and beyond for some of these... Things. I felt genuinely uncomfortable at certain points in numerous stories. Whether that be due to the description of the creature, the atmosphere portrayed in the writing, or being able to see myself in these situations.
That's another thing the author does incredibly well. Each story, whether it be a ghost story, creature feature, or something that seems (on the surface) grounded in reality all have an air of "something isn't right here". Every time you feel safe, the rug is pulled from you and you're sent tumbling down a set of stairs leading to your actual worst nightmare.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who's a fan of a great ghost story, urban legend, or being scared by monsters you can't possibly fathom. It was an absolute thrill ride and one I'd gladly go on again!
I've been a fan of S.H. Cooper for quite some time but I have to say "All That's Fair" has to be the best I've read from her yet! Each story, there are 22, feel unique in their own way. They each work wonderfully to paint a picture of where you are, the characters, and in some cases, the monsters.
Speaking of, she went above and beyond for some of these... Things. I felt genuinely uncomfortable at certain points in numerous stories. Whether that be due to the description of the creature, the atmosphere portrayed in the writing, or being able to see myself in these situations.
That's another thing the author does incredibly well. Each story, whether it be a ghost story, creature feature, or something that seems (on the surface) grounded in reality all have an air of "something isn't right here". Every time you feel safe, the rug is pulled from you and you're sent tumbling down a set of stairs leading to your actual worst nightmare.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who's a fan of a great ghost story, urban legend, or being scared by monsters you can't possibly fathom. It was an absolute thrill ride and one I'd gladly go on again!
July 9, 2020
I offered to review this one and that's what I plan to do. Oh boy so much to say.
I gave it 4 stars, not because the stories were bad, but because there were some grammatical issues that kept it from being a perfect 5.
There are 22 short stories in this book. Yes, you read that right 22 stories. They aren't connected, they involve different characters, they all have a different point or meaning to them. The main thing is they are kick butt female characters!!
I am not going to talk about all 22. I do want to talk a bit about my favorite ones! In no particular order.
The hardest lesson: its a cute father and son pair, there are sweet moments, a really funny part about him wanting to be a lot lizard, and murder. You just feel pumped after this one.
She wasn't like the other mothers:
This one broke my heart, oh it broke my momma heart. The love of a mother is one of the strongest things.
I really think you should give it a try, a story or two a day keeps the doctor away. That is the saying right :)
I gave it 4 stars, not because the stories were bad, but because there were some grammatical issues that kept it from being a perfect 5.
There are 22 short stories in this book. Yes, you read that right 22 stories. They aren't connected, they involve different characters, they all have a different point or meaning to them. The main thing is they are kick butt female characters!!
I am not going to talk about all 22. I do want to talk a bit about my favorite ones! In no particular order.
The hardest lesson: its a cute father and son pair, there are sweet moments, a really funny part about him wanting to be a lot lizard, and murder. You just feel pumped after this one.
She wasn't like the other mothers:
This one broke my heart, oh it broke my momma heart. The love of a mother is one of the strongest things.
I really think you should give it a try, a story or two a day keeps the doctor away. That is the saying right :)
July 2, 2021
My first encounter with S.H. Cooper was reading her collection Corpse Garden, and while I really enjoyed that one, I think I loved All That’s Fair more. Cooper has a way with creepy imagery that is showcased in her best stories here. And while there were certain stories that stood out the most in this book, there wasn’t a single clunker in the bunch. All were worth reading.
Two of the creepiest stories, “The Limping Woman” and “The Shy Lady” revolve around urban legends and how two women escape them. “Cruel Inheritance” is initially creepy, but ultimately bittersweet. “What Became of Lavinia Cartwright” and “The O’Sullivan Song” are both also filled with unsettling imagery, and I could picture both of them translating successfully to the screen. “The Wandering Woman” gave me chills. “Self-Made” and the superb final story, “The Hardest Lesson” feature abusive men getting what they deserve.
I can not recommend this collection enough. With it, Cooper has solidified herself as an instant-buy author for me, and I look forward to reading everything else she comes out with.
