We’ve got a quick programming update.

Both the show and our companion series are taking a short hiatus while we get a few things in order behind the scenes. Everything is okay—we’re simply taking a little time to catch up on life, tackle a few larger projects, and make sure we can return at the level of quality you expect from us.

We’ll be sharing updates on our timeline as we have them. If you’d like to stay in the loop and support the show while we’re away, our Patreon is the best place to do that: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod

Thank you, as always, for listening, reading along with us, and making these shows part of your routine. We appreciate your patience, and we look forward to being back with new episodes soon.

We’ve got a quick programming update.

Both the show and our companion series are taking a short hiatus while we get a few things in order behind the scenes. Everything is okay—we’re simply taking a little time to catch up on life, tackle a few larger projects, and make sure we can return at the level of quality you expect from us.

We’ll be sharing updates on our timeline as we have them. If you’d like to stay in the loop and support the show while we’re away, our Patreon is the best place to do that: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod

Thank you, as always, for listening, reading along with us, and making these shows part of your routine. We appreciate your patience, and we look forward to being back with new episodes soon.

In The Count of Monte Cristo, the Rue du Helder salon fills further as Beauchamp arrives before the appointed breakfast.

He joins Albert and Debray, and their conversation turns to politics, newspapers, and public affairs, each speaking from his own place within that world.

Their exchange moves quickly between wit and rivalry, while Albert reminds them that others are expected before they sit down to table. The room gathers voices as the hour advances.

The company assembles, awaiting the final arrivals.

⸻

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.