But that becomes a "roll your eyes" problem, I know that is difficult for her devoted fans, but there it is. It was beginning to become a problem for the story, Murphy, yes, good at hand to hand combat, but as she gets older and injured still takes down just about everyone? Suddenly she all the wisdom of the world? I could go on, but that was the problem, she stopped being realistic, it was more give me a break... That's why Jim had to kill her off, and if she is brought back too soon, what's new there? Other than as one of Odin's fighters she does what she always did? Her fans will love that I know and respect that, but in my opinion it hurts the story.
We knew Murphy was due to retire (or be killed) pretty soon: we are past (
long past!) the point where Harry can take vanilla mortals on his adventures.
Some of the Alpha's died when Harry led the Naagloshi to them; Michael lost much of the use of his leg on Demonreach. Murphy was permanently crippled by Nicodemus, and Molly wasn't all the way sane in when she got hammered with the Ladymantle. Etc etc etc.
Twelve Months looks to be "milder" in many ways, but if so it's likely to be just a calm-before-the-storm mildness.
Thing is -- I was actually liking the direction Murphy was going.
Her big-family experiences were giving her some good perspectives to share with orphaned Harry. As for the "action hero" schtick, remember: she's been watching Harry for years,
he taught her to cheat. Surprise Freydis with a minimal move relying mostly on close-in balance (very aikido); then surprise her with grenades. Murphy could't keep winning indefinitely, against all foes; but she can keep taking advantage of expectations.
Aikido emphasizes a reflective & wisdom-oriented approach; the founder was a very spiritual man, active with Shinto. A senior aikidoka who is facing enforced quiet, long periods alone with their thoughts, is likely to have some pretty deep thinking to share.