Brilliant, but socially inept, forensic anthropologist Dr. Temperence Brennan works at the Jeffersonian Institute in Washington DC. After consulting for him on a FBI case, she is approached by cocky yet charming Former Army Ranger turned Special Agent, Seeley Booth to help the Bureau solve crimes by identifying human remains that are too far gone for standard FBI forensic investigations. Brennan's empirical, literal view of the world causes friction with Booths emotive, instinctive attitude creating a volatile relationship. However as their case load increases the symbiotic partnership produces results and with the support of Brennan's Squint Squad, murderers, past and present should be on the look out.

Janet Flanders is swept off her feet when dashing businessman Brett Becker's sports-car nearly runs her over. In no time the dream prince becomes her adored lover, without promising her anything. After Janet's adulterous former lover, Jerry Singleton, discloses that he only asked Brett to get her off his back, Jerry perishes in a fire. Janet follows Brett to Chicago. Shortly after Brett ends their affair announcing his impending wedding to heiress Kathleen Murdock, the newly-wed is viciously slashed in their new home.