No sooner than Myra Whitehawk's cousin and partner in their pottery business dies, a fiery inferno appears on her ranch in the midst of a winter snow blizzard. Later the cops discover a woman has been burned to death inside her own vehicle. Lacking budget to thoroughly investigate, the cops determine it's homicide by a known person, probably a revenge killing. Myra discovers too many clues which indicate the victim did not know her killer, nor did she have any history with this person. Myra's addictive personality and her tendency to be obsessive about projects, become a rope she can't turn loose. Soon she establishes a set of search and discovery rules known only to herself and a handful of ancient Anasazi ghosts. Their quest eventually reveals disturbing haunting information. Once again Woodruff creates mystery, suspense, intrigue, and spices everything up with just enough American Indian psychology to thrill anyone who enjoys a great novel.

Polar Bears in the Kitchen available at

A collection of short stories which were previously published in literary and commercial magazines and anthologies all around the country. The characters are irresistible, and their stories will transform your world for a few hours. Great selection to take on a plane, a train, or anywhere you will not be disturbed for awhile ...

Wishes and Windmills available at

When a young child is brutally murdered by his father, New Mexico journalist, Myra Whitehawk, is drawn into the unfolding drama. Recently divorced and struggling with alcohol dependency, her intuition is flawed just enough to make her the best person to find the killer. She gets into his mind by invading his life. Just when this killer thinks he is the hunter, he finds himself haunted by a Native American psychology he cannot understand and will not escape. Perhaps one of the best crime books you will ever read.

Ghost in the Rainbow available at

Teenage narrator Sandy has been seriously injured in a car crash that
has killed her older sister Penny. As Sandy struggles to regain
language and lucidity, she flashes back in hallucinations to the Battle
of Shiloh. Sandy lives near the Shiloh battlefield park, and in a
crucial scene, she takes the body of her dead cat to Shiloh Church,
reliving the battle all the while. When two rangers befriend her, she
takes a turn for the better in both health and happiness.

Keenly-written Young Adult fiction that conveys the disorienting
affects of neurological trauma, associating them with war and
terrorism.

 The Shiloh Renewal available at

Published: 1993
Third Woman Press, University of California Berkeley
ISBN-10: 0943219086
ISBN-13: 978-0943219080

 "The beauty of Woodruff's novel is in the language. Rich metaphors decorate her descriptions, and conversations between characters twist interestingly with unusual but believable phrases and expressions. The tale is far from a comedy, but Woodruff imbues even ordinary scenes with a delightful wry humor. Woodruff does not neatly tie up all the novel's loose ends, or answer all the reader's possible questions. Her treatment of the magical-real boundary, for example, stems from Native American sensibilities, rather than from conventional rules familiar to Anglo Americans. This is a spiritual saga, palatably told with a light, undogmatic touch. Both comparatively short and generally upbeat, NEIGHBORS is a good read for someone with a tight schedule who is seeking a lift.
 

Neighbors available at

A collection of foods and recipes from many Native cultures. Each recipe is paired with a similar traditional story. Is a great educational item for use in classrooms, or for people who simply want to add new ideas and flavors to their kitchen atmosphere.

Currently out of print

Absolutely electrifying. A teenager is severely injured in an accident. Her sister is killed. The family is poor, and Sandy is sent home to die. There, left alone to ramble about the family farm near Shiloh, Tennessee, Sandy meets soldiers. They are ghosts from the Civil War. She makes friends with them, regardless their uniform color. And together, they all help her fight the greatest battle: brain trauma. Slowly she learns to talk again. She teaches herself how to read, again. And in the end, she takes their advice, she chooses life over death. Powerful and extraordinary. A must read for anyone who has ever wondered if life has meaning.

 The Shiloh Renewal - CD format available at

The Shiloh Renewal - downloadable MP3 format available at