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 10, 2026
Jun 10, 2026
9 min
In The Count of Monte Cristo, the search within the catacombs leads to a guarded cell where Albert lies asleep.
Vampa opens the door and reveals him resting calmly, wrapped in a cloak, untouched by the threat that had been set against him.
Awakened, Albert speaks with ease, recalling a dream and assuming his ransom has been paid. The Count and Franz stand before him as Vampa declares his freedom, the danger already lifted.
The peril ends quietly, with Albert unaware of how near it came.
⸻
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 9, 2026
Jun 9, 2026
10 min
In The Count of Monte Cristo, the confrontation in the catacombs turns as the Count names Albert and challenges the ransom.
He declares Albert his friend and guest, placing the seizure in direct violation of Vampa’s word and presenting the letter as proof.
Vampa reacts at once, rebuking his men and renouncing the demand, acknowledging the Count’s claim and the error made. Franz steps forward to witness the exchange, and the question of Albert’s safety is brought to the fore.
The terms collapse, and the focus shifts to finding him within the chamber.
⸻
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 8, 2026
Jun 8, 2026
7 min
In The Count of Monte Cristo, the hidden chamber erupts as the Count steps forward from the shadows to face Luigi Vampa.
The sentinel’s challenge brings the brigands to their feet, weapons raised, until the Count speaks calmly and is recognized.
Vampa orders the weapons lowered and greets him with respect, but the Count immediately recalls their agreement, questioning why one of his friends has been seized. The tension shifts from threat to reckoning as the terms between them are brought forward.
Authority replaces danger, as the Count asserts his claim within the catacombs.
⸻
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 7, 2026
Jun 7, 2026
9 min
In The Count of Monte Cristo, the descent ends in the catacombs as Franz and the Count reach a chamber beneath the earth.
Corridors branch from a mortuary hall, and a distant glow draws them forward through darkness toward a hidden gathering.
From the shadow of an arcade, they see Luigi Vampa seated beneath a column, reading, while armed brigands rest around him with their carbines at hand. A lone sentinel moves before a deeper grotto, marking the place where Albert is held.
The hidden camp is revealed, and the rescue stands within reach.
⸻
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 6, 2026
Jun 6, 2026
10 min
In The Count of Monte Cristo, the approach to the catacombs begins as Franz and the Count follow Peppino into the darkness beyond the Appian Way.
They descend into a narrow valley where a sentry stands watch, then pass through a concealed opening among rocks and brush that leads underground.
Inside, the passage tightens and slopes downward, forcing them forward step by step until another guard challenges their advance. Peppino answers, and the way is cleared.
The descent continues, as they move deeper toward the place where Albert is held.
⸻
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 5, 2026
Jun 5, 2026
7 min
In The Count of Monte Cristo, the rescue advances beyond Rome as Franz and the Count ride through the city gates toward the catacombs.
Ali drives at speed past the Corso and through the gate of St. Sebastian, where the Count’s permit secures their passage into the night.
Along the Appian Way, tombs line the road and shadowed figures appear and vanish at signals from Peppino. Near the Baths of Caracalla, the carriage halts, and they continue on foot as Peppino disappears ahead with a torch.
The approach narrows, drawing them closer to the hidden place below.
⸻
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 4, 2026
Jun 4, 2026
7 min
In The Count of Monte Cristo, the plan is fixed as the Count accepts Peppino’s account and turns to immediate action.
He assures Franz that Albert’s danger will not extend beyond alarm, then proposes they go at once to the catacombs of St. Sebastian where he is held.
A carriage is ordered without delay, preparations made with quiet precision, and the hour noted as they ready themselves for the journey. The Count invites Franz to accompany him, and he agrees without hesitation.
The rescue begins, as they depart into the Roman night.
⸻
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 3, 2026
Jun 3, 2026
20 min
In The Count of Monte Cristo, the abduction is laid bare as Peppino recounts how the Corso flirtation led Albert into a planned trap.
The exchange of bouquets drew him toward a rendezvous at the church of San Giacomo, where a disguised accomplice replaced the peasant woman and guided him beyond the walls of Rome.
A waiting carriage carried him past the gates, where the deception turned to force—pistols drawn, resistance overcome, and the path redirected along the river. From there, he was taken to Luigi Vampa and Teresa, waiting within the catacombs of St. Sebastian.
What appeared as chance becomes design, ending in capture beneath the city.
⸻
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.