The Tribute” is slightly harsher, a little more acrid than most Gardam tales. It’s also a little more cynical, angrier, and puts its pointed, unequivocal cards on the table right from the off. Gardam is always happy to make the most of the least promising characters but here she sets up some not very pleasant old ladies, once surrounded by opulent wealth and servants to tidy up after them, for a fall and then shoves them over the edge. It’s highly satisfying, watching the descent, but the build up is far more interesting.The women in question, incidentally, have fallen on