A murder victim is brought in while Mia, the usual "Corpse Whisperer," is away lecturing. The chief orders Sarah to take the case; the victim's mother demands Mia and angrily resists an autopsy. Under pressure, Sarah begins the procedure and finds a rough neck cut with one sharp and one blunt end, tissue bridges implying a heavy, sharp impact, and facial wounds of varying depth. Investigators say the killer likely knew the victim and acted out of personal hatred. With public gossip circling, Sarah inherits the investigation while Mia remains absent.