Inventiveness drives new Kate Atkinson’s new novel

In "Transcription," Atkinson has wandered out from the preserves of "high art" once again by writing a traditional spy story. And I do mean traditional, as in double agents, disappearing ink, corpses spirited away in rugs, recording devices hidden in walls and a plucky young heroine who knows how to use a pistol - and even a sharp knitting needle - when backed into a tight corner.