Rizzoli pursues strangling deaths, suspense-fully reminiscent of the now long dead Boston Strangler, who a retired cop believes to be alive. Her new Boss, a childhood tease, is unbelieving. Clinically inclined Dr. Isles ruins a date.

An unknown man is killed with an ice pick pierced into his ear. Police find that he is Colin Doyle, son of the Irish mob enforcer, Patrick Doyle, the actual target of gang rivals. Dr. Isles is in an emotional upheaval about the dead man.

Jane and Maura still aren't on speaking terms but are forced to work together when a college student, 25 year-old Rachel Lawson, is found strangled in the university's underground tunnels. She had also been renting a car every weekend for the last 20 weeks and was aware that her parents has separated. She had also spent a good deal of money on yoga in recent months. The yoga master, Sensei Matta, has recently bought 20,000 acres in Western Massachusetts and has a secret - one that lead to the death of Rachel Lawson. Meanwhile, Jane is surprised when her father knocks on her door. He has big news: he's going to be remarried - to a 28 year-old - but wants a church wedding so needs to have his marriage to Angela annulled. Tommy, who introduced his Dad to the woman, is having his own particular problems with the nuptials.