"An Idiot's Guide to Getting By" follows a couple of down on their luck twenty-somethings who are less than content at the cards life has dealt them. After dramatically leaving his job, the main character despairs at his inability to find a replacement job. By chance he overhears a conversation describing a particular mobster's preferred methods of 'interrogation'. Later when a body turns up killed in a similar fashion to what he heard, he convinces his similarly destitute friend to lie to the police in order to get thrown into witness protection in order to get a fresh start.

This causes a couple of problems for the murderer whose plans were thwarted, the mobster who was falsely accused and the investigator who can't help but feel there is more to the story.

The story is set up ironically as guide with useful advice that appeals to the common sense the characters all seem to lack.