Two of the creepiest stories, “The Limping Woman” and “The Shy Lady” revolve around urban legends and how two women escape them. “Cruel Inheritance” is initially creepy, but ultimately bittersweet. “What Became of Lavinia Cartwright” and “The O’Sullivan Song” are both also filled with unsettling imagery, and I could picture both of them translating successfully to the screen. “The Wandering Woman” gave me chills. “Self-Made” and the superb final story, “The Hardest Lesson” feature abusive men getting what they deserve.
I can not recommend this collection enough. With it, Cooper has solidified herself as an instant-buy author for me, and I look forward to reading everything else she comes out with.
February 8, 2021
4.5 stars to this devilishly dark short story collection by the wonderful S.H. Cooper-a fantastic first read for Women in Horror month!
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This was a great short story collection about women that are anything but sugar and spice and that you would want to stay very far away from. These stories are all the perfect length (around 10 pages or so) and vary enough in theme that I never felt bored and I never felt like any two stories were too similar.
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Some of these stories pack a gut punch, some make you empathize with the « monster » and some will just leave you in awe from the lovely writing.
My favourites were:
-What Became of Lavinia Cartwright
-No Love Lost
- Auntie Bells
-La Mère Blafarde
-She Wasn’t Like The Other Mothers
-The Hardest Lesson
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If you like horror I cannot recommend this collection enough! It is so good, has some solid emotional gut punches and some great scares/chills.
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This was a great short story collection about women that are anything but sugar and spice and that you would want to stay very far away from. These stories are all the perfect length (around 10 pages or so) and vary enough in theme that I never felt bored and I never felt like any two stories were too similar.
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Some of these stories pack a gut punch, some make you empathize with the « monster » and some will just leave you in awe from the lovely writing.
My favourites were:
-What Became of Lavinia Cartwright
-No Love Lost
- Auntie Bells
-La Mère Blafarde
-She Wasn’t Like The Other Mothers
-The Hardest Lesson
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If you like horror I cannot recommend this collection enough! It is so good, has some solid emotional gut punches and some great scares/chills.
September 7, 2022
3 stars because out of the 22 horror stories, I only enjoyed about 5. I found most stories left me unsatisfied with some cliche endings that I saw coming, but the 5 I loved were imaginative and dark. I wish there were more of those vibes throughout this collection, but otherwise I had a good time reading through these. I will say that these shorter stories work best for me, as most are about 10 pages or less. I would consider trying other collections by this author because the 5 stories I did love really stuck with me as far as the premise and execution.
January 31, 2021
SH Cooper's collection of short stories 'All That's fair' was a lot of fun to read. Some stories surprised me, with others I could guess at an early stage what it was going to lead to. Nevertheless, the stories were good to read, which in my opinion says a lot about the author's ability to construct the stories. It was a varied, entertaining and also scary experience that I can only recommend to someone who likes horror stories.
June 3, 2021
I am a sucker for short stories and this is an excellent collection! Sometimes with collections there's only a few good stories and the rest feel like filler. That is not the case with All That's Fair. Ranging from creepy urban legends to neighborly secrets, to bizarre cats and motherly love, All That’s Fair is packed with page-turning strange tales. Each story is infused with not only a dose of horror, but also heart.
February 27, 2023
Short and sweet horror
I'm an unashamed fangirl for S.H. Cooper short stories, and this collection is no exception. Short but punchy stories that stick with you afterwards, and for the first time one that made me cry because it was so heartbreakingly beautiful and sad.
Loved this.
I'm an unashamed fangirl for S.H. Cooper short stories, and this collection is no exception. Short but punchy stories that stick with you afterwards, and for the first time one that made me cry because it was so heartbreakingly beautiful and sad.
Loved this.
January 19, 2021
A well written collection of terrific short stories that range from the dangers of Urban Exploration to profound lessons on how to make friends and keep them, or how to be respectful and just leave people alone. Each story feels meaningful, is well paced and keeps the reader engaged.
