The future could hardly look brighter for Edmond Dantès. Only nineteen years old, but already an experienced seaman, he is about to be named captain of the merchant vessel Pharaon. His deep and passionate love for the beautiful Mercedes is returned in every respect; they will be married in a few short weeks. Everyone who knows this handsome, modest young man wishes him the best—that is, almost everyone. Edmond is unaware that three men he knows well envy him and are conspiring to bring him down.

The joy of Edmond and Mercedes' betrothal dinner is shattered when soldiers march in and arrest Edmond as a Bonapartist traitor. Thrown into prison without a trial and with no hope of release, Edmond receives unexpected help from a fellow prisoner in discovering the identities of those who have done this to him. He spends long hours imagining how to punish them, should he ever escape. If revenge is a dish best served cold, Edmond Dantès is learning to be a very patient and ruthless chef.

Set in the years following the defeat of Napoleon in 1815, The Count of Monte Cristo held Europe in thrall when it was first serialized in 1844. Even at that late date, Bonaparte's ghost—which looms over this romantic adventure—still haunted the entire continent.