
A dedicated group of forensic investigators at the Las Vegas Crime Lab works to solve often-grisly crimes in Sin City. Heading up the graveyard shift (an appropriate term in this case) is supervisor D.B. Russell, a "Left Coast" Sherlock Holmes who devours crime novels. Members of Russell's team include Julie Finlay, Nick Stokes, Sara Sidle (the team's moral compass), Greg Sanders and Morgan Brody. The investigative team works closely with Capt. Jim Brass -- a seasoned detective who is a protector of CSI -- Dr. Al Robbins -- medical examiner -- and quirky lab technician David Hodges. Previous leaders of the group include Gil Grissom and Dr. Ray Langston.

Three investigations involve a couple killed in a trailer explosion, a stripper found dead in the worst part of town, and two decomposing corpses in the trunk of a car.

An up-and-coming movie star is found dead in his hotel room after a night of partying with his groupies.

When a woman meets her death on a flight of stairs, the team investigates and finds enough blood evidence to indicate that her death was not an accident.

Grissom and his team must determine whether members of a small cult committed suicide or were murdered when one cult member is missing from the crime scene.