February 9, 2021
All That's Fair is full of so many great, scary stories. The kind of stories that have you looking over your shoulder, send a chill down your spine, and make you believe that the supernatural does exist in the real world.
May 21, 2022
Another great read!
S. H. Cooper never disappoints! I first heard one of her short stories on The No Sleep Podcast and loved it! Her stories are always good and I look forward to reading more of her work!
S. H. Cooper never disappoints! I first heard one of her short stories on The No Sleep Podcast and loved it! Her stories are always good and I look forward to reading more of her work!
September 20, 2020
Very simply, this is the best book of short stories I've read in at least 20 years. Buy it. Now!
August 9, 2020
Collections, like anthologies, are a funny thing. Some are great, others… not so much. All That’s Fair happens to be the former. All Killer No Filler (love me an old school Sum41 reference). This collection covers so many subgenres of horror you can read the whole thing and take away a vast number of emotions.
“The Limping Woman” starts out this 22-story collection. What a hell of a way to begin. Cooper’s skill of playing with your emotions, pushing them to their peak before you scream that you want it to stop to make the ghost go away, is on full display.
This collection isn’t solely full of specters, though. Take “Twelve Hands” as an example. It dives into UK-based horror that talks of one particular creature and the urban legend it has become.
Then there’s stories like “So Much Filler”, which is ironic, in the sense that this story is all about how one feels they are Filler. It spoke to me, as I’m sure it did, or will, with many of you. It’s a self-reflecting piece, I only know this due to Cooper saying as much on a podcast. It’s something that really speaks volumes on a larger scale, of our species, rather than a person-to-person case.
“The Wishing Sisters” tells the tale of true horror, where the allure of supernatural elements seems fitting, but when our protagonist is faced with reality, it hits her and you in the gut like a kick from a mule. I wanted to reach into that book and hug Mia. Tell her it’s all going to be ok, and she isn’t invisible.
One of the final stories, the one that sticks with me the most, is “All Will Be Forgiven”. I can’t tell you why, not exactly. This is the sort of thing you’re going to have purchase the book and find out yourself. Let’s just say I will never look at cats the same again. Good gods did it creep me out.
I’m starting to see a trend. People are noticing her work, which is fantastic. Credit is also due to her editor of the last three books (The Festering Ones, The Knight’s Daughter, and All That’s Fair) Elle Turpitt. She did a fantastic job as well. The entire book blended together well from one story to the next, the first one started it off strong and the last ended it satisfyingly. It made me want to read another Cooper book, and one of my biggest hopes for those reading this, is, I hope it sucks you in as fast and intensely as it did me.
“The Limping Woman” starts out this 22-story collection. What a hell of a way to begin. Cooper’s skill of playing with your emotions, pushing them to their peak before you scream that you want it to stop to make the ghost go away, is on full display.
This collection isn’t solely full of specters, though. Take “Twelve Hands” as an example. It dives into UK-based horror that talks of one particular creature and the urban legend it has become.
Then there’s stories like “So Much Filler”, which is ironic, in the sense that this story is all about how one feels they are Filler. It spoke to me, as I’m sure it did, or will, with many of you. It’s a self-reflecting piece, I only know this due to Cooper saying as much on a podcast. It’s something that really speaks volumes on a larger scale, of our species, rather than a person-to-person case.
“The Wishing Sisters” tells the tale of true horror, where the allure of supernatural elements seems fitting, but when our protagonist is faced with reality, it hits her and you in the gut like a kick from a mule. I wanted to reach into that book and hug Mia. Tell her it’s all going to be ok, and she isn’t invisible.
One of the final stories, the one that sticks with me the most, is “All Will Be Forgiven”. I can’t tell you why, not exactly. This is the sort of thing you’re going to have purchase the book and find out yourself. Let’s just say I will never look at cats the same again. Good gods did it creep me out.
