Bite at a Time Books | Classic Novel Audiobooks

Dracula - Chapter 26 (Bite 3)

August 20, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

In this chapter of Dracula, the hunters split into two groups and race against time, each following a different theory about how Count Dracula will try to return to his castle. The episode is built entirely from journal entries by Mina Harker, Jonathan Harker, and Dr. Seward, and it captures the desperate, cold, and increasingly uncertain final leg of the chase.

The central question organizing the episode is whether the hunters' plan will work. They have divided their forces. Mina and Professor Van Helsing are traveling by train and carriage to the Borgo Pass, the mountain road that leads to Dracula's castle. Jonathan, Lord Godalming, Dr. Seward, and Quincey Morris are pursuing Dracula by water, believing he will try to escape up the river system in a boat carrying his box of earth. The episode gives the reader both perspectives in alternating entries, and the tension comes from the fact that neither group has any news of the other.

Continue reading the full summary in the app — free to try.

Read Full Summary →

Free • No credit card required

Listen to Audio Summary Open in App

Never miss an episode of Bite at a Time Books | Classic Novel Audiobooks

Get every new episode summarized in your inbox — free, ~5 minutes to read.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

What you'll learn

1 (00:25) **Episode Opening & Host Introduction** - Brie Carlisle introduces herself and the "Bite at a Time Books" podcast, which reads classic novels word by word.
2 (02:41) **Chapter 26, Bite 3 Begins: Mina's Journal Entry** - Mina reflects on the dedication of the men and the power of money in their expedition.
3 (04:38) **Mina's Farewell and Jonathan's Journal Begins** - Mina struggles to say goodbye to Jonathan, fearing they may never meet again, while Jonathan records their pursuit from the steam launch.
4 (05:56) **Jonathan's Fear and the Horsemen's Plan** - Jonathan cannot sleep due to the danger Mina faces, and describes the parallel plan for the horsemen.
5 (07:11) **Jonathan's Night Watch and the Search** - Jonathan takes the watch as the launch speeds through the night, searching for the Count's box.
6 (08:00) **The Deception with the Romanian Flag** - The crew uses a Romanian flag to avoid suspicion and questions from other boats.
7 (09:19) **Jonathan's Exhaustion and Renewed Vigor** - Jonathan feels sleepy and cold, but after a long sleep, he wakes feeling like a new man.

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app

Show Notes

Join Host Bree Carlile as she reads Dracula by Bram Stoker.

Follow along as Bree shares her passion for books, audiobooks, and bringing stories to life in these classic novel audiobooks. Busy schedule? Each episode is just one chapter, or bite of a classic novel, play or short story, which means you can fit in your reading goals while getting ready for work, bed, or on your commute.

Follow, rate, and review Bite at a Time Books where we read you your favorite classics, one bite at a time. Available wherever you listen to podcasts.

Check out our website, or join our Facebook Group!

Get exclusive Behind the Scenes content on our YouTube!

We are now part of the Bite at a Time Books Productions network!

If you ever wondered what inspired your favorite classic novelist to write their stories, what was happening in their lives or the world at the time, check out Bite at a Time Books Behind the Story wherever you listen to podcasts.

Follow Bree at: Instagram - Twitter - Facebook