Wait, Murphy's funeral?!? What??? And where has the “first chapter” been released.... you mean for Peace Talks?
There was at least a reading which was transcribed, don;t know if it's been released/released. And when someone a while back asked him what he was writing in peace talks ATM he replied "Murphy's Funeral".
It's possibble he might kill Murphy off but i don't rate it very highly. Changes, Ghost Story, and Cold Days where the big shake up books. Killing Murphy off for good would be a huge sep, she's been the 2nd most important character in the books since day 1. Thomas and late rMolly occupied the next level, and then you've got people like Lara, Michael, Mab, e.t.c. occupying depending on book slots. Though weather Molly will keep her position is a big unknown, personally i doubt it. She's too powerful to be running around near Harry on a routine basis now she's the WL. Drop her into Chichen Itza and she could have killed 99% of the red court present in the first 5 seconds of the fight.
The obvious alternative is she dies, but comes back in some fashion, mabe she takes Odin up in his offer and becomes an einherjar, or maybe next book is Harry trying to find a way to resurrect her and maybe they need a version of her from another reality as a link or somthing.
The other alternative is a faked death, either on a temporary or permanent basis for some reason.
Honestly though it's a big old question mark. And i admit i'm a bit peeved that peace talks isn't here yet, (note that not a criticism, just an expression of frustration), as we got the first chapter reading ages ago.