I’m starting to see a trend. People are noticing her work, which is fantastic. Credit is also due to her editor of the last three books (The Festering Ones, The Knight’s Daughter, and All That’s Fair) Elle Turpitt. She did a fantastic job as well. The entire book blended together well from one story to the next, the first one started it off strong and the last ended it satisfyingly. It made me want to read another Cooper book, and one of my biggest hopes for those reading this, is, I hope it sucks you in as fast and intensely as it did me.
August 9, 2020
S.H. Cooper is the epitome of that author I want to get to so bad and I just never seem to get to. Seriously, I’ve moved The Festering Ones to the front of my Kindle so many times only to not quite get to it. I’ve got The Corpse Garden withering away there too. Thankfully, All That’s Fair is the book that simultaneously lets me know what a mistake I’ve made up to this point and prompts me to un-fornicate that immediately. Side note: I actually did start reading The Festering Ones between wrapping up this brilliant collection of stories and writing this review.
The theme of this book is twenty-two stories revolving around women. Every single one of them acts as a short nightmare, fantastically addictive in their execution. The tales are like a certain brand of potato chips where you can’t have just one, because holy hell, what else could Cooper possibly dream up to keep you and sleep from meeting up late at night.
Many of the stories, such as “The Limping Woman”, “Twelve Hands”, “La Mere Blafarde”, and “The Shy Lady” embrace the style of an urban legend, a storytelling device that Cooper pulls off expertly and aides her in defying comparison.
Other stories craft unforgettable monsters that don’t pull from folklore and classic horror, but are seemingly born in the twisted mind of the author. “Whatever Happened to Lavinia Cartwright?” offers up some of the most shudder-inducing imagery of the whole collection while exploring a more gothic style of storytelling. “And Miyoko Waited” is a brutal and timely message for all the not-so-nice guys out there, “Middle Child Syndrome” explores a truly interesting concept and introduces a creature I simply can’t shake from my psyche.
All That’s Fair is that rare collection with no ‘skip’ stories. Every single one has something unique to offer. I’d highly recommend every single one mentioned thus far and I haven’t even gotten to the point where I share my favorites yet! “The O’Sullivan Song” is an excellent addition that flips a semi-familiar creature from folklore on its head and adds to its mythology, tugging on the heartstrings a bit as it goes. “The Crone’s Wood” was easily identifiable as a top three story with a fair bit of book still to go. The less said about the story, the better for the reader’s experience, but this is a can’t-miss tale. Finally, I loved to the center of my very being, the story “So Much Filler”. This is another heartstring tugger and a little nugget of beauty tucked within had me a bit misty by the end.
While trying my best to point out all the reasons a reader should check out this collection, I had to bypass so many stories that I think you’re going to love, just so the review isn’t longer than the book. I believe it’s worth repeating that Cooper doesn’t waste a page here and I enjoyed every moment. If you’ve read her fiction before, you probably know that. If you haven’t gotten to it yet, see paragraph one and procrastinate no longer.
The theme of this book is twenty-two stories revolving around women. Every single one of them acts as a short nightmare, fantastically addictive in their execution. The tales are like a certain brand of potato chips where you can’t have just one, because holy hell, what else could Cooper possibly dream up to keep you and sleep from meeting up late at night.
Many of the stories, such as “The Limping Woman”, “Twelve Hands”, “La Mere Blafarde”, and “The Shy Lady” embrace the style of an urban legend, a storytelling device that Cooper pulls off expertly and aides her in defying comparison.
Other stories craft unforgettable monsters that don’t pull from folklore and classic horror, but are seemingly born in the twisted mind of the author. “Whatever Happened to Lavinia Cartwright?” offers up some of the most shudder-inducing imagery of the whole collection while exploring a more gothic style of storytelling. “And Miyoko Waited” is a brutal and timely message for all the not-so-nice guys out there, “Middle Child Syndrome” explores a truly interesting concept and introduces a creature I simply can’t shake from my psyche.
