At first Sloane is in favor of the idea, but when she realizes she’ll be spending time with pretentious people who think money fixes everything, she reconsiders. However, Bedford becomes intrigued when he learns that the purpose of his visit is to share information that he, as a former newsman, might have on the Hungarian Countess Zala.

Once in Newport, no one wishes to speak of the countess even after Bedford and Sloane's late night skinny-dipping turns up what he assumes to be the countess's body. The woman is identified as Margaret Howard of Bronxville, NY, but Bedford is not satisfied. Neither is General Vanderbilt who engages Bedford to learn more about the mystery woman and her untimely death.

Bedford now embarks on a journey of eastern European culture and society, looking to one of his many contacts who might be able to provide him with even a scrap of information. His quest is aided by his friend, known as Tatty Chase to the Broadway community, but a Russian countess in her own right - a countess who may have her cap set for Bedford. Bedford soon realizes that someone doesn't want him anywhere near the truth when he is shot in his flat one night. Even after a final scene back in Newport, Bedford thinks there is more to the recent events than was neatly tied up. He arranges for the final showdown that will, at last, make everything clear to everyone.

The Uninvited Countess is an enjoyable, accurate glimpse at the glamorous life of the Roaring Twenties in bohemian Greenwich Village and on the coast of Rhode Island. Bedford and Sloane hang out in the famed Chumley's with the likes of Edna St. Vincent Millay and the newly discovered F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald. Even though it's during Prohibition, there is plenty of gin to be had, bootleggers adding another dimension to the atmosphere. The characters add life and credence to the setting.

Bedford, former money himself but now having to work (more or less) for a living, manages to juggle three women (Sloane, who claims no interest, Tatty who offers to marry him, and Claire Pell, another Broadway starlet) and stay uncommitted to each. While the mystery is not fast paced, the pace matches that of the era, and is a thoroughly enjoyable trip back in time.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry