THE LAST CANVAS: A Nurse Sofie Cozy Mystery

by Widdy Thorne

149 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 11, 2026

About the author

Widdy Thorne is a retired nurse turned cozy mystery author. She writes charming small-town mysteries filled with clever clues, loyal dogs, memorable characters, and cozy recipes. She is the author of the Nurse Isabel Cozy Mystery Series and the Delgado Files Mysteries.

Reviews

[J.E. Grace]

The Last Canvas is an exciting, suspenseful read filled with clues, interviews, and a chase to track down a suspect. The mysterious disappearance of an upcoming artist is shared by Nurse Sofia and Rafe. Sofia becomes more involved than she should and is drawn into a web of deception.

The people of Sugarloaf decided the artist disappeared by choice. A groundbreaking for a housing project suggests otherwise.

The story had me at the beginning, and I couldn't wait for the truth to be revealed. I finished it in one sitting, as I hurriedly turned the pages. The ending wrapped up everything nicely.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout and am leaving a review voluntarily.
All opinions are my own.

[Marietta]

This is another excellent written story about Sofie Delgado and her new pets and her friends. While she is getting ready to head home after working, she stops to watch the groundbreaking for a new development going into their town. When the mayor put his shovel into the ground, he hits something that should not be there. It turns out that the body of one of their own who everyone thought had left to go find what she wanted in the big city. While Sofie Delgado and the detective start to investigate it and one of the local had seen enough to know who the remains were and told the police right away. Sofie and Detective Rafe Moreno now have a bit more information about the victim they start doing a lot more investigating and find that the victim was suppose have her own art show the follow week but never showed up. It had been 30 years so it would take a lot more time to find out what happened. There was lots of suspects and twist and turn before this crime could be solved. The author just seems to know what to write to keep everyone interested in the story and keep it believable. I can not waiting for the next book in the series and I will read her new series as well.

[GinaB.]

The Last Canvas is a nice addition to the series. Sofie Delgado is a nurse in Sugarloaf with 2 dogs, Marie & Dawny, and pals, Roni & Lupe, to keep her company. Sofie & Lupe went to the Pinecrest groundbreaking ceremony for new homes when the mayor put his shovel in the ground & dug up bones so a new mystery began. Who was buried there? When & how did she die? Who buried her? Could it really be the local gal who became a famous artist & left town 30 years ago? Detective Rafe Navarro arrives to investigate. She shared a kiss with him & likes the slow burn, but how long will it be until things go to the next step? She works with Rafe to go through the twists & turns to solve the whodunnit & why. It was nice to see her parents, brother & sister in the story again! If you like this book, I recommend getting books in Widdy Thorne’s other cozy mystery series. I’m glad I found this author since I like her writing style. I received this nice cozy mystery as an ARC from Book Sprout & this is my review.

[Anne Newman]

Unputdownable! Sofie didn’t intend to be at the opening of a new building site, Pinecrest Meadows, but she was there when the Mayor’s shovel hit something. The something turned out to a body which had been there for 30 years. The dress is recognised by one older lady, Marion, & Sofie takes over the hunt as to the how & why of her being there. The story was that she’d just left the town, but, Marion knew she would have said goodbye. Rafe has to be involved because her death is deemed a murder. So, as in previous cases, Sofie & Rafe work together to solve the case.

[Rachelle Bachiu]

Fantastic mystery. Kept me engaged from the very beginning. Great characters and story which puts you right in with Sofie and Raffe. Recommend this story to all who enjoy a bit of romance mixed with a whole lot of mystery.

Received an advance copy from the author and this is my honest review.

[Dee]

Another good story from Widdy Thorne that continues Sofie's story and her development.
This has a decades old mystery that almost everyone didn't even think about.
This shows what can happen if you accept what everyone says is correct without proof.

[Brenda]

Remains are found of a woman who has been missing for thirty years. Ii is determined that she was killed. What is the reason? Sophie is determined to find the reason.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.

[Sherry]

Sofie was there when the bones were discovered, now the mystery begins. I enjoy reading about Nurse Sofie because when she has something to find she doesn't give up even when things get dangerous.

[Laura]

A compelling mystery in which justice is sought after many long years of waiting

A very compelling plot that had this reader caring very much about what happened to a woman painter who disappeared from a small mountain community 30 years prior to its telling.

[Barbara Kaake]

This was a excellent story about Sofia and Dolly a artist what happened to her and her paintings and finding out the truth who was responsible and getting him. Thank you for this great story.

[Lee Brothers]

Great storyline! A twisted little story!!