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
May 23, 2026
May 23, 2026
13 min
In The Count of Monte Cristo, the final day of the Carnival floods the Corso with noise, confetti, and constant motion.
Franz and Albert move through the crowd from afternoon onward, exchanging volleys of sweets and flowers as carriages and pedestrians press together without conflict.
Albert stands out in his harlequin costume, marked by rose-colored ribbons, while Franz keeps to his peasant’s dress to avoid confusion. As the hours pass, the celebration intensifies into a storm of voices and movement.
Fireworks signal the coming races, as the day reaches its height.
⸻
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.
May 22, 2026
May 22, 2026
8 min
In The Count of Monte Cristo, the focus settles on the Count’s presence as his influence over Franz and Albert becomes unmistakable.
Albert admires him openly, while Franz feels the same authority more cautiously, noting the Count’s age, bearing, and command over those around him.
At the Argentina theatre, conversation replaces performance, and Franz recounts Albert’s unfolding intrigue to the Countess G——, who receives it without surprise. Plans are made to meet again at the Duke of Bracciano’s ball, even as the signals from the masked admirer suddenly cease.
The fascination remains, but the game falls silent.
⸻
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.
May 21, 2026
May 21, 2026
9 min
In The Count of Monte Cristo, the theatre arrangements give way to closer scrutiny of the Count himself.
Franz senses recognition between them that the Count does not acknowledge, yet accepts his continued generosity, including the use of his box at the Argentina Theatre.
As the evening unfolds, Franz observes the Count’s striking features—his pallor, his fixed expression, and the intensity of his gaze—forming an impression shaped by restraint and unspoken thought.
The mystery shifts from action to presence, as the Count remains unreadable.
⸻
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.
May 20, 2026
May 20, 2026
8 min
In The Count of Monte Cristo, the Carnival intrigue is tested as Albert presents the letter for scrutiny after his rendezvous is set.
Franz examines its writing and finds it refined and exact, confirming that the hand behind it belongs beyond the lower class Albert had suspected.
Albert declares himself in love and speaks of remaining in Rome, while Franz meets the idea with measured irony. Their discussion gives way to dinner, where ordinary appetites persist despite the growing attachment.
The Count of Monte Cristo returns, composed and agreeable, rejoining them after his brief absence.
⸻
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.
May 19, 2026
May 19, 2026
9 min
In The Count of Monte Cristo, the Carnival intrigue deepens as a bouquet delivers a written reply along the Corso.
Albert’s offering returns in the hands of a masked figure, and by evening he carries a letter that fixes a precise rendezvous near the church of San Giacomo.
The instructions are exact—time, place, and a signal to be worn—binding the encounter to secrecy and recognition. Franz reads the terms and measures the promise of the meeting, even as another engagement looms that same night.
The game of signs becomes a plan, set to unfold at a chosen 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.
May 18, 2026
May 18, 2026
11 min
In The Count of Monte Cristo, the Carnival yields a revelation as a masked figure briefly lifts her disguise along the Corso.
Albert returns elated, convinced by the moment that his unknown admirer is both beautiful and of high rank, and resolves to pursue the connection.
Franz, returning from the Vatican with a different frame of mind, listens as Albert asks for the carriage the next day to continue the intrigue alone. He agrees, choosing instead to observe from the windows of the Rospoli Palace.
A single unveiled moment turns into a plan for what follows.
⸻
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.
May 17, 2026
May 17, 2026
8 min
In The Count of Monte Cristo, the Carnival returns to the Corso as Albert renews his exchange of violets with a masked carriage.
A fresh bouquet confirms the connection, and Albert answers with a gesture, keeping the faded flowers as a sign while the revelry grows louder around them.
The flirtation continues through the day, marked by repeated encounters and shared signals, while the Count appears only briefly at his window. By evening, the tone shifts as Franz receives notice of an audience with the pope, drawing his attention beyond the Carnival.
Amid noise and movement, a small exchange persists while duty approaches.
⸻
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.
May 16, 2026
May 16, 2026
9 min
In The Count of Monte Cristo, the morning of Carnival preparations continues as the Count offers Franz and Albert complete use of his carriage.
He insists on their independence for the remaining days, leaving them free to pursue pleasure or business without restraint.
During his visit, the Count moves easily across literature, art, and science, revealing a breadth of knowledge that deepens his impression on the two friends. They decline to return his hospitality, recognizing the disparity, and he accepts their hesitation with composure.
Generosity and intellect combine to shape the Count’s presence in their eyes.
⸻
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.