Forensics analyst Dexter Morgan hides his life as a serial killer from his sister, co-workers and girlfriend.
A rival serial killer, dubbed the Ice Truck Killer by the media, privately contacts Dexter and reveals that he knows his grisly secret; meanwhile his sister, Debra, is transferred to the homicide section.
Dexter must deal with a dismembered hooker found in a hockey rink while he stalks a recently released murderer who may kill again.
The Ice Truck Killer begins leaving victims' body parts at sites that relate to Dexter's childhood, forcing the forensics analyst to confront his own dark history.
Rita, Debra and Rudy join Dexter for a weekend away when he learns that his biological father has just passed away.