The Countdown of Monte Cristo
A daily podcast reading The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, one page at a time, every single day, over the course of four years.
Each short episode offers a focused, intimate passage from Dumas’ sweeping tale of betrayal, imprisonment, revenge, and redemption, accompanied by brief reflections, historical context, and the occasional detour into 19th-century oddities (and yes, the occasional mangled French pronunciation).
Never read The Count of Monte Cristo? Perfect. This podcast is designed for first-time readers, longtime admirers, and anyone curious about experiencing a literary classic as a daily ritual rather than a daunting tome. You can start from the beginning or jump in wherever you are, the story unfolds steadily, patiently, one page at a time.
Whether you’re a lover of classic literature, a podcast listener looking for a calm daily escape, or someone who just wants a few quiet minutes away from the noise of the modern world, The Countdown of Monte Cristo invites you to live with one of the greatest novels ever written.
New episodes every day. No skipping. No rushing.
Subscribe on your favorite podcatcher or watch along on YouTube.
Support the project at https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod and help keep the countdown alive.
Listen on:
Episodes
Episodes
2 days ago
2 days ago
In The Count of Monte Cristo, the conversation turns inward as Franz recounts his earlier encounter on the island of Monte Cristo.
He describes the grotto, the supper, the dreamlike night, and the vanishing traces at dawn, followed by the meeting at the Colosseum and the Count’s dealings with Vampa.
Albert listens closely, then answers each detail with a practical explanation—wealth, travel, ownership, and habit—reducing the mystery to circumstance and choice.
Two accounts stand side by side, as explanation meets unease.
⸻
New to the journey? Start from the beginning at: http://countdownofmontecristo.com
Want to talk theories, themes, or betrayals? Join the conversation on our Discord: https://discord.gg/Sg2prdm
Support the project on Patreon and receive full-length, story-only audio after each chapter: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or follow along on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf3vyewhvQugX5M3oREl57A
⸻
The Countdown of Monte Cristo is a daily podcast reading one page at a time from Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel — every day, for four years. Whether you’re starting from the beginning or joining mid-journey, each episode brings you deeper into the story of The Count of Monte Cristo.
3 days ago
3 days ago
In The Count of Monte Cristo, a final exchange in the salon fixes the Paris meeting while leaving Franz unsettled.
As they take leave, Franz feels the Count’s hand and recoils at its cold touch, carrying that impression with him as they depart.
Albert confirms the appointment once more, confident and satisfied, while Franz returns troubled, voicing his unease about the Count’s nature and the future meeting in Paris. Pressed for an explanation, he prepares to reveal what he knows.
A promise is made, and a hidden account is about to be told.
⸻
New to the journey? Start from the beginning at: http://countdownofmontecristo.com
Want to talk theories, themes, or betrayals? Join the conversation on our Discord: https://discord.gg/Sg2prdm
Support the project on Patreon and receive full-length, story-only audio after each chapter: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or follow along on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf3vyewhvQugX5M3oREl57A
⸻
The Countdown of Monte Cristo is a daily podcast reading one page at a time from Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel — every day, for four years. Whether you’re starting from the beginning or joining mid-journey, each episode brings you deeper into the story of The Count of Monte Cristo.
4 days ago
4 days ago
In The Count of Monte Cristo, the Paris appointment is set with exact precision in the Count’s salon.
He marks the date—May 21 at half-past ten—and records Albert’s address on the Rue du Helder, binding the meeting to a specific hour.
Albert accepts without hesitation, arranging to receive him, while the Count confirms his own punctuality and prepares to depart for Naples. The moment turns to farewell as plans separate the three men once more.
The future meeting is fixed, and the parting begins.
⸻
New to the journey? Start from the beginning at: http://countdownofmontecristo.com
Want to talk theories, themes, or betrayals? Join the conversation on our Discord: https://discord.gg/Sg2prdm
Support the project on Patreon and receive full-length, story-only audio after each chapter: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or follow along on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf3vyewhvQugX5M3oREl57A
⸻
The Countdown of Monte Cristo is a daily podcast reading one page at a time from Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel — every day, for four years. Whether you’re starting from the beginning or joining mid-journey, each episode brings you deeper into the story of The Count of Monte Cristo.
5 days ago
5 days ago
In The Count of Monte Cristo, the plan for Paris moves from proposal to certainty as the Count confirms his intention to go.
Albert presses him on whether the idea is fixed, and the Count answers with a pledge, setting a clear timeline for his arrival.
They agree on a future meeting in Paris, with the Count emphasizing his precision in keeping appointments. Franz observes closely, searching for meaning in the Count’s expression, but finds it concealed behind a steady, unreadable smile.
The future is set, and the meeting is arranged in advance.
