The following version of the book was used to create this study guide: Irwin, Sophie. A Lady's Guide to Fortune-Hunting. Penguin Random House, New York, NY, 2022. Kindle AZW file.

Katherine “Kitty” Talbot is the oldest of five girls. As the novel opens, Kitty's parents have both died. To make matters worse, her long-time suitor, Charles Linfield, breaks off their engagement. Kitty's situation is bleak, and she is aware that she has to find another wealthy husband immediately if she expects to keep her family together in their home. There are no other eligible men who are as wealthy as Charles living nearby, meaning Kitty's only option is to go to London for the upcoming social season. She reaches out to a friend of her mother, a woman she calls Aunt Dorothy. Dorothy invites Kitty to visit, urging her to bring her “prettiest sister.” Kitty chooses Cecily, leaving Beatrice to care for the younger two sisters. Though Dorothy is able to introduce Kitty and Beatrice into her social circle, the men there are not wealthy enough to provide security for Kitty and her sisters.

Kitty is adept at turning situations to her favor and quickly gains the attention of a wealthy young man named Archie de Lacy. Archie's brother, Lord James Radcliffe, senses that Kitty is only interested in Archie's money. As James looks for a way to force Kitty out of his brother's life, he discovers that Kitty's parents were involved in a serious social scandal that – if revealed to the elite of London – would force Kitty to return home without a suitor at all. James says he will not spread the story is Kitty leaves town. Kitty counters by threatening to elope with Archie. Though James is annoyed, he is also captivated by this determined woman. James and Kitty come to a compromise with James leaving Kitty free to snare another wealthy fiance to solve her family's money problems. James wrangles an invitation to one of his mother's dinner parties, giving Kitty an opportunity to begin interacting with the appropriate people. On the eve of being introduced into James's social circle, Kitty realizes she does not know the finer points of fitting in. She turns to the only person who knows about her situation – James. Surprised by her visit, he teaches her to curtsey correctly for each titled introduction and gives other advice that helps her fit in. It is still an uphill battle for Kitty who lacks the right connections to be fully invited into this world. James is surprised at Kitty's audacity but more surprised that he continues to help her.

Over the coming weeks, Kitty captures the attention of a wealthy man, ensures his mother's approval, and expects a proposal that will solve her financial worries. The biggest problem is that she is not attracted to Mr. Pemberton and dreads the marriage. Just as he is about to propose, Kitty learns that Archie is in danger of being fleeced for his fortune. She rushes to stop that situation while – unbeknownst to her – James is rushing to retrieve Cecily who has tried to elope.

Kitty and James each realize they have been so engrossed in other things they have allowed family issues to slip by. They also both realize they are in love. At the next social event, James is shocked to discover Kitty is still willing to accept Mr. Pemberton's proposal. She tells him her situation has not changed – her family's survival still depends on her finding a wealthy husband. She says she would choose differently if she had only herself to consider. James proposes, saying Kitty has prompted him to change. He pledges to clear her debts and immediately pays off the mortgage that had been thereatening to leave her sisters homeless. As Kitty takes James to meet her remaining sisters, she thinks about her good fortune, especially that she is marrying the man she loves.