
Dr. Temperance Brennan, a forensic anthropologist who works at the Jeffersonian Institution and also writes books, has an impressive ability to read clues from victims' bones. Consequently, law enforcement calls her to assist with investigations when remains are so badly decomposed, burned or destroyed that standard identification methods are useless. Brennan is teamed with Special Agent Seeley Booth, a former Army sniper, who mistrusts science and scientists when it comes to solving crimes but who has developed respect for Brennan, both professionally and personally.
As Brennan and the team try to absolve Booth and get him out of prison, the remains of a man who has been dead for 16 years prove to be significant; Booth encounters criminals he was responsible for incarcerating.
The team works with Special Agent Aubrey to investigate a far-reaching conspiracy in the government; DNA found on a previous victim linked to the scandal helps the narrow down the suspect pool.
With intern Rodolfo's help, the team investigates the murder of a conservative radio host whose remains were found in a storm drain; Special Agent Aubrey endeavors to gain Booth's trust; Brennan worries about Booth's mental health.
The team and Special Agent Aubrey investigate the murder of a video game designer; intern Jessica talks about the educational cooperative with which she has been involved; Brennan and Booth talk about Christine's future.