Is The Killers A Thriller Or A Crime Story? (The Killers)

"The Killers" is a thriller story and not a crime story. The grim atmosphere of the story is steeped in suspense and mystery. The way the two strangers entered the lunch-room and start talking about what they would like to have, their manner of eating with their gloves on, and the deepening darkness outside, almost everything about the visitors creates a sense of mystery. The waiter, and the counter-man Adams, regard them suspiciously. But Al and Max, who are on a wicked and evil mission, behave in a highly nervous manner, and In their own way add to mystery.

They do not like the waiter looking at them, and Max more desperate of the two, behaves and talks in a manner that is calculated to arouse fear in the hearts of the two attendants. They stand near the counter in a peculiar position, is a sure indication of their being upon creating trouble for the management of the restaurant.

Time passes very tediously and after more than an hour they realize the delay in the Swede's coming to the restaurant. The waiter also drops a broad hint that he may not come at all. When Max thinks of leaving the restaurant, they express their intention of killing him just to oblige a friend.

Their casual manner and indifference talk about the murder of the prize-fighter smacks of their callousness and wantonness. They are professional cut-throats and killing people is nothing serious for them. It is this callous attitude towards others that is both shocking and intimidating. Their very presence is a sure sign on an expectation of evil.

The author employs crisp masculine dialogue to add to the fright the reader's experience in their hearts. Finally when the intending killers leave the restaurant, we feel that a looming shadow of death is still there. Even the effort of Nick Adams to inform the Swede about the evil intention of his would be killers evokes no healthy response. He appears to be resigned to his fate and experiences no willingness to ward off the grim end.

Though no murder takes place, yet the effect that is created as a result of the horrifying visitors of the two persons is worse than the act of brutal killing. The author in the story "The Killers" has been remarkably successful in creating an atmosphere of deep suspense and grim horror and artfully simple language and suggestive use of the words commonly employed by the wicked enhances the chances this sense of horror and thrill.