⸻
New to the journey? Start from the beginning at: http://countdownofmontecristo.com
Want to talk theories, themes, or betrayals? Join the conversation on our Discord: https://discord.gg/Sg2prdm
Support the project on Patreon and receive full-length, story-only audio after each chapter: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or follow along on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf3vyewhvQugX5M3oREl57A
⸻
The Countdown of Monte Cristo is a daily podcast reading one page at a time from Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel — every day, for four years. Whether you’re starting from the beginning or joining mid-journey, each episode brings you deeper into the story of The Count of Monte Cristo.
6 days ago
6 days ago
In The Count of Monte Cristo, the Count presses his request for access to Paris society, seeking a guide into its circles.
He frames his position as an outsider, unfamiliar with the capital and its world, and asks Albert to open those doors upon his arrival.
Albert agrees at once, strengthened by news that he is soon returning to Paris for a marriage arrangement that will connect him to its highest ranks. With that, he offers both himself and his family’s position in support of the Count’s entrance.
The path to Paris is secured through Albert’s promise.
⸻
New to the journey? Start from the beginning at: http://countdownofmontecristo.com
Want to talk theories, themes, or betrayals? Join the conversation on our Discord: https://discord.gg/Sg2prdm
Support the project on Patreon and receive full-length, story-only audio after each chapter: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or follow along on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf3vyewhvQugX5M3oREl57A
⸻
The Countdown of Monte Cristo is a daily podcast reading one page at a time from Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel — every day, for four years. Whether you’re starting from the beginning or joining mid-journey, each episode brings you deeper into the story of The Count of Monte Cristo.
7 days ago
7 days ago
In The Count of Monte Cristo, Albert answers the Count’s calm response by offering his family’s influence and service.
He places his name and connections at the Count’s disposal, extending the reach of his gratitude beyond words.
The Count accepts and names his request: he wishes to enter Paris society, a city he has never visited and where he knows no one. Albert responds at once, ready to provide the introduction he lacks.
Gratitude turns into a bond, opening the way to Paris.
⸻
New to the journey? Start from the beginning at: http://countdownofmontecristo.com
Want to talk theories, themes, or betrayals? Join the conversation on our Discord: https://discord.gg/Sg2prdm
Support the project on Patreon and receive full-length, story-only audio after each chapter: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or follow along on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf3vyewhvQugX5M3oREl57A
⸻
The Countdown of Monte Cristo is a daily podcast reading one page at a time from Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel — every day, for four years. Whether you’re starting from the beginning or joining mid-journey, each episode brings you deeper into the story of The Count of Monte Cristo.
Saturday Jun 13, 2026
Saturday Jun 13, 2026
In The Count of Monte Cristo, the morning after the catacombs brings Albert and Franz back to the Count’s salon.
Albert insists on offering his thanks again, speaking openly of the life he believes he owes to the Count’s intervention.
The Count receives the gratitude with ease, reducing the matter to a financial detail and turning the focus instead to Albert’s composure during his captivity.
Acknowledgment is given, and the moment is measured in the Count’s own terms.
⸻
New to the journey? Start from the beginning at: http://countdownofmontecristo.com
Want to talk theories, themes, or betrayals? Join the conversation on our Discord: https://discord.gg/Sg2prdm
Support the project on Patreon and receive full-length, story-only audio after each chapter: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or follow along on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf3vyewhvQugX5M3oREl57A
⸻
The Countdown of Monte Cristo is a daily podcast reading one page at a time from Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel — every day, for four years. Whether you’re starting from the beginning or joining mid-journey, each episode brings you deeper into the story of The Count of Monte Cristo.
Friday Jun 12, 2026
Friday Jun 12, 2026
In The Count of Monte Cristo, the journey from the catacombs ends as Franz, Albert, and the Count return from the Appian Way to the Bracciano ball.
Albert resumes the Carnival spirit at once, claiming his promised dance, while Vampa’s camp and the rescue recede behind them.
Franz lingers on a detail from the encounter below—the Count’s reaction when their hands met—carrying that impression back into the brightness of the ballroom.
The night closes with motion restored, and a single moment left unresolved.
⸻
New to the journey? Start from the beginning at: http://countdownofmontecristo.com
Want to talk theories, themes, or betrayals? Join the conversation on our Discord: https://discord.gg/Sg2prdm
Support the project on Patreon and receive full-length, story-only audio after each chapter: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod
Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or follow along on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf3vyewhvQugX5M3oREl57A
⸻
The Countdown of Monte Cristo is a daily podcast reading one page at a time from Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel — every day, for four years. Whether you’re starting from the beginning or joining mid-journey, each episode brings you deeper into the story of The Count of Monte Cristo.