The Virtues of Pennyroyal is the tale of Bernard Mason, a con artist and amateur musician whose debts force him to quit London on a trade ship bound for the anonymous safety of colonial Massachusetts. He surfaces in the burgeoning village of Barnstable, where he quickly ingratiates himself with the devout but naive locals. Over time, Bernard becomes an influential member of the village, marrying into one of the founding families. His son Isaac is a musical prodigy whose abilities assure Bernard a seat in the highest echelons of London society. Bernard's return to London is endangered, however, by Isaac's personal demons, Isaac's righteous friend Daniel, the interfering daughters of Bernard's friend Thomas Hathorne, and the woods witch Goody Blatchford. After the largest blizzard in New England history blankets the region, Bernard leverages a tragic death into the boldest scheme of his life, all but assuring his triumphant return to London. All he needs is the cooperation of his son and a little luck. Unfortunately, Bernard's merciless schemes implode under the forces of ironic and supernatural justice.