All That’s Fair is that rare collection with no ‘skip’ stories. Every single one has something unique to offer. I’d highly recommend every single one mentioned thus far and I haven’t even gotten to the point where I share my favorites yet! “The O’Sullivan Song” is an excellent addition that flips a semi-familiar creature from folklore on its head and adds to its mythology, tugging on the heartstrings a bit as it goes. “The Crone’s Wood” was easily identifiable as a top three story with a fair bit of book still to go. The less said about the story, the better for the reader’s experience, but this is a can’t-miss tale. Finally, I loved to the center of my very being, the story “So Much Filler”. This is another heartstring tugger and a little nugget of beauty tucked within had me a bit misty by the end.
While trying my best to point out all the reasons a reader should check out this collection, I had to bypass so many stories that I think you’re going to love, just so the review isn’t longer than the book. I believe it’s worth repeating that Cooper doesn’t waste a page here and I enjoyed every moment. If you’ve read her fiction before, you probably know that. If you haven’t gotten to it yet, see paragraph one and procrastinate no longer.
August 6, 2020
S.H. Cooper can write anything. I mean, anything. If she published her grocery lists I would rush to get them, because there would be at least two plot twists and a jump scare. So it doesn't surprise me that she can craft 22 separate tales that are never repetitive, and always enjoyable.
There's a wide range of subject matter here, and of tone throughout. Cooper excels at "wholesome horror," in which the reader gets to be terrified along with her characters, but in the end, much, if not all, is redeemed. But there's a lot of darker stuff here, and something else she's incredible at is weaving an urban legend out of thin air, and giving it the feel of something old and visceral, a story that's always been there, waiting to come upon you in a dark lane at night. Looking at you, Limping Lady.
I enjoyed every one of these stories, though "So Much Filler" was my favorite, for a lot of reasons. The first story, "The Limping Lady" effectively built terror, and the imagery in The O'Sullivan Song was deeply unsettling. I fly through these collections, in large part because of the variety - just one more story, I think to myself, long past my bedtime.
There's a wide range of subject matter here, and of tone throughout. Cooper excels at "wholesome horror," in which the reader gets to be terrified along with her characters, but in the end, much, if not all, is redeemed. But there's a lot of darker stuff here, and something else she's incredible at is weaving an urban legend out of thin air, and giving it the feel of something old and visceral, a story that's always been there, waiting to come upon you in a dark lane at night. Looking at you, Limping Lady.
I enjoyed every one of these stories, though "So Much Filler" was my favorite, for a lot of reasons. The first story, "The Limping Lady" effectively built terror, and the imagery in The O'Sullivan Song was deeply unsettling. I fly through these collections, in large part because of the variety - just one more story, I think to myself, long past my bedtime.
October 1, 2021
i really liked most of the stories that it's hard to narrow down my favorites. really loved how there were a lot of stories inspired by urban legends, especially!
for the most part, i was compelled to keep reading, even though some had kind of predictable endings (or maybe that's just me). flew through this in one sitting, though! each story was succinct but left an impact, which is impressive considering it's a short book with 22 stories. most stories were very creepy, AND YET a few made me so emotional that i actually teared up.
top three:
1. no love lost
2. self-made
3. she wasn't like other mothers
for the most part, i was compelled to keep reading, even though some had kind of predictable endings (or maybe that's just me). flew through this in one sitting, though! each story was succinct but left an impact, which is impressive considering it's a short book with 22 stories. most stories were very creepy, AND YET a few made me so emotional that i actually teared up.
top three:
1. no love lost
2. self-made
3. she wasn't like other mothers
August 31, 2020
I really liked this collection. There are 22 stories here, all very strong and well told.
Full review here: https://gingernutsofhorror.com/fictio...
All in all, it’s a very successful collection of short stories. I had a few late nights with the book, as I always wanted to read just one more. They’re lean, and they’re mean, and I’d recommend All That’s Fair to anyone.
Full review here: https://gingernutsofhorror.com/fictio...
All in all, it’s a very successful collection of short stories. I had a few late nights with the book, as I always wanted to read just one more. They’re lean, and they’re mean, and I’d recommend All That’s Fair to anyone.
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