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.
Episodes
Episodes
Jun 28, 2026
Jun 28, 2026
10 min
In The Count of Monte Cristo, the Rue du Helder salon fills with conversation as Albert and Debray pass the time before breakfast.
They exchange remarks on politics, society, and daily life, moving easily between irony and familiarity.
Albert hints at an introduction, describing a man unlike those Debray already knows, while the morning continues with wine, cigars, and casual talk. The anticipation builds as the promised guest draws nearer.
The moment approaches, and the introduction is set.
⸻
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.
Jun 27, 2026
Jun 27, 2026
8 min
In The Count of Monte Cristo, the Rue du Helder salon fills with conversation as Debray settles in before breakfast.
He speaks of his new order, his night of dispatches, and arrives seeking food and diversion, turning easily from politics to personal comfort.
Albert responds as host, offering wine and cigars, while their exchange moves through government affairs, honors, and daily routine. The morning continues in ease as preparations for the appointed hour remain in motion.
The gathering grows, as the house waits for the Count.
⸻
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.
Jun 26, 2026
Jun 26, 2026
7 min
In The Count of Monte Cristo, the Rue du Helder salon fills as the appointed hour approaches.
Albert sends word to the countess, idles through letters and newspapers, and waits for the half-past ten meeting.
A carriage arrives early, and Lucien Debray enters, composed and precise, bringing talk of politics and the latest movements known in Paris. Their conversation turns to affairs beyond the house, while the morning continues toward the fixed hour.
The gathering begins, just before the Count’s arrival.
⸻
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.
Jun 25, 2026
Jun 25, 2026
7 min
In The Count of Monte Cristo, the morning in the Rue du Helder salon turns to final preparations before the appointed meeting.
Albert arranges his table and reviews letters delivered by his valet, selecting two and giving instructions for the day’s engagements, including the opera and a supper.
He sets the breakfast for half-past ten, noting the exact hour he fixed with the Count, and ensures everything is in readiness. The household moves according to his direction as the time approaches.
The moment draws near, measured against the promised hour.
⸻
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.
Jun 24, 2026
Jun 24, 2026
7 min
In The Count of Monte Cristo, the pavilion interior is fully revealed as Albert arranges his salon for the meeting on the Rue du Helder.
The room is filled with cabinets of porcelain and faïence, antique chairs, rich fabrics, and a rosewood piano surrounded by works of music.
Weapons, armor, and collected objects line the walls, while the space itself reflects Albert’s habits and tastes. On the morning of the appointment, he settles in the lower salon, where a table is laid out with tobaccos, cigars, pipes, and narghiles, prepared for his guest.
The setting is complete, awaiting the Count’s arrival.
⸻
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.
Jun 23, 2026
Jun 23, 2026
6 min
In The Count of Monte Cristo, the Rue du Helder residence reveals a concealed entrance leading into Albert’s pavilion.
The small door, hidden from the concierge, opens into a corridor connecting rooms arranged for privacy, with a salon, breakfast-room, and upper chambers shielded from view.
Above, the space expands into a large atelier filled with instruments, weapons, and artistic tools, reflecting Albert’s shifting pursuits—from music and painting to fencing and boxing. The pavilion is arranged for independence, with careful design and controlled access.
The interior stands prepared, defined by secrecy, habit, and display.
⸻
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.
Jun 22, 2026
Jun 22, 2026
8 min
In The Count of Monte Cristo, the Rue du Helder is set in order for the Count’s arrival at Albert’s residence.
Albert’s pavilion, facing the street and opening into the courtyard and garden, is arranged with care, positioned within the larger house of the Count and Countess of Morcerf.
The space reflects both oversight and independence, with its placement allowing Albert to observe the street while remaining within the enclosed property. The setting is prepared to receive a guest whose visit has been fixed in advance.
The house stands ready, awaiting the appointed hour.
⸻
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.
Jun 21, 2026
Jun 21, 2026
15 min
In The Count of Monte Cristo, the debate over the Count’s character ends as Albert defends the obligation he owes.
He points to the rescue in the catacombs, noting that no questions were asked before help was given, and refuses to deny a simple introduction in return.
Franz yields, though his doubts remain, and the two prepare to part ways. Before leaving Rome, Albert leaves a card at the Hôtel de Londres, repeating the date and hour on the Rue du Helder to secure the meeting.
The agreement holds, as the journey shifts toward 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.