When Dr Temperance Brennan is called to Chicago to answer questions on an old case involving the death of a lonely but wealthy woman, the last thing she expects is to have her professional assessment questioned by a lawyer who barely knows his X from X [arse from elbow]. Taking the opportunity to catch up with family while in Chicago, Tempe then ends up being drawn into a missing person's case that she fears will only end in bad news.

Meanwhile, back in Montreal the bodies of a trio of elderly women have been discovered. One is found In a shallow grave. One in the woods. One burned in her country cabin. Tempe's convinced there must be a link between their violent deaths. But it's difficult to focus on the case while tensions run high at the lab and it becomes increasingly apparent that someone is attempting to sabotage her professional reputation, and they're willing to take any measures necessary to knock out